Kate Hudson: How to Earn Your Stripes in 30 Years

Matthew Rhys has made a career out of disappearing into characters you can’t look away from. From The Americans to A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Cocaine Bear, The Beast in Me and Widow’s Bay, Rhys reflects on the craft, preparation and experiences that have shaped his approach to acting. He opens up about breaking down scripts, using imagination, physicality and body language to build complex characters from the inside out and learning to trust himself once the cameras roll. Rhys also discusses the actors and mentors who have influenced him, the lessons he learned across film, television and theater and how he stays grounded in an unpredictable career.

From a breakout role on Riverdale to acclaimed performances in May December and Beef, Charles Melton has transformed the way audiences see him — and himself as an actor. Charles reflects on the craft, preparation and personal experiences that have shaped his approach to acting, opening up about finding his process, doing the work behind each character and learning to trust himself on set. He dives into the importance of research, physicality and body language, revealing how he builds characters from the inside out and prepares himself to let go once the cameras roll. Charles also shares insights into working with acclaimed actors, adapting from role to role and staying grounded while navigating the highs and pressures of a career in Hollywood.

Building strong comedic characters is no small feat, and Timothy Simons reflects on the craft, curiosity and commitment behind creating some of television’s most memorable performances. From discovering acting after college to becoming a standout performer in Veep and Nobody Wants This, Timothy shares how specificity, collaboration and preparation have shaped his approach to every role. He dives into the process of finding the truth within comedy, building fully realized characters and navigating the unpredictable path of a career in Hollywood. Timothy also offers behind-the-scenes stories, practical audition advice and thoughtful insights into what it takes to create performances that connect with audiences and stand the test of time.

Justin Hartley reflects on a career built through resilience, hard work and a genuine love of storytelling. From an unexpected start in acting after college to starring in more than 500 soap opera episodes before becoming a household name on This Is Us and Tracker, he shares the experiences that shaped his approach to the craft. Justin discusses the importance of preparation, building rich inner lives for his characters and collaborating with directors and fellow actors to create authentic performances. He also looks back on pivotal moments throughout his career, offering behind-the-scenes stories, practical audition advice and thoughtful insights into what it takes to build a lasting career in Hollywood.

Carrie Preston reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, versatility and a deep love of storytelling. From growing up in a small town and building her own theater company to studying at Juilliard and finding success across television, film and theater, she shares the experiences that helped define her approach to acting. Carrie discusses the importance of embracing individuality, finding the humanity in every character and trusting her instincts throughout the creative process. She also looks back on pivotal moments from projects like Elsbeth, The Good Wife and True Blood, offering insight into the preparation, collaboration and sense of play that continue to fuel her work decades into her career.