Ann Dowd

If acting is measured by how thoroughly one can transform one’s true personality into one that is completely its opposite, then Ann Dowd is arguably one of the most talented actors of our time. Known by many as Aunt Lydia on Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Ann’s ultra-strict, severe character could not be less like the woman who danced around her Bare photo shoot in her cherished cowboy boots. Currently filming the fourth season of Tale, we talked to Ann about all things light and happy.

The Bare Magazine: How’s the new season coming? What are you enjoying most about it — and finding most challenging?  

Ann Dowd: It’s always a pleasure to go back to work. This is our fourth year. These are not just my colleagues, but my friends, and we know the story we’re telling. The challenge is always bringing new life to the character, and jumping in with everything you have. 

Bare: Can you share your process of getting into an Aunt Lydia state of mind? And how do you shake her off at the end of the day?

AD: It’s interesting, comparing the fourth season to the first. In the first, I was just coming to know her. You start with the written word, the bible as it were. Then, it becomes about what I’d do if I were this person in this circumstance — and that speaks to one’s imagination and one’s experience in the world. I was educated in the Catholic school system by nuns, and their work ethic was solid and strong — certainly not cruel — but it was very helpful in understanding what Lydia was trying to do with these girls, albeit in a different world. How do I shake her off? It sounds shallow, but I’m too tired to hold onto her. Also, it’s a make-believe story. No matter what’s going on in the world, everyone goes home at the end of the day with limbs intact. 

Bare: What kept you busy while you were on hiatus from the show? Did you enjoy actually being at your home in New York City? 

AD: I love to be in my home. I have three kids. Two are away at school, but my youngest is 15, so being at home is very important. But I also did a few films during the break, which I enjoyed intensely. I filmed Mass in Idaho and Cowboys in Montana, and both were wonderful experiences. I also did Amy Sedaris’ show. She’s extraordinary. I was thrilled to be able to continue to work in very different worlds. 

Bare: You have a great stage background. What do you miss and love about theater the most, and do you foresee getting back to it?

AD: Stage is where I began; one falls in love with acting when you do the high school play. It is an act of courage when you step on the stage. You have to let go of the controls and drop the armor. The theater is a wonderful place to learn about that. There’s a hope that my husband and my daughter [who is studying to be an actress] will do A Doll’s House, Part 2 at a theater we love, the Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, New York. 

Bare: Switching gears slightly, you wore a pair of your vintage cowboy boots during our shoot - can you tell us about your love of vintage, and your immense jewelry collection? 

AD: Thank God my taste is not expensive, or I’d be in trouble. I buy cowboy boots in thrift shops in offbeat places. I think they’re works of art. I wear them, but I also like to open my closet and stare at them. Same with jewelry. I avoid shopping in high-end places, but I like to pick it up when I travel. I don’t wear it all, but I think it’s beautiful to look at. 

Bare: Speaking of looks, you recently lost 40 pounds! How did accomplish that — and how's the maintenance program going?

AD: You know it’s the good old-fashioned ‘go to bed hungry, and cut out all sugar, bread, or starch,’ or anything along those lines. Basically, it’s a protein and vegetable-based diet, and I eat only when hungry. I do want to lose a bit more, so I’m sticking to it. The amounts were measured very strictly in the first eight weeks, and that was challenging. But I find that if you can hang in a week, you’re in pretty good stead after. 

Bare: Please share your skin and hair routine — both are so gorgeous! What are some of your beauty essentials?

AD: You are extraordinarily generous. I was using Dr. Hauschka for a bit because my sister gave it to me for my birthday and I liked it a lot. For my hair, I use whatever’s in the family guest room. Beauty is a bit like computers for me: I’m just a tad behind and quite happy to be there. 

Bare: What brings you the most joy and happiness these days? 

AD: The health and well-being of my husband, children, mother, brothers, sisters and their children. Working on something meaningful I love as an actress. Changing the look of my home. I love to do it. I just had a wall painted orange, and I’m trying to figure out what to do next. My opinion changes rapidly.

makeup and hair by Evy Drew