The Cut: Kelsey Asbille on the importance of empathy and the future of cinema

This week, we get to know Kelsey Asbille: a theatre-raised actress who turned to both the small and silver screen, picking up sharp and well-chosen roles. Now, she’s as well rounded as they come; going back to university – and New York’s Columbia nonetheless – to study Human Rights, Asbille sought to enhance her understanding of the real world and the characters she plays. Breaking out as Gigi Silveri in the hit noughties show, One Tree Hill, Kelsey Asbille has since worked with the likes of Emily Kapnek and John Linson. Collaborating on two projects with writer-director Taylor Sheridan Asbille has used her personal and learnt knowledge of the Native American community to explore the cultural difficulties and bring a voice to the underrepresented. For The Cut this week, photographer Max Montgomery shoots the star and we get to know how Kelsey Asbille became the woman she is today, as she steps into the shoes of many different humans in life and in her studies…

How has it been going back to university to study something different to acting? 

Columbia kicked my ass but it was well worth it. I’m a nerd in that way I like going to school. But yeah, it really informs my work and it informs my life: it’s been wonderful. It’s weird being 26 because me and my younger sister happen to be doing our finals at the same time – it’s really connected us.

What spurred you to go back to study Human Rights?

It’s been a constant back and forth for me between work and school. It seemed like a good idea to go to New York and be in a school setting and challenge my own way of thinking. I see it as a strange vacation!

Where do you think it’s leading you?

I was interested in global health and that’s taken me to human rights and indigenous rights. With that I got to go to the UN this year which was an incredible experience. For me school is this constant reinvention so I’ll have to see where it takes me!

Has it influenced your acting career and what roles you take on?

Definitely. My character in Yellowstone is a middle-school teacher on a Indian reservation. I took this really interesting class this year about the approach to contemporary Native American education. It’s really going hand-in-hand: it’s kind of bizarre.

In Wind River as well, you play someone who has been minoritized as an individual and as a community – did that cross your mind when you were studying?

Absolutely. I was deciding my major before I booked Wind River. Then once I’d joined that film it was one of those strange life moments where it all comes together. When I realised this is definitely what I want to do, this is definitely what I want to study. It’s taught me so much about my career and my life, about empathy.

What was it like to play that role and learn about the culture?

I think the experience was transformative in both my life and my work. I got to bring Wind River home to the Native American film festival in my home town. At the same time to be on a set with that crew and cast as an actress was a really unique experience.

Do you think actors and directors have a responsibility to make socially conscious films?

I think with Taylor [director of Wind River] it’s really important that social messages come though with his art. I think that is a very important cause. All in all, film should be about a story that makes you feel something.

How do you feel as a woman in the post-Weinstein Hollywood era?

I’m excited for the future is the most positive thing I can say about it. I think in life it’s about making life better for future generations, especially in this workforce. To make sure I’m doing my part when protecting and promoting women.

What are your earliest memories of falling in love with acting?

As a kid I used to be around loads of people who just loved theatre – that really made a lasting impression on me. So I think I really fell for dramatic acting first,  and film sort of stemmed from that.

Who or what has inspired you the most over your career? 

My mum is a constant inspiration in that way because she’s a yes woman! She’s always like yeah let’s do it! No matter what. that’s something I’ve really carried forward in my career: I’ll do it all why not!

If you had to take some films to a desert island what would you take with you?

That’s a tough one, there’s too many! I really like The Grifters and Cinema Paradiso. Then something to cheer me up, something with Will Ferrell in it! Talladega Nights!

If you could pick a character in a film to play who would you choose?

It’s already been made into a film but my friend just gave me The Unbearable Likeness of Being. If it was never made then anyone from that!

Who is your cinematic icon? Your ultimate film muse?

Gena Rowlands. I’d really love to meet her that would be the ultimate goal.

Have you had actors you’ve worked with give really great advice?

Yeah everyone you work with always makes an impression for better or for worse! (Laughs) I’ve been really lucky to be able to work with Kevin Costner on Yellowstone. He’s a team leader and really pushes you to do your best work. I got to read with PTA once which was a highlight of my career. Jeremy Renner, Jon Bernthal, both really incredible actors I was lucky to have as scene partners.

Who would you really love to work with in the future?

I’d really love to work with the director Pedro Almodovar! But I’d have to work on my Spanish…

What’s next for you?

Yellowstone is airing now and we’ll probably hear about a season 2 soon! And if not I’ll have to find a job!

Follow Kelsey Asbille on Instagram here.