Words by Carol Wright | Photos by Benjo Arwas
We got to chat with Britt Rentschler about her character Linda in Instant Family.
What initially got you interested in acting?
I got the bug at a very early age. I always loved doing school performances and reading out loud. And then in 4th grade, I saw Cats on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater and in the prologue, one of the actors (in costume) walked right up to me an looked me in the eye with her glowing cat eyes and then pranced off into some choreography and I was like… oh, WOW. I gotta do that!
Your first acting roles were all on TV, what got you interested in making the switch to movies?
Film and TV are more entertaining now than ever. It used to be that actors made a conscious choice to do one or the other, but for me, I have been fortunate enough to do both. Instant Family is my first box office movie, but I have been doing Indie film alongside my TV roles since the start. Any time I get to be a storyteller, in any medium, it’s a very good day!
How did the opportunity to work on Instant Family come about?
Instant Family came through as an audition, and then it took about 3 more callbacks before I found out I had the role. It’s so hard to keep showing up, and then waiting, but getting that phone call that lets you know you got it –the pay off is a dream!
What drew you to the movie and your character Linda?
I love that this movie is based on our director’s (Sean Anders) real-life story about his family’s experience with the foster care and adoption process. And I jumped at the chance to get to play Rose Byrne’s sister – she has been one of my favorite actresses since I saw her in Damages. I loved that Linda was really down to earth, and doesn’t suffer fools.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
That really wonderful catharsis of finding laughter through tears. This movie is a wild ride of fun but paired with an emotional peek into the very big feelings that go along with foster care, adoption, and family dynamics.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects?
I’m in the auditioning process for something I have to keep quiet, but you might see my character Beth in Season Two of Lodge 49, and Dr. Sarah Cooper on FOX’s The Resident could pop up at any time!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
I will give you the advice that Jenna Fischer gave me, that she said Molly Shannon gave her – Never, never, never give up.