Caitlin O’Connor: The Versatility of a Rising Actress, Host, and Producer

Luca Moreira
6 Min Read
Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)
Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)

From standout roles in HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty to successful projects as a host and producer, Caitlin O’Connor is solidifying her position as one of the most versatile figures in entertainment. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Pennsylvania, the actress is also a digital marketing reference, boasting millions of views on platforms like Snapchat TV and collaborations with major brands such as Guess and Sony.

You had the opportunity to play Dyan Cannon in the series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. What was it like diving into such an important role and being part of a project about the history of one of the most famous sports franchises?

Winning Time was an amazing show! From the writers, to the cast, to the producers; it was a “magic” filled time for all of us! Winning Time was a masterpiece in casting and wardrobe as well as camera technique and DP work.  Apart from getting great Emmy recognition, Winning Time was the best it gets (in my opinion) as an actor. Dyan Cannon was a legendary Lakers fan and also a legend in Hollywood. It was an honor to work on this show – surrounded by the industry’s best!

Throughout your career, you’ve had roles in prominent series like Two and a Half Men and Ray Donovan. What is it like working on such different productions, both in tone and style, and which of these projects has had the biggest impact on your career so far?

I have had a long string of one liners, and “ under five “ roles in the industry. And for as hard as it’s been for me to find work, it’s left me with a sense of gratitude. I’m definitely thankful for the roles that I have gotten, and I’m still hungry for more.

Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)
Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)

Besides acting, you have a career as a film producer. Which experiences in front of the camera do you think have most influenced your decisions as a producer, and how do you apply this learning to the productions you’re involved in?

As a producer, I really understand how to problem-solve when it comes to actors on set. From pre-production, to casting, to working on the promotion and release of a film, I understand actors and I focus on their needs. Serving and servicing the talent is a top priority for me. Creating a safe and creative atmosphere is the most important to me as a producer. And, as an actor, I know exactly what a producer is looking for! My work as a producer lends itself greatly to being an actor. And my time as an actor is certainly made easier by all the great producers I’ve worked with….

You’ve also had the chance to appear in music videos and comedy shows. How have these experiences shaped your approach to acting in other formats, like television and film?

It’s all fun for me! I think acting in a music video is easy for me because you only have your eyes and body to emote with and to tell a story! I always found it easier to have no dialogue, just emotion and performance through your face … I love working on amazing music videos and some of the videos I have worked on have been super creative – it’s inspiring. Sketch comedy on the other hand did not come easy for me. I really had to work on it. I love making an audience or other co-stars laugh!

Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)
Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)

In Glass Jaw, Val, and Electric Love, you worked in different genres and types of storytelling. Which of these more challenging productions taught you the most about your own creative process as an actress?

These three projects were my producing endeavors and I am very proud of these films! There were so many amazing actors that were cast – specifically, I loved working with Erik Griffin. he’s a phenomenal comedian and perfect for his roles in Electric Love and Val. As a producer, it’s amazing to work with a talented actor who can be hired for multiple projects! I think for these projects and especially Glassjaw, I returned to the basics of acting. I saw so many talented actors, putting up their scenes, that it inspired me to go back and study Meisner again!

In your work on Rideshare, you took a unique approach to the film. How do you handle the challenges of playing characters in stories with innovative or unconventional themes, and what have you learned from those experiences?

Rideshare was my first foray into producing, and there were a lot of challenges that came along with that film. I loved the premise of the script and the horror genre is something I would still love to tackle again as a producer.

Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)
Caitlin O’Connor (Anastasiya)

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