Barbie Ferreira On ‘Euphoria’ And Kat’s Potential Path Today

Kat was a daring and relatable character who advanced considerably all through the present’s storyline. She began as a shy, self-conscious highschool pupil and blossomed right into a assured, body-positive younger girl who explored her identification, sexuality, and private empowerment.

Barbie Ferreira has been vocal about how significant the function was for her and the significance of portraying a personality that challenges conventional magnificence requirements.

The 27-year-old actress spoke to PEOPLE Magazine about her earlier performing roles whereas sharing insights into her upcoming Broadway debut in “Cult of Love,” set to open on December 12. The actress shared that she drew inspiration from a deeply private side of herself to liven up her “Euphoria” character, Kat — a bookish but boldly sexually empowered teen.

“I used to be very younger. I used to be 21. I introduced quite a lot of my vulnerability and my very own exploration of my very own sexuality,” she stated. “And it wasn’t too lengthy earlier than that I used to be in highschool, so … it was very uncooked and actual. I received to deliver quite a lot of my very own experiences to it. I am actually completely happy that it learn.”

Reviews surfaced of artistic variations between her and the present’s creator, Sam Levinson, throughout Season 2. These reportedly led to a discount in her display screen time, leaving followers upset by the dearth of give attention to Kat’s story.

Ferreira finally announced her departure from the show after the second season, telling followers, “After 4 years of attending to embody probably the most particular and enigmatic character, Kat, I am having to say a really teary-eyed goodbye.”

She continued, “I hope a lot of you may see your self in her like I did and that she introduced you pleasure to see her journey into the character she is at present. I put all my care and love into her, and I hope you guys may really feel it. Love you, Katherine Hernandez.”

Whereas she may not be reprising her role, she continues to replicate on her character’s journey. “Effectively, I am 27, so meaning she could be 22,” the actress advised PEOPLE. “So in all probability in school. Yeah, in school, residing it up. Most likely much less, I’d hope, much less stressed.”

“Kat means lots to me too,” she added. “It was such an exquisite expertise. It was my first performing job, actually, a considerable performing function. I had little visitor spots earlier than. And it was actually the place I realized find out how to be the actor that I’m, and it is the beginning of this entire factor. It simply was so great to have a personality that’s so dynamic and meant a lot to so many individuals. And I actually maintain that pricey to my coronary heart. And I hope I did it justice.”

Kat’s journey resonated with many viewers as a result of she tackled real-life struggles with self-image and societal pressures in a deeply relatable method.

Initially grappling with insecurity about her weight, she discovered empowerment via writing on-line fan fiction and finally embraced her physique unapologetically, embodying themes of physique positivity and self-discovery. Her transformation additionally concerned sexual exploration, as she navigated totally different relationships and challenged societal norms about plus-size girls and sexuality.

Nevertheless, beneath her outward confidence, Kat confronted inside conflicts and interpersonal struggles, notably in her difficult relationship with Ethan, her love curiosity, which highlighted her problem balancing newfound confidence with vulnerability.

Ferreira additionally shared insights into her present stage function in “Cult of Love,” a play written by Leslye Headland. Starring alongside Shailene Woodley and Zachary Quinto, the manufacturing follows the 4 grownup Dahl siblings and their companions as they navigate a chaotic and emotionally charged Christmas at dwelling.

“I am really not a part of the Dahl household,” she advised PEOPLE. “However I observe the dynamics and I interject. And one would say I am sort of just like the viewers a bit bit.”

“So it is a actually, actually enjoyable function. I get to be the one that is goal to it in a method and is in real-time unraveling the story of the household with my very own eyes,” she continued. “So it is actually a enjoyable, enjoyable character. There will be quite a lot of jokes, quite a lot of moments of heartbreak, moments of pleasure, moments of simply silliness. I imply, it has all of it, actually.”