Q&A with Susan Gordon (Ginger)
Susan Gordon
Susan Gordon plays the title role in Ginger. Find out how she became involved with the project, what she did to prepare to play a character dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, and more.
Q. What drew you to the role of Ginger and to this film in general?
A. It’s actually a funny story. I worked at the same Whole Foods where Ginger producer Johnny Woj used to work at. Our mutual friend, Mandy, told me he needed readers for the Ginger auditions. I messaged him on Facebook asking to be a reader, and then he said, “No, we’d love for you to come and audition.” So I quickly prepped at the last minute while I was at work. I popped in, auditioned, and by callbacks I was told I was cast as Ginger.
Q. Ginger goes through an incredibly difficult time during this movie when she receives a breast cancer diagnosis. Did you do any research to prepare for tackling this subject matter on screen? What experiences did you draw from?
A. I did. I spoke with Melissa [Boratyn] and listened to her experience. I watched YouTube videos and films, read blogs, and spoke with my mom, who was also diagnosed with breast cancer years before. I think Ginger’s biggest internal conflict after her diagnosis was her anxiety surrounding death and dying. I knew the seriousness of this fear and reality, and understood I was representing a demographic whose stories needed to be heard and told with respect. So all in all, my biggest preparation was listening, listening, listening.
Q. You shaved your head for this role, and that moment is captured in the film. What was that experience like for you?
A. Extremely difficult. I was so nervous about it. I cried on the Red Line to a stranger because I was afraid I wouldn’t perform the scene correctly. Fortunately, they were nice, took my number, and on the day of the head-shave scene, they sent me a supportive text of encouragement. As for the preparation, I spent the day before in my room alone, touching my hair and becoming deeply connected with it. I knew I needed to make it a part of my identity, because it was for Ginger. I had to make it a friend I didn’t want to lose. I believe that came through in my performance.
Q. Do you have a favorite scene in the film? What is it and why?
A. My favorite scene in the film is the boob-shopping scene. It’s just fun and definitely makes light of something that is very, very scary. Also, best friends are the best and so is my co-star, Meghan Flood! Getting to perform with her is sooo easy and sooo fun! Cast her, people!
Q. What do you think happened to Ginger after the movie?
A. I believe she continued to grow and gain love for herself. I think she continued to empower people with her experience, and that she learned more coping tools to work through the tough and dark parts of cancer. Of course, she made it funny, too!
Q. Tell us about any current or future acting projects you're working on.
A. I just finished shooting an independent feature called Lucky that I produced and starred in. It focuses on substance abuse, mental health, and toxic relationships. Also, I’m currently working on my own independent pilot for a show called Sweet Feenies, a kids show for adults that tackles the growing pains and darker realities of modern life through its strange characters and wacky world. We are currently developing its Kickstarter launch, which will definitely happen after everything with COVID-19 has settled and we've all figured out our new normal!