Hanna Stein did a great job in her role as Shira in Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series, Never Have I Ever, and we were lucky enough to get some time with her to talk about her role and her career. She has talent both in front of the camera as well as some very interesting upcoming projects she is working on so read up.
Hanna Stein plays SHIRA in Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series, NEVER HAVE I EVER. Shira is the self-absorbed, social media addicted superficial, ice queen girlfriend of the lead, Ben. Hanna Stein had a supporting role in the Josh Gad feature SHE WANTS ME and a principal role in the Lifetime feature THE CHEERLEADER MURDERS. Hanna co-starred with Cailee Spaeny in the ALL AMERICAN REJECTS: SEND HER TO HEAVEN music video. Hanna’s script, NONE IS TOO MANY, is a quarter-finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship, and now she has her papa’s memoir in development as an anthology series.
BSCKids: Tell us about how you got the role in Never Have I Ever?
Hanna Stein: Shira takes the place of the popular mean in girl in Sherman Oaks High, but she isn’t your typical mean girl. Shira really embodies the social media crazed high schoolers in today’s Instagram fueled society.
How did you get into character for your scenes? Was it difficult playing someone like Shira?
I spent some time really developing who Shira was. Even superficial people have backstories and I developed that for Shira, which helped get me into character for every scene. I wouldn’t say it was difficult, but it was definitely an experience. I was bullied in high school and now playing a popular mean girl was therapeutic for me.
What did you think of the wardrobe for your character?
I loved the wardrobe for Shira! Salvador Perez, our costume designer, is a genius. He had such a clear vision for each of the characters that truly came through on the screen.
Tell us about your writing career? How has it influenced your acting career?
I always knew I wanted to work in entertainment, but I wanted to be smart. Creating your own content is key to finding success in this business. Being an actor-writer, you do view the characters differently because it helps you look at all aspects of this new world you’re jumping into.
What has been the hardest part of your acting career so far and who would you say has taught you the most?
Moving to Los Angeles from Detroit and getting my feet on the ground was the most difficult part. There is no road map. It’s persistence and hard work. You can’t count on luck. I can’t say
there is one individual that has had the most influence on my journey, but really every single person that has been a part of it has inspired me in one way or another.
Shira is super addicted to social media, who do you think she would follow on social media and who do you like to follow on social media?
Shira would be Kylie Jenner’s biggest fan. I took characteristics from Kylie’s persona during the development of Shira. I love fashion and inspiration quote focused pages!
What do you have coming up in the future in writing/acting that you can tell us about?
I can’t say too much, but I have two TV series in development that I’m hoping to get off the ground by the end of 2020. One is inspired by my papa’s holocaust story. My great grandfather fought the Canadian immigration board to get his family into Canada on the eve of World War II. The other I can’t share details, but it will be for a high school audience!
Special thanks to Hanna Stein and make sure to watch her in Never Have I Ever if you haven’t already.
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