At just 26 years old, Katherine Langford could safely be marked down as a “likeable overachiever”.
Born in Perth, Langford was only 21 when she booked her first major acting gig, playing Hannah Baker on Netflix’s critically acclaimed but highly controversial series, 13 Reasons Why. The series launched Langford to global superstardom while netting her a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a television drama series.
More success followed, with Langford seeming to have the Midas touch when it came to picking projects. She starred in the much-loved coming-of-age film Love, Simon while also appearing in Rian Johnson’s star-studded whodunit, Knives Out.
Katherine plays Miki Anderson in the ABC series Savage River.Credit:ABC
Having achieved international recognition, Langford has Hollywood at her fingertips, which makes it all the more impressive that she has returned to Australia to star in Savage River (airing now on ABC).
The six-part series sees Langford in her grittiest role yet, playing Miki Anderson who returns to her hometown of Savage River after 10 years in prison. Just as Miki settles into her new life, a murder occurs, and the close-knit community is quick to point the finger at her.
While Savage River boasts a solid cast, including Jacqueline McKenzie and Daniel Henshall, all eyes will be on Langford, given her profile. As such, she has a strict limit on her press commitments – so here’s what I learnt from our 15-minute conversation.
She was desperate to come home and work.
Savage River was filmed throughout regional Victoria, and after so long in Los Angeles, Langford couldn’t wait to shoot somewhere familiar.
“I wanted to tell stories at home for such a long time. I love being back, but also, we have such a talented pool of creative people.”
Miki is different to Katherine’s other characters.
After her tender portrayal of Hannah Baker on 13 Reasons Why, Langford warns fans not to expect the same from Savage River’s Miki. “She’s very different from famous characters I played before,” says Langford.
Katherine Langford on the set of Savage River with director, Jocelyn Moorhouse.Credit:ABC
“When we first meet her, she has this spiky exterior, but throughout the series, we learn that Miki is very fragile and child-like at her centre.”
Preparation involved a lot of prison documentaries.
“Miki went to prison when she was 16 years old, she hasn’t experienced many things that other people have, and that’s a hard headspace to access,” admits Langford.
“I watched so many prison documentaries on people who’ve had similar experiences to Miki and been incarcerated at a young age.”
Climate change keeps her up at night.
The climate crisis is a cause close to Langford’s heart, and she regularly posts about it on Instagram to her 29.6 million followers.
“The climate crisis is very close to home, not just for me, but for everyone right now; it’s such a worry,” she says. “And Savage River touches on that; it’s a community that relies on its natural resources, so hopefully, this show can help spark a conversation about how we can do more.”
It’s odd being nominated for a Golden Globe in your rookie role.
Having knocked back the chance to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Langford rolled the dice and started auditioning for pilots in America.
Her gamble paid off when she was cast in 13 Reasons Why; the Netflix show was a mega-hit and earned Langford a Golden Globe nomination in 2018.
“I’m very grateful for that project; you never expect so much early success. It’s odd, but at the end of the day, I love doing this, and I love working with great people.”
Katherine Langford in her breakout role as Hannah Baker in 13 Reasons Why.Credit:Netflix
Working with Rian Johnson was a dream come true.
Langford teamed up with the director for Knives Out, the hugely successful 2019 murder mystery film that also starred Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig and Chris Evans. “He was just such a phenomenal director, a real hero of mine,” Langford says.
The ensemble cast of Knives Out includes Katherine Langford, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Riki Lindhome and Jaeden Martell.Credit:Claire Folger/Lionsgate via AP
But landing the role was no small task.
“There were so many people in contention for that role,” reveals Langford. “I threw my hat in the ring and was lucky enough to win that part, but it took a lot of hard work and several auditions.”
Next on her directorial dream list: Darren Aronofsky.
Fresh off an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival for his new movie The Whale, Aronofsky is a director in demand, including with Langford. “I would love to make a movie with Darren Aronofsky. I think his work is incredible.
But she’s happy to bounce between TV and film.
Her IMDB profile may list a mix of film and TV projects, but Langford isn’t focusing on either medium, instead letting the work choose her. “Right now, I think it comes down to, what’s the story like? Is the character interesting?” she says.
Provided she doesn’t get lumped with traditional roles.
“Sometimes it can seem like there are predictable characters you play at different stages of your life, especially as a woman,” says Langford.
“You go from the girl next door to the girlfriend, then the wife, and I want more for myself than that. I think truthful stories are waiting to be told and working with people like Jocelyn Moorhouse on Savage River fills me with confidence.”
Savage River is available on ABC iview now.
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