'Snowfall' actor Angela Lewis confirms season 4, says Aunt Louie taught her 'to go after what I want'
Actor Angela Lewis, who plays the role of Aunt Louie in the FX show 'Snowfall' created by the late John Singleton has an interesting character arc in the show. This is especially clear in the face of the actor's performance in the second and third episode of the show's third season.
Lewis doles out equal parts vulnerability and strength as she fights the system she was brought up in and the system that was expected to safeguard her. In this exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) Lewis spoke about her role, how it has influenced her life and if there will be another season for the show. She exclaimed, "Yes, there will be a season 4! We're all super excited about it!"
In the third season, Aunt Louie begins to actively take part in business unlike before. This is in fact a part of the reason why she decides to meet with Claudia when she thinks her former boss is messing with her nephew.
Speaking about this important place that Louie holds in Franklin's life, actor Lewis said, "I think Louie's stakes are raised. She fought really hard to be in a space of power in seasons 1 and 2. She's not going to let go of that easily. We see Louie more vulnerable this season than ever before, and she doesn't like being vulnerable, so we're also watching her reinforce her armor."
Speaking about the first time Lewis came across Louie, she said that the character was not something she personally connected with. Lewis explained, "When I was first introduced to Louie, I was very scared. I didn't know how I was going to play a character I couldn't relate to at all. I didn't know anything about her world. I began watching YouTube videos on sherm (because that's what she was high on in episode 1). That research gave me insight into her behavior, but it didn't help me understand how I was going to play her. So, I began to explore how she would have gotten to the place she's in."
Lewis further added, "Why does she behave this way? Why is she making these choices? What has she been through in her life to get her here? That's where I discovered tremendous heartbreak, constant rejection and perpetual underestimation. I know about all of those things. Add abuse on top of that and she was starting to make sense. I started to really see her, and I loved her. I loved her so much. I wanted to protect her. I wanted to give her all of the layers that I discovered and allow them to play out on screen. I didn't trust anyone else with her. So, I said yes."
A scene that essentially reflects Louie's character in the show comes about in season 3 episode 2 of the show when she meets her former boss Claudia. There is a vulnerability in her that is unexpected after all the time she has spent in the company of men who love her.
The insecurities resurface, even if it is just for a moment and it is a beautifully orchestrated scene. Speaking about the scripts that she had received for the show, Lewis said, "All I can say is that every time I read a new script I was screaming and hollering and gasping while clutching my pearls. Each episode gets more and more intense. It's a crazy roller coaster ride. If you liked season 2, you’re gonna lose your ish over season 3!! I'm excited for everyone to experience what I experienced."
Lewis also spoke about what her character has taught her in the years since she began playing Louie and said, "Playing Louie has taught...is teaching me to stand in my power. I'm much more laid back. I don't really like conflict. I second guess myself. Louie is teaching me to go after what I want. I think she would remind me to trust my instincts and live my life without apology."
'Snowfall season 3 episode 4 will air Wednesday at 10 p.m., ET on FX.
