The Rainmaker’s Karen Bryson On Playing A Grieving Mother & The Art Of Staying Present

The Rainmaker, based on John Grisham’s bestselling novel, is a satisfying David and Goliath legal drama that quickly became one of USA Network’s biggest successes when it launched last year – and now it has finally landed on UK screens. The series follows aspiring lawyer Rudy Baylor (Milo Callaghan) as he takes on his first case – a wrongful death lawsuit brought by grieving mother Dot Black (Karen Bryson) – and discovers that sometimes the underdog wins.

It’s thoroughly American, but MBE-winning actor Bryson, who delivers the emotional spine of the story, is British (and you might just recognise her from Shameless). Ahead of The Rainmaker‘s arrival on ITVX, C&TH sat down with Bryson to discuss inhabiting Dot’s fearless determination, the pure joy of her on-set experience, and why this character has become her favourite project to date.

Q&A: Karen Bryson On The Rainmaker

How’s life going at the moment?

Great! There’s always something in life to be thankful for, even in the low moments.

You can currently be seen in The Rainmaker. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

It’s a satisfying David and Goliath story where the ‘underdog’ wins with unexpected twists and turns along the way that will keep you gripped!

You play Dot Black. How would you describe her?

Dot is a force of nature. She’s fearless, instinctive, determined, caring with a dry sense of humour.

How do you get into character?

Every character is different. Some require specific research, but with Dot my approach was about being emotionally open. As an actor I’m a firm believer in working on your back story and picking up clues from the script about her character, not only what she says but also noting how others speak about her, too. Once I have the background work embedded in my heart and head, Dot has a natural gravitas, a very different vocal and physical demeanor to me. So I stayed locked in and present on set where all the creative magic happens – the spontaneous details that aren’t on the page but exist in the moment with the people I’m working with.

Karen Bryson: ‘I stayed locked in and present on set where all the creative magic happens.’ (© Catherine Falls Photography)

It’s based on John Grisham’s novel of the same name. Have you read it?

I’d read the book in the late nineties on the back of a couple of brilliant legal TV dramas, and loved it. I find that world fascinating. We all love an underdog wins scenario.

Can you remember what you thought when you first read the script?

I was riveted. A real page turner.

What was the dynamic like on set?

That of pure joy. Being creative with a group of people I respected on and off camera made it an unforgettable experience. It felt like we formed a family, home away from home.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

I don’t want to give too much away, but working with a stunt double for a scene… Fun!

What about your favourite filming locations?

Dot Black’s house. The locations department found the most perfect house with a veranda – such a traditional South Carolina feature. These guys always astonish me. Loved it.

What is your favourite line in the series?

One of Dot Black’s lines: ‘Good luck working for Satan.’ It’s a funny line but she wasn’t trying to be funny. She has many lines like that.

Karen Bryson: ‘Being creative with a group of people I respected on and off camera made The Rainmaker an unforgettable experience.’ (© Catherine Falls Photography)

What has been your favourite project to date?

The Rainmaker. I love my character Dot Black.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about?

A couple, but sadly I’m unable to discuss.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

So many… I’ll name a few: Sarah Lancashire, David Threllfall and Pippa Bennett Warner.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Milo Callaghan [who plays Rudy Baylor]. I did most of my scenes with him. He is wonderful.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I would love to get into the fantasy space. Something like Dune or House of the Dragon.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

I’ll break this down. The actor I’d love to work with, as I’m so incredibly inspired by, is Viola Davis. The writer I’d love to work with is Russell T Davis, who has consistently written riveting, thought-provoking, exceptional television. The director I’d love to work with is Ryan Coogler because he is one of the most creative human beings, one of the greatest directors of our generation.

Karen Bryson: ‘I love beautiful London – I was born and bred there.’ (© Catherine Falls Photography)

Do you get to spend much time at home?

My work takes me away often, so when I’m not working, yes.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in London. I love beautiful London – I was born and bred there. However, we like getting to the country or the coast when we can; we love walking. One of my favourite places is Norfolk – it has both and is within easy reach of London.

What’s your interior design style?

Eclectic. Not code for a mess! Well, at least I hope not. We live in a Victorian terrace and we’ve spent time over the years restoring some of that Victorian charm – like dado rails and cornicing.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

No matter where I’m working in the world, it is important for me to do some of the things I do at home. Film and TV sets are really busy places with a lot of people. I can sometimes feel overstimulated at the end of a working day, so alone time doing things my body recognises as relaxing – something that is mine, for me. I work out, I practise yoga and I absolutely love walking. All of which can be done anywhere.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Be kind.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I’m in Kerry for a wedding, followed by a mini road trip along the West Coast. Exciting! I love the sea.

Karen Bryson: ‘I absolutely love walking.’ (© Catherine Falls Photography)

What Karen Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Slow Horses

What I’m reading… A Mind of My Own by Kathy Burke and the Roger Casement Black/White diaries

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Oresteia at The Bridge theatre, directed by Simon Stone

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Odyssey at an IMAX cinema

Favourite film of all time… Sinners (most recently)

Favourite song of all time… ‘Tenderness’ by Otis Redding

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Lianne Lahavas

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Tate Modern

Cultural guilty pleasure… I don’t feel any guilt when it comes to culture.

Karen Bryson stars in The Rainmaker, streaming now on ITVX.