Katy O’Brian

Her journey to Hollywood wasn't without challenges, and she initially navigated the industry's stereotypes. "I knew that my way into the industry was going to be through some kind of physical role," she explained. Her background in martial arts and law enforcement often led to her being typecast. "People would think, 'Katy would be a great person for this tough, military-esque character.' But there are a lot of other sides to me."

Despite these challenges, O'Brian has carved out a unique space for herself in the entertainment industry. She's known for standout performances in shows like The Walking Dead, Black Lightning, Und The Mandalorian. In her recent role as Jackie, an '80s-era bodybuilder in Love Lies Bleeding, she found the perfect opportunity to showcase her range. "Love Lies Bleeding felt so right," she said. "It was freeing because no one really was like, 'You have to do it this way.' There was a lot of trust in the process."

Reflecting on the role, she added, "The character was just so well written, and the story was so interesting and unique. I felt very bonded to that character. It kind of was easy in that way. The only challenging thing was I had to do cardio—and that was annoying!"

Beyond her professional accomplishments, O'Brian's personal journey has been one of self-discovery and empowerment. When asked about advice for her younger self, she emphasized the importance of self-advocacy. "Don't be afraid to say no and stand up for yourself," she said. One vivid memory stands out for her—a painful lesson from early in her career when she felt pressured into a dangerous situation on set. "I pushed back on this one thing, but I agreed to wear these shoes I knew were unsafe. First take, I cracked my ankle. Seven years later, it still hurts. It's a constant reminder to think safety first and to stand up for myself."

Jetzt, as she takes on increasingly diverse and challenging roles, O'Brian's career is a testament to the power of perseverance and authenticity. Her ability to balance physicality and vulnerability has set her apart in an industry that often seeks to box performers into narrow categories. "There's the art side to acting, and then there's the business side. You have to play the game a little bit, but you also have to stay true to yourself."

Through her roles and her voice, Katy O'Brian continues to inspire others to embrace their multifaceted identities and pursue their passions unapologetically. "It's not about fitting into someone else's idea of who you should be," she said. "It's about becoming the truest version of yourself."