Sub for the Netflix Original series: Stranger Things. The disappearance of a young boy sparks a chain of events leading the residents of the small town of Hawkins to uncover a government conspiracy and a supernatural mystery which will not only shatter all semblance of normality, but also threaten their very existence.
I am Catherine Dyer, I play Agent Connie Frazier on Stranger Things AMA
AMA
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How's the upside down?
Gooey.
ಠ_ಠ
Fixed that for you!
Moist.
Every time you were on screen, the audience feared the death of another character. Did you enjoy playing such a scary/dangerous character?
YESSSSSSSSSSS! It's not often that a casting director/director will put a gun in my hand considering my "look". As you can see by previous roles (Blind Side, Dirty Grandpa, etc.) I play very straight or upscale types.
This is great! I loved seeing you in such a badass role.
Thanks for doing this AMA :)
Thank you - I loved PLAYING such a badass role!
How could you do that to Benny?!
I know, right?! But...Connie was just doing her job, had to get him out of the way.
Thank you for not going the same way when you visited mr clarke , i don't think i could have forgiven you that one.
LOL! But...if I wanted him out of the way...he'd be out of the way! :)
THUG LIFE
I dig her sense of humor.
I was SO TENSE during that scene. "Please don't kill him. Please no please no please no."
I don't get why Benny had to die but when Hopper broke into the DoE facility and saw everything he was placed nicely on his couch relatively unharmed. Plot armor I suppose.
Because the death of the Sheriff is much more public than the death of a diner owner.
They could have easily made sure he died and appeared as an overdose.
Not to mention, Ben spent time with Eleven, Sheriff didn't. And two suicides in that amount of time starts looking suspicious.
My assumption there was that they drugged him up and let him sleep it off with a whole lot of pharma on the living room table. If he OD'd, no issue. If he didn't, he has a history of substance abuse and a one man party on his coffee table. It's a ticket to rehab, not a threat.
Plus the bug lets them see how much he knows and maybe he'll help lead them to Eleven.
This. They drugged him up assuming he would overdose but he was already pretty tolerant due to his pill popping habit.
I might be wrong, but weren't there hints of Hopper being/used to being an FBI agent? I thought taking him out was too much of a risk.
He was a detective in a bigger city before his daughter's death sent him into a booze-and-pills induced stupor.
Yeah, the end when he got in the car. I still don't understand what that was about.
Benny died because he was protecting 11. Hopper saw a bunch of stuff no one would believe.
100% different situations with appropriately different outcomes
He wasn't protecting her. He was waiting for CPS to show up and take her.
Because there is more to hopper than they have shown in season 1. I imagine him being a "big town cop" is bending the truth a little, since he jumps into the car with the agents at the end. His death would probably bring a lot more attention to the city than the suicide of some restaurant-owner.
Completely different situation. With Benny, they were trying to get the jump on a psychic girl, they didn't have time to drug him. With the Chief, time wasn't an issue.
Dead men tell tales, especially when they are investigating a dangerous conspiracy.
Sure but at this point no one really knew he was investigating anything other than Will's mom, who everyone assumed was batshit insane.
At that point in the story Hopper knew more about Eleven, the Upside Down, and the whereabouts of the children and the mother of the boy whose death they faked more than anyone else in the story, and they all trusted Hopper and do what he asked of them. Why would they kill him?
Also one diner cook death doesn't raise as many questions as a bullet in the head of the chief of police.
Could have easily killed him and made it look like an OD
You scared the hell out of me more than the monster did.
Thanks for the killer performance.
Music to my ears. Thank you!!
That's it for me, everyone! You have all been amazing & made my very first AMA a blast!!! Let's hope Connie Frazier doesn't come to YOUR door!
Connie is the one who knocks!
Hi Catherine, thanks for stopping in for this AMA! Your performance in Stranger Things was chillingly good. I was floored when you 'showed up' at Benny's. Love the photo above.
Have you had time to watch the series as a finished product? Do you have a favourite episode or moment?
Thanks again!
THANK YOU!! Yes, I've seen the whole series & loved every minute of it...even if I hadn't been in it! I loved the shock of Connie shooting Benny - I feel that scene really set the tone for the show. No one knew what to expect. And yes, every time Connie came to the door you didn't know what to expect!
Hello! What was it like to work on set with the children of the series (especially Millie) and what was your favorite part of playing Connie?
I saw Millie mostly on set & she was a little powerhouse! Very sweet, professional, fun & full of positive energy. She's the first person who told me that I was a "bad ass"! I loved that Connie was an unassuming looking woman who was vicious.
How did they film your death scene? That looked uncomfortable. You were great btw, thanks for stopping by!
THANK YOU!!! It was uncomfortable! I had to rehearse falling on mats with the stunt coordinators then had to lie in loads of goopy, sticky fake blood. But it was fun.
Catherine, from what I've read, the cast of a show usually watches the episode together at a predetermined location each week when it debuts to the public. Since ST was released online and all at once, did the cast do anything to try and keep that tradition going?
There were a few screenings in Atlanta that I was unable to attend.
Thanks for doing this AMA!
My question: Were a lot of eggos consumed on/off set during the season 1 shooting? And if so are you all now sick of them? Haha
Thanks!
hahahaha!!! Actually, I didn't see one Eggo!!
I bet Millie ate them all :)
LOL. She was amazing even though she made me bleed from my eyeballs!
damn kids these days
:)
You are such a nice person ... Was it hard for you to act like a bad guy ..?
WILLIAM!!! It was an absolute blast. xo
Dude why are you such a limited talent hack who only gets booked on your looks?
Holy downvotes, that's exactly what it says on his IMDB
Say hi to Elle in the upsidedown for me!
Probably pretty late for this considering the AMA is over, but proof.
Edit: and here's the proof of the proof.
The people downvoting me know full well but they don't care because they are enraged after getting stuck watching the entirety of Too Many Cooks.
When you were told the character you were playing and read that you killed the nicest character in the show, what was your reaction? I know I'd be pretty bummed.
When I booked it I didn't know that Benny was the nicest guy in the show. The story that the Duffer brothers were trying to tell was crystal clear to me & I was glad to honor that.
How would you summarize the story they were trying to tell?
The story in regards to my character was crystal clear to me: this was a woman who would do anything to further the mission.
you should play Hillary in her biopic
Thanks. I thought you were referring to the overall story.
Thanks again for answering my questions.
Thanks for doing this AMA it's awesome to see the cast of the show interacting with those who love it. When David harbour came on he said this show was his proudest achievement, would you say the same?
Yes. And he was fantastic in it - the torture scene was intense even though I never touched him.
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Thank you!! Connie would've handled it better than anyone!
Thanks for doing this AMA! If there was one thing you could change about your character, what would it be?
Is there anyone in particular who you enjoyed working with?
I loved playing Connie, don't know that I'd change anything other than the possibility of being dead. Matthew Modine was fantastic to work with -- I mostly worked just with him, but the whole set was terrific.
Connie could be just one hitman among many clones. That would be a pretty awesome surprise for season 2.
Love that idea!
I've seen stranger things..
what's your favourite movie? Who would you like working with?
So difficult to choose just 1 movie. How about top 3? Goodfellas, Rear Window, Airplane. Yes, I just wrote Airplane. It would be fantastic to work with Kevin Spacey & Robin Wright on House of Cards! Can't you see me as a senator? Gun toting senator? :)
i didn't know i wanted this so bad until now, that'd be awesome However you better be carefull around Frank underwood.
Avoid the DC Metro in his presence at all costs.
Whatever you do, don't pass out in your car around Frank Underwood either.
Omg that would be too good! You have the perfect look for a senator on HoC!
When you first read the script, could you tell it was gonna be an instant hit, or were you not completely certain? Also, which co-workers (actors, directors, etc.) did you enjoy working with the most?
I knew the script was fantastic & a blast to read, but it wasn't until Stephen King tweeted about it before it aired that we were onto something big. I worked mostly with Matthew Modine (who was wonderful) & Tobias Jelenick (Lead Agent) with whom I've become friends. Chris, Millie & David were wonderful to work with as well.
Welp, I missed out on this, but I would just like to say Bravo on a job well done. Your death had me at the edge of my seat, yelling and cheering at the screen.
The complete dispassion you displayed when you shot Benny in the head was perfect. I don't think I've hated very many people as much as I hated your character.
I can't wait to see what you do next!
Thank you!!! The Duffer brothers told me at the end of the shoot: "people are going to love to hate you". That made me smile.
you did a fantastic job. i was seriously frightened of your character. your acting was quite impressive. in fact everyone's was but your role stood out it was great. In many ways it was much more menacing than Dr. Brenner
Hey Catherine! Thanks for doing this. You were great! What are some of the differences between acting in a TV show and acting in a movie?
Another great question. You guys are awesome! Shooting a TV show is much faster & unless you get permission from the director(s) you have to stick to the script exactly. With film you can be a tad looser with the lines...again, with director/writer approval. In Dirty Grandpa there was loads of ad-libbing & improv.
That is very interesting. Thanks so much!
Thanks for being here! MY question: in the scene where your character, Brenner, and the MPs are leaving HNL to retrieve Elle at the school, Brenner says to your character "It's gone" (according to closed caption -- I thought I heard "He's gone.") What is your understanding of that scene? I took it to mean that Brenner figured that Hop and Joyce would never make it out of the upside down.
It was scripted: BRENNER: you wanted them gone, didn't you? CONNIE: and if they find the boy? BRENNER: they won't My understanding when we shot the scene was that Will was out of the picture for good & that Hop & Joyce would be, too.
Thanks very much!
God damn it, I never get to these on time.
I've popped back on & will check in from time to time.
What's the strangerest thing that has happened in your life?
Oh my. Walking into a bank robbery in LA. Being a witness for the prosecution in a murder trial...for starters.
x.x wow
Thank you for being here. You play the part perfectly.
Have you ever been involved in a project that went viral and been so well received so fast?
Thank you, so much!!! The reaction to ST has been overwhelming! Well...The Blind Side blindsided us all -- we had no clue it'd be SO huge, but I knew it was going to be popular.
Shhhhhh! I'm only on episode 2
Have fun!
Hi Catherine, thank you for taking time to answer these questions. How would you describe working with the Duffer Brothers? What was their directing style like compared with others you have worked with?
Thanks!
Good question! They were quiet & I wasn't sure what they were thinking, but they always answered any questions I had. When I wrapped they were SO complimentary of my work, it was immensely rewarding.
Follow me: Twitter - @TheRealCatDyer FB - Catherine Dyer fan page
I see that you have written a cook book. What's your favorite dish to make?
LOL - my 4 sisters & I wrote a cookbook for people who can't/don't cook. I never knew what to bring to a gathering when I was told: "bring a dish"...I always brought ice. :) I am good at making Eggos.
Did Millie gravitate towards you?
Yeah but in doing so melted Connie's eyes.
Hi, I love the show! How much of the monster was computer animated? Was there someone in a suit during filming for the actors to react to? Thanks!
There was an actor in costume, but I never dealt with the monster directly (just had lunch with him). I can't speak to the computer animation aspect of the project. Glad you loved the show!!!
Hey thanks for doing the AMA! My question is: what was your favourite scene to film and why?
My pleasure! I loved the first scene where Connie shoots Benny. As an actor it was a tad unsettling aiming a gun at a person especially someone as nice as Chris Sullivan (Benny). But I really liked the scene with the science teacher as well!
The AMA is now over. I would like to thank Catherine for taking the time to answer all our questions.
edit. Catherine had such a great time she has come back and will check in from time to time to answer a few more.
Dang I just sat down!!!
Shit, I missed it
Thanks for this AMA, I was shocked to see your first scene, but soon found you fit your roll incredibly well! Do you find that shows like Stranger Things being on Netflix could possibly kick-start a whole new era of incredible actresses/ors?
Thank you. Netflix has been bold with their casting choices as well as giving viewers control as to when THEY want to watch a show. We will continue to see great, new talent on Netflix! Have you seen Bloodline? Owen Teague (who I worked with in Cell) is a great example.
What kind of guidance did the director give you when it was time for your head to explode?
My head didn't actually explode...I think the inside started sort of melting. The direction was to keep it simple & not go over the top with my reactions.
You did an awesome job!
Since questions are over I'll just say, Oh lordy. You were the scariest character in the series, save one (the monsty.) Just brilliant in your role.
THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Hi! Thanks for doing this ama, just have a quick question: Who do you think was the most evil or malicious character in the show? A lot of people have pondered on whether ot not the research done at hawkins was actually justified due to it possibly being for a 'decent' cause, and thus those involved are not as bad as they may seem... any thoughts?
I think Brenner was the most malicious character, I was just his right hand doing his dirty work...that doesn't make me very nice, either. There may be more revealed about Hawkins in the future!
You were phenomenal! I loved how you puked seem so innocent and harmless but turn around and be a total scary ass mofo. How did you switch your personality so quick like that? That was so cool!!
"scary ass mofo", I love that!!! It's an actor's dream to play a character with a dual personality. I loved playing someone so dark.
Have you personally watched the series(Stranger Things) yourself? And if so, what do you think of it?
Yes, I've seen the whole season & I am so impressed with the Duffer brothers & everyone involved!!!
Are you related to Natalia Dyer?
No.
Have people told you that you look a lot like Jane Lynch? I was honestly wondering if it was her for a while, haha.
Actually, they have. I totally don't see it except that we're both blonde, but that's a compliment!!
Oh, it totally is a compliment and I'm looking forward to more projects from you! :) Thanks for doing the AMA and have a nice day.
You, too -- thank you!! This is fun!
just watched all yesterday...and that was our thought....:)
Hi! how's your life different after being part of such an awesome hit? What's something we probably don't know about you? Finally, how are your eyes doing? Thanks so much for this AMA
Well...I've had a lot of people wanting to take selfies with me & I've received loads of FB friend requests from people I don't know! I studied classical guitar & do calligraphy. Don't ask me to play though! My eyes are fine -- it was getting that goop out of my hair that was tricky!!!
You just got 100x more cool points from me. I hope you share your playing at some point!
Ha! I will not be playing in public. Ever.
I'm sure you're way better than you give yourself credit for.
Hi thanks for doing this ama When did you realize that stranger things going to be so popular? And what did you feel about your character after watching the show?
I knew by reading the scripts that this was something special, but when Stephen King tweeted about ST? Wow! That was awesome & I knew we were onto something huge.
So do we just ask the questions now? I've never done an AMA before.
I've been obsessing with this.
So, I noticed in 11's room that she drew herself normal and the doctor with a tail or some third leg. Do you think the doctors story will be a more prominent part of the story in the second season? Your character is close to the doctor or one of the co architects it seems like. So I imagine there's something to her as well. They both seem to have a master plan together.
Btw, I loved your character. Cold, calculated, scary.
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Awe, she stopped half an hour before you replied. Feels bad man :(
I sincerely hope for you that u/CatherineDryerAMA checks back and answers your question.
Matt Modine sort of hinted on Twitter at one point that the doctors story might not be quite over yet. :)
Yo! I got your question answered by reposting it (just in case she missed it the first time around). Hopefully you don't mind.
http://www.reddit.com/r/StrangerThings/comments/4ypdwt/i_am_catherine_dyer_i_play_agent_connie_frazier/d6rxawz
You did an awesome job playing Connie Frazier! So my friends and I have a bet...that we will see you again in the Upside Down. Any inside info you can share?
Sadly, Kandle116, I don't have any info to share! All the best to you & your friends!
I fkn hate your character
Another compliment!
Haha it was actually meant to be a compliment! Great job on the show!
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I have a small role in The Founder, so I only worked with him just a bit, but he was very professional & friendly. Laura Dern was a doll!!
You where known that night my family watch it as "That Bitch", I hope that wasn't an insult.
THAT is a compliment -- thank your family.
You were awesome, well done. Hope you get more leading parts.
Thanks for doing this AMA! My question is this - if you could go back in time and star in one of the 60s-80s sci fi films that the show is based around, which film would you star in and why?
It's not a film, but X-Files would've been great to work on!
The truth is out there, and Agent Connie Frazier is protecting America from it, one bullet at a time. :)
How is working on a Netflix show different from traditional television or film production? Was there anything Netflix wouldn't allow ST to do that you could get away with otherwise? Alternatively, was there anything you guys did on Netflix that you found impossible in other productions?
It was great -- but the brothers would probably better be able to answer this for you.
What will happen to Benny's burgers? I NEED TO KNOW. HAWKINS NEED THEIR BURGERS!
What's it like being in a show that has gotten such great reviews?
It's been very rewarding!
You did absolutely AMAZING in Stranger Things! I've been recently medicated for anxiety and depression and this show definitely helped me forget about all of those problems for a little while. I was wondering if you ever got to speak to Winona Ryder, and if so how her personality is? Also, I want to know what kind of guitar you have!
Hi & thank you!!! So glad ST was a brief reprieve from your struggles. I never met Winona, unfortunately. Good luck to you!!
Why did Bennie have to die? Couldn't you have just chased after the girl?
Just doin' my job...talk to the Duffers about that. :)
How did you get the role? (audition, special pick, etc.)
Great question. Received audition notice from my agent, auditioned, got a callback, they looked at my reel & the casting directors believed in me & they pushed for me.
How did they set up your death? The blood coming from your face?
It was cold, sticky, gooey fake blood applied by the make-up artists. Took forever to get out of my hair.
Hey thanks for doing this AMA and popping back on from time to time. My question is what was it like being on the set from the 80s did it spark any good memories or was it weird to see people handling both old tech like those giant walkies and then see them with a cell phone after cut?
Funny! I don't really remember seeing guys on walkies, but of course the costumes - Nancy's mother for example - were terrific! Great costume dept.
This may have been asked already, but do you have any information on whether you guys are doing another season? My mom, grandmother and I (I'm 13) watched every episode in three days and I'm still hooked on it, so I'm dying for another season!
Hi! There will be another season!!
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/05/stranger-things-netflix-season-two-winona-ryder-us
Are you back in season 2?
One can only hope, but I didn't look too good at the end of season 1.
No need to bring logic into it, lol. Thanks for answering!
True.
I knew you were going to shoot Benny when the door opened and you were smiling just the slightest smile. I called it and my gf got mad at me for "watching ahead." That was some great acting, thank you.
I know I'm late, but still I will post it.
First of all, thank you for delivering such an incredible performance. The character of Connie was 110% alive and real. Scary as hell too!
The question is, how was the atmosphere on the set? Did you feel a total 80s throwback? What can you tell about an overall working atmosphere? Did you have any cute/funny moments on set? Thank you.
Thank you, so much!! Terrific working atmosphere. Being in the school was hilarious with the handmade signs in the hallways, the classroom with no computers. The art directors did a fabulous job!
Has this role opened up opportunities with other films/shows?
I've got some things percolating...
How's it feel being the hottest girl in the show?
you probably mean Natalia Dyer, not me.
Hi! I have a simple question for you. What was it like to shoot a guy in the FACE?
Loved your role on the show! Were there any memorable moments during filming that you'd like to share?
I just came by to tell you I love the show and that you did a fantastic job as an actor and to keep doing what you love. Thanks!
THANK YOU!!!
Without a doubt, you were the 2nd scariest character in the show after the monster. Nice work!
You should play agent dale copper
So, I noticed in 11's room that she drew herself normal and the doctor with a tail or some third leg. Do you think the doctors story will be a more prominent part of the story in the second season? Your character is close to the doctor or one of the co architects it seems like. So I imagine there's something to her as well. They both seem to have a master plan together.
Btw, I loved your character. Cold, calculated, scary.
Is your daughter Natalia Dyer?