In just two seasons, Zuzanna Szadkowski’s Dorota has wiggled her way into the hearts of fans and critics alike. Add webisodes to the mix, guest appearances on The Sopranos, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and (one of my favorite non-teen drama shows) Guiding Light, plus a hoarde of fans on Twitter, and you’ve got one successful lady.
Read on for our exclusive interview…
TeenDramaWhore: When you first auditioned for Gossip Girl, did you have any idea the role would evolve?
Zuzanna Szadkowski: I understood the character would probably recur. I was super excited to be a part of the show because there was a lot of buzz as to how fabulous it would be. I never imagined the extent to which playing Dorota would be such an incredible opportunity.
TDW: Have you been surprised by viewer reaction? Even television critics are praising Dorota!
Szadkowski: I am always very excited and surprised to meet a fan. I am blown away to be mentioned positively by viewers and critics. I am happy the audience gets a kick out of the character. The writers of the show create hysterical situations for Dorota and have developed her relationship with Blair-Leighton Meester] in such a delightful way.
TDW: How did Chasing Dorota come about?
Szadkowski: The mini episodes give us a look at the folks on the other side of [Upper East Side] glamour. It turns out there is quite a bit of drama among the serving ranks. The process of shooting Chasing Dorota was an absolute dream for me. Dorota has the cutest, most charming friends. I think the result is awesome.
TDW: Will be seeing more of Dorota in season 3, or will her personal life remain off-screen and on-line?
Szadkowski: We will just have to wait to see 😉
TDW: The Dorota accent actually runs in your family, right?
Szadkowski: I was born in Poland and moved to the US when I was young. Although I don’t speak English with an accent, my parents do… so I have used my mother as a model for Dorota’s way of speaking.
TDW: What can you tell us about the upcoming season?
Szadkowski: From what I can tell season 3 is full of major surprises.
TDW: What it’s like working with a cast predominantly younger than you?
Szadkowski: The cast is incredible. Everyone is sweet to me and, although they are younger, they are very professional and accomplished. I am inspired by each of them and learn a tremendous amount on set. I do keep hoping some of their gorgeousness might rub off on me.
TDW: Do you have a favorite memory or funniest story from the set?
Szadkowski: I had a lot of laughs working with Marlena who played Blair’s bulldog, “Handsome Dan” [ed. note: Episode 2.16, You’ve Got Yale]. That puppy was so cute, but very heavy. I got a major arm workout carrying her around.
TDW: Has it been fun interacting with fans via Twitter?
Szadkowski: I love connecting with fans on Twitter! I have received same really supportive tweets from fans and some funny Dorota art.
TDW: You were also on another one of my favorite shows recently, Guiding Light. Will you be back again before the series ends in September?
Szadkowski: Unfortunately, my role only spanned a couple of episodes. I wish Sister Angelica, the Bosnian nun, would make an encore appearance. I have to say that working on Guiding Light was very intense. I really respect their crew and actors for what it takes to pull off so many episodes with so much panache. I was very sad to hear that the series will end.
TDW: Are you working on any other projects?
Szadkowski: Currently enjoying shooting Season 3. I will let you know if anything new develops.
Season 3 of Gossip Girl premieres Monday, September 14.
Come back next Sunday for another exclusive interview!
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