Brittany O'Grady: From Arlington Theater to Hollywood Stardom

Brittany O'Grady, now a rising star in Hollywood, began her journey in the theaters of Northern Virginia. Her path from local stages to Netflix's new thriller "It's What's Inside" is a testament to her talent and perseverance.

O'Grady's early experiences at Synetic Theater in Arlington shaped her approach to acting. This physical theater company, known for its innovative performances, challenged her creatively and physically. During one rehearsal, O'Grady fainted due to embarrassment and hunger, an incident that highlights her emotional sensitivity—a trait she now considers her "superpower" in acting.

After graduating early from Washington-Liberty High School, O'Grady moved to Los Angeles and enrolled at Pepperdine University in 2015. Her time at the private Christian university in Malibu was marked by personal growth and challenges, including confronting bigotry as a biracial student. This experience informed her portrayal of Shelby in "It's What's Inside," a character grappling with identity issues.

The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, explores themes of social media-driven jealousy and artificial intimacy. O'Grady's performance showcases her ability to embody multiple characters due to the film's body-swapping premise. Director Greg Jardin, also from the DMV area, praised O'Grady's empathy and versatility.

O'Grady's breakthrough came with HBO's "The White Lotus," where she played Paula, a character whose arc is pivotal to the series' exploration of privilege and cultural appropriation. The show's success, including multiple Emmy Awards, catapulted O'Grady into the spotlight.

Her career spans various roles, from an R&B artist in "Star" to a singer-songwriter in Apple TV+'s "Little Voice." She has also appeared in Prime Video's "The Consultant" alongside Christoph Waltz. O'Grady's upcoming projects include a guest spot on CBS's "Elsbeth" and a film with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick.

O'Grady credits her parents for shaping her personality and drive. Her father, working in higher education financial aid, instilled compassion, while her mother, a communications professional and former Arlington County School Board chair, inspired ambition.

"Kind is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of her — just gentle and kind. In fact, we had to tell her, 'You can't actually stop and talk to every single person you meet because you won't get to set on time.'"

O'Grady's journey in acting began early, with commercial gigs and roles in productions at Signature Theatre and Ford's Theatre. Her experience at Synetic Theater, performing in adaptations of classics like "Don Quixote" and "The Three Musketeers," solidified her passion for acting.

As O'Grady continues to make waves in Hollywood, she remains connected to her roots, often returning to Arlington for comfort and inspiration. Her story is one of talent, sensitivity, and the power of embracing one's identity in the pursuit of artistic excellence.