Jillian Smith playing Sonia

Tell us a little about character. are you anything like them?

Sonia is a huge stretch for me as a character. She’s a 52-year-old single woman who’s spent a significant portion of her adult life in a caregiver role. She’s nothing like me at all. (#iykyk)

Do you have any siblings? Are you close to them?

I have two fantastic sisters who are significantly younger than me. I love them both beyond words… now. When they were little, not as much. #bitterformeronlychild

What's the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?

The hardest part about this show is not letting it fall into farce. These people are all nuts, but there is such a beautiful core of realness and humanity and vulnerability in them that must be honored, even if they gobble like a turkey.

Herbal or caffeinated tea?

Herbal tea, particularly fennel tea, which is ironic because I hate black licorice and anise flavors but LOVE fennel tea.

What's your favorite kind of pie?

Favorite pie? 8.53973422 (That’s pi times e. Yes, I’m a total nerd.)