Edwina Findley of The Residence Discusses Her Preparation for the Role of Sheila
Edwina Findley embraced her role in The Residence without cutting corners.
In a candid interview with Us Weekly, the 44-year-old actress detailed how she managed the complex intricacies of her character Sheila, including the show’s flashbacks, alternative scenarios, and varying timelines.
“Navigating that complexity was quite a challenge. It required a significant amount of technique on my part. I actually compiled over 100 pages of research specifically for Sheila,” Findley shared. “Additionally, I probably had another 20 to 30 pages dedicated to decoding the timelines and determining what occurs when and in which storyline.”
With “multiple versions of the narrative,” Findley needed to stay on top of each iteration.
“It’s about discerning which aspects are truthful and which are fabricated. Then, there’s the matter of the various alternate endings for these intertwined stories. That definitely felt like a marathon for me as an actor to piece it all together,” she elaborated. “I began attending AA meetings, diving into the complete AA literature, and watching relevant documentaries — it was crucial for me to portray it accurately.”
Findley emphasized how Sheila’s struggle with alcohol was depicted on screen, stating, “If she took a sip at 9 p.m. but downed a whole bottle by 3 a.m., what effects does that have on her body and mind? What is she perceiving? How does it influence her relationship with reality? That relationship is already quite fragile.”
Inspired by The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower, the eight-part Netflix series made its debut in March, following the eminent detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) as she investigates the mysterious death of Chief Usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito) at the White House.
Sheila, Findley’s character, was one of the suspects but ultimately cleared of wrongdoing. However, her reliance on alcohol was a significant factor in the accusations against her.
“Portraying this accurately was vital for me as an actor. It’s essential to take your character’s side and embody them with authenticity, truth, and empathy,” the actress expressed to Us. “Creating a multifaceted and genuine portrayal was crucial. The writers provided beautiful, vulnerable monologues that illuminated Sheila’s complexity, showcasing her as the main character in her own narrative.”
Findley elaborated, “In private, she believes she is destined to be the First Lady’s successor. However, she grapples with the strict protocols of White House life, often clashing with those constraints while striving to be free-spirited.”
Reflecting on her role, Findley described it as a “full circle manifestation moment,” due to her own ties to the White House.
“I’ve always been passionate about sharing the stories of authentic individuals in Washington D.C., even to the point of creating my own show centered around it,” she admitted. “Receiving a script set in the White House, which portrays real-life characters like maids, butlers, housekeepers, ushers, and florists, was a true honor. It represented a behind-the-scenes perspective that I found exciting.”
Additionally, this role was a significant achievement for Findley because of her admiration for the work of Shonda Rhimes.
“I fondly recall live-tweeting with the cast during Scandal,” she reminisced. “Those monologues were a dream come true to hear and experience. Being part of The Residence is truly an actor’s dream opportunity.”
Findley is optimistic that The Residence could be the beginning of many future projects with Rhimes, stating, “Let’s manifest that together. I would love to join Bridgerton!”
The Residence is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
