COVER: Susie Abromeit - A Force To Be Reckoned With!
A bombshell beauty with brains! Enter: Susie Abromeit. This Los Angeles-based queen is everything we've been looking for! As an accomplished actress, model, and singer, she has much to offer, and we're in love. You will be too! Before her success in the entertainment industry, she was a ranking NCAA professional tennis player. Talk about a woman who can do it all!
Without a doubt, Susie is a familiar face to many. She is the incredible Pamela (us fans call her Pammy) on the Netflix Original Hit series Marvel's Jessica Jones and Mrs. Hardin on The Forever Purge, a recently released action movie. Susie's range is unbelievable! She managed to do a total 180 in her professional world and still come out on top, as victorious as ever. In this interview. We're so glad she is open to writing a book about her experiences (fingers -crossed) because we can't get enough!
But no chance the inspiration stops there. While off-screen, Susie is hard at work to build a better world. She is heavily involved in philanthropic projects such as Represent.us and other world-altering organizations. With Represent.us, Susie and other beautiful people infiltrate the political system and educate others to reshape a corrupt institution. "We the People" will have a place at the table! Jejune is so excited to sit down with Susie and chop it up with this absolute star! In this interview, we cover Susie's love for tennis, her upcoming projects, and her selfless work as an ambassador with Not For Sale: an operation that counters modern-day slavery. Susie is truly a force to be reckoned with! Please continue reading below for Susie’s cover feature.
Where are you based?
Currently in Los Angeles.
You are an accomplished actress, model, and singer. What pulled you into the creative field, and how did you know that was your calling?
I knew this was my calling ever since I was a kid, but I only really started pursuing it full time when I was in college. I dabbled in the arts throughout my life, but always was pulled away from it to compete in tennis. I would see plays when I was kid, and just knew I wanted to do that, and believed I could. Seeing “Titanic” and “Schinlder’s List” as a kid, when I was 12, really moved me and inspired me to want to do this.
Previously, you came close to playing professional tennis with a ranking of #6 in the US, taking your team to an NCAA title. What does that title mean to you, and why did you stop pursuing tennis? Do you still play for fun?
It was a very cool moment to be a part of. I’m grateful to have had that experience with my team. On an individual level, I had achieved what I set out to achieve. At that certain level, we were already touring, playing tournaments all over the world (national and international junior tournaments), before we headed to college. And you’re sort of in this limbo state of playing pro tournaments already, (but you couldn’t accept the money if you won, if you go to college) but everyone was already pursuing both. It’s once you’re at college when you have to stop playing pro tournaments and focus on the team, but during the summer you could go play pro tournaments. For me it was the ultimate achievement for where I was at in my life, to have a top ranking and for our team to win Indoor NCAA’s, but I knew I wanted to be a creative, (actress, writer, musician etc) and really had to focus on that in order to do it. I was ready to commit full time to my art, and that means there is no time for tennis. It was either one or the other and I chose storytelling. I do still play for fun.
You have been in some active roles. Does your tennis past help you with your characters and stunts?
I definitely think it does. I’m always very adventurous and game to do or try to do most stunts, within reason. Some stunts are for definite trained professionals! But I’ll try and do it, if I can.
What was your first acting experience/gig, and what did it teach you about yourself? Either personally or professionally.
My first acting experience was playing a rapper in Miami. I Ioved it, and had a blast. I learned so much and it taught me how much I love acting.
"Jessica Jones" is a fantastic series! Can you tell us a bit about being a part of it?
Working with a cast like that, Marvel comics, and Netflix was an ultimate dream. This was a show I wanted to be a part of for so long. Carrie is just such a pro and Krysten, was amazing in the role. I made some friends on that set. I loved it.
You played Pam (opposite Krysten Ritter). What was your process to audition, and how did it feel to land that role and joining this iconic cast?
I auditioned in New York, and it felt sort of seamless to be honest. Sometimes you just audition, and it feels right, and everything goes into place. That’s kind of what happened. I auditioned in NYC, then had a callback in LA, and found out I got the role. It was a dream come true, because I had put Jessica Jones on my vision board six months prior. It was fate.
Pam is an amazing character, we love her! The story line around her is very intense. How did you feel about how things ended?
I would love to know what happened to her! I loved her too. She was great. She was the voice of reason in a crazy world. Maybe at some point she can come back and I can explore where she is now.
The Purge franchise is nothing short of iconic. "The Forever Purge" dropped in July. Can you tell us a bit about this movie and what it was like being on set?
It was such a fun big set to be on. Everyone was so friendly and having the best time. I don’t remember having so much fun on a set. It was Michael Bay’s crew; so, everyone for stunts were the best in the business and I was in awe.
In some ways it feels a bit ends of times with the pandemic going on, did the “The Forever Purge” feel like something you could actually see happening these days?
Definitely. The running joke with some of us from the film was “oh hey, we just did the documentary, The Forever Purge.” Ha! Yeah. I think that’s why movies like this resonate, because art reflects life, and this would be the most extreme version of that, but I really hope it doesn’t get to that!
We have seen you in a ton of different things over the years, like "Chicago Med," "Devious Maids" and "Legends of Tomorrow." Do you have any tips for individuals who are interested in performing arts?
Make sure this is what you want to do, because it’s not for the faint of heart. You need to bare your soul in your art, and access/show all the parts of you. Be very clear about why you want to do this, and if you see yourself doing this for your entire life. It’s my calling, and for me, this has been it.
What has been your favorite role or character so far?
I feel like if you’re doing it right, you learn something from each character and each experience. So, I don’t think I can say which character is my favorite but working with Will Smith was awesome.
Were there any obstacles to doing a 180 in your career? From tennis to the arts?
That wasn’t the hard part for me because I had been dabbling with the arts my whole life. But I’ve definitely gone through so many obstacles in life. Just dealing with lots of death of family members/friends, my home burning down, getting out of unhealthy relationships, the ups and downs of this volatile business. I should write a book about it, maybe one day.
King Richard (opposite Will Smith) will release in November 2021, we are super excited! What was it like working with such a seasoned actor, and can you tell us about the movie?
He’s just the best. He was my hero growing up, and they really captured the authenticity of junior tennis so well. Honestly Will is everything you hope him to be.
King Richard is the Venus and Serena Williams story. As a passionate tennis player, how did it feel to be a part of this incredible story? Did you get to show off your skills?
It was pretty full circle for me. They captured the world that is so specific so accurately. I didn’t get to play tennis, but played the real-life Robin Finn, (New York Times reporter) who had done a story on them.
It is known that you also produce and write your own projects! Can you give us any information about that? And when did producing series/movies and writing become something you grew to love?
Currently I have something brewing that I don’t think I can quite talk about yet, but can’t wait to share it with the world! It’s very personal to me. I started writing and producing about 6-7 years ago.
You work with several incredible philanthropic organizations, such as "Represent.us": an organization to dismantle inequity in the government and politics. Can you tell us a bit about this organization, and why you partnered with them?
Basically, we are all fed up with corruption in our world and we want to see things changed!
It’s nonpartisan, which I love because it’s not about which team you’re playing for and more about we collectively want things fair, honest, and better options from who we elect.
Money in politics is a huge issue! We need to make it so politicians can’t be bought and actually represent their people. How would you like to see the system in America change?
That’s exactly what we want! I would take a look at Represent.us because they do the best job explaining it. They want to put laws in place where these loopholes and bought politicians are a thing of the past.
Politics in America feels untouchable. How would you advise others to help get involved in reshaping the system?
I would first start reading about it, and reading the bills that get passed. In order to understand it all, I think you have to start with reading the bills that are getting passed and what exactly that entails, but that’s hard because sometimes they can be anywhere to 60 pages to 1000 pages for one bill. Then I would start reading about Represent.us and see if it aligns for you.
You are also an ambassador for an organization called "Not For Sale." What is the purpose of this organization, and what is your role as an ambassador?
It helps survivors of human trafficking, and I felt honored to be a part of it. I was helping create awareness, went to Vietnam and Peru, and got to see firsthand what they do. They build schools and a healthy infrastructure, so people aren’t vulnerable to being trafficked.
Human trafficking is a larger issue than people are talking about. What would you like the average person to know about it?
That it happens everywhere, even in major cities like Los Angeles and it’s not usually talked about because it’s one of the worst things in the world. I would check out Not For Sale if you want to know more.
What drew you to participate in activism and organizations such as these?
I felt compelled to help and I love what both those companies were doing. At the end of the day, you want to be able to do what you can to help.
Were you hit hard with covid? How did you stay positive during the shelter in place? Are you back to normal?
Life was pretty okay for me. I was cooking a lot, remaking my yard, my home, learning Spanish, piano, and writing. I really used that time to cultivate new hobbies and skills.
What is your life motto?
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” and “Gotta have more cowbell.”
If you love Susie as much as we do, please follow her via her Instagram below:
Instagram: @SusieAbromeit
Team Credits:
Photographer: Vince Trupsin
Stylist: Alex Clough
Make-up: Mylah Morales at Six K
Hair: Hair by Fran
Layout: Prachedes Germano