"I had just done what she does in the story just about a year earlier - I moved from New Jersey and came to New York and was working at a bar, and you know, trying to make it"

Piper Perabo draws a parallel between her own experiences and those of a character she portrays, highlighting the authenticity she brought to the role. Having recently made a significant life change, she left her familiar surroundings in New Jersey to pursue opportunities in New York. The transition from a smaller, suburban environment to the fast-paced and competitive city of New York is often seen as symbolic of chasing one's dreams, particularly in creative fields such as acting. Working at a bar not only provided her with the means to support herself financially during this uncertain period, but also allowed her to immerse herself in a vibrant urban atmosphere, where countless stories and personalities intersect. This job can represent the quintessential experience of many aspiring performers who come to New York, supporting themselves through service industry jobs while auditioning and seeking their big break.

The phrase “trying to make it” captures the hustle, persistence, and uncertainty inherent in the pursuit of a performing arts career. It conveys the sense of striving towards an often elusive goal with determination but also humility, acknowledging the challenges and setbacks along the way. Perabo’s statement reveals an empathetic understanding of her character’s mindset and motivation because she herself was living it. It underscores the emotional resonance and relatability she may have brought to her performance, as the overlap between her real-life journey and that of her character blurred the lines between fiction and reality.

This convergence between actor and character serves to heighten the believability of the portrayal, as authentic experiences inform the nuances and depth of emotion displayed on screen. By referencing her recent move, her employment at a bar, and her ambition, Perabo situates herself among millions who come to New York with hopes of artistic achievement, making her story, and her character’s, all the more universally resonant.