After landing a breakout role in the HBO hit series Six Feet Under, part-time Berkshires resident and singer-actress Lauren Ambrose returns to TV this summer. In Torchwood, which premieres July 8, she plays savvy public relations executive Jilly Kitzinger opposite Bill Pullman’s villainous Oswald Danes. Jetting between Los Angeles, New York and Massachusetts while being Mom to Orson, 4, can be exhausting, but the 33-year-old still makes time to sing. Formally trained in opera (she spent summers studying at Tanglewood), she often plays gigs with her jazz/swing band, Leisure Class.
What music gets you ready to take on anything?
LAUREN AMBROSE: Right now I love PJ Harvey’s new album, Let England Shake
What do you find it easy to splurge on?
LA: Books!
What book do you have just for show?
LA: A big encyclopedia on this amazing antique bookstand that my father-in-law gave me.
If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing?
LA: I often wonder about that. Acting is what I do, and if I weren’t acting professionally I’d probably be acting alone somewhere.
What’s the nicest thing someone has ever said about you?
LA: Once a director told me I was a pain in the ass, but that it was worth it. I thought that was pretty nice.
Best advice you’ve been given?
LA: My grandmother has been a big force in my life. She once said there are some people whom you greet with, “Hello. How are you?” and others to whom you just say, “Hello.”
Fantasy dinner party guests, historical or current?
LA: Sam Shepard. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken? Getting married at 23. It’s worked out wonderfully.
What did you obsess over at 16?
LA: Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine, back when it was oversize. I have hundreds from back then.
What do you obsess about now?
LA: Local food.
Who or what is your worst enemy?
LA: UV rays.
