“Severance Star Britt Lower Fills UF Auditorium at Speaker Event”
Emmy Award-winning actress Britt Lower captivated University of Florida (UF) students during a special speaker event held at the University Auditorium on Thursday evening. Lower, known for her role as Helly R. in the acclaimed Apple TV series “Severance,” engaged the audience with insights about her career and personal experiences.
Britt Lower’s Journey and Insights
Lower was the second speaker this semester for the Student Government-run Accent Speakers Bureau, following “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston’s appearance on August 21. The bureau has a rich history, having hosted numerous celebrities since 1967, including Ke Huy Quan and Tim Tebow.
The auditorium filled with eager fans around 7 p.m., including 22-year-old Sarah Garfield, a neuroscience and English senior. “We’re all really big ‘Severance’ fans. We even had a big ‘Severance’ watch party last semester,” Garfield said, expressing excitement about the event.
Sharing Her Artistic Journey
Moderator Ted Spiker, associate dean of undergraduate affairs at the College of Journalism and Communications, welcomed Lower to the stage. The audience erupted in applause as she began sharing her artistic journey. Lower discussed her upbringing in an artistic environment, crediting her mother for fostering her creativity through various art forms and family performances.
Lower discovered her passion for acting in high school when she participated in a production of the musical “Gypsy.” She emphasized the significance of choosing acting over basketball, stating, “I had more of a connection to when I was embodying a character.” This connection fueled her desire to pursue a career in acting.
Role in “Severance” and Life Lessons
In her portrayal of Helly R. in “Severance,” Lower connected deeply with the character’s complexities, reflecting on how everyone shares aspects of Helly’s defiance and inner struggles. “I think it just raises a lot of questions like, who are we really with the different environments in our lives?” she pondered.
In discussing her creative process, Lower advised aspiring actors to engage in visual art and to not fear making mistakes. “Make mistakes fast, and don’t be afraid to fail,” she said, highlighting the liberation found in embracing imperfections.
The Audience’s Reaction
Students expressed how Lower’s insights resonated with them. Gabriella Garibaldi, a 21-year-old psychology senior, appreciated Lower’s enthusiasm. “She was just so excited to be there that it showed through all her responses,” Garibaldi remarked.
Samhitha Katuru, a 20-year-old psychology and anthropology junior, found it surreal to see Lower in person and noted her impactful message on making quick, bold mistakes. “You don’t really get a chance later in life to make those mistakes,” Katuru said, echoing the sentiment of many in the audience.
Britt Lower’s appearance at UF served not only as an opportunity to meet a beloved actress but also as a source of inspiration for aspiring performers and creative minds alike.
