HOLR is sitting down to chat with rising star, Hannah Love Lanier. Keep reading to learn all about the star!
At just 16 years old, Hannah Love Lanier is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents. Her role in Lioness, the highly anticipated drama series from Taylor Sheridan and Nicole Kidman, marks a major milestone in Hannah’s career. She portrays the daughter of Zoe Saldana and Dave Annable’s characters, in which Hannah captivates the audiences with her remarkable emotional depth and natural on-screen presence.
Today, we’re sitting down with Hannah to discuss her journey so far, her aspirations, and what’s next for this rising star.
Can you tell us about your character in Lioness and what you find most exciting about stepping into this role?
I play Kate, Joe’s daughter, and she’s such a layered character. On the surface, she’s your typical teenager—kind of moody, always pushing back—but deep down, she’s dealing with a lot. Her mom’s job is so intense and secretive, and that distance has definitely affected their relationship. What I love most about playing Kate is getting to explore all her emotions—the frustration, the vulnerability, and the love she’s trying to figure out how to show. It’s been amazing to bring her journey to life.
How has working alongside Zoe Saldana and Dave Annable influenced your performance and growth as an actress?
Working with Zoe and Dave has been such an awesome experience. Zoe, as both a co-star and producer, is so inspiring—she brings so much energy and care to every scene. She’s also super supportive, which makes it easier to dive into the more emotional moments. Dave is as lovely as he is talented. He has a way of bringing so much truth to every scene. Watching how they balance their craft and their kindness has taught me a lot about staying focused but also being open on set.
What was your reaction when you learned you would be part of a highly anticipated series produced by Taylor Sheridan and Nicole Kidman?
Honestly, I freaked out—in a good way! Just knowing Taylor Sheridan and Nicole Kidman (and Zoe!) were behind the show was wild. Taylor’s writing is so intense and real, and Nicole is just iconic. When I got the role, I was equal parts excited and nervous because I knew this was a big deal. But mostly, I was ready to give it everything I had.
How do you prepare for emotionally intense scenes? What techniques do you use to convey such depth in your performances?
For me, it’s about getting into Kate’s head and really understanding what she’s feeling. I try to put myself into the character’s shoes as much as possible, just in my head. Zoe and Dave make it easy to stay in the moment because they’re so locked into their characters. Afterward, I like to take a breather to shake off the heavy stuff—it’s like a reset.
Looking back at your journey so far, what experiences or roles have been the most impactful in shaping your career?
Lioness is definitely a big one because of how emotionally challenging it is and how much I’ve learned from the cast and crew. Then there’s Road House with Jake Gyllenhaal. That was surreal. Seeing how someone at his level approaches a role really opened my eyes to what’s possible in this career. Playing Young Haddassah on A Black Lady Sketch Show was another huge moment for me—it taught me how to let loose and trust my instincts with comedy.
What’s next for you? Are there specific genres or projects you hope to explore in the future?
I’m excited to keep exploring new roles and pushing myself. I’d love to try something totally different, like a fantasy series or YA coming of age. I’m also really curious about what it’s like behind the camera, I want to start writing and producing my own content. Honestly, I just want to keep working with amazing teams and telling stories that challenge me and resonate with people.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Photo credit: Sarah Krick
Stylist: Amanda Lim