We are all looking forward to the 3rd season of Netflix original series “Stranger Things” to see what is going to happen to our fav characters and get to know the new ones like Erica Sinclair, played by Priah Ferguson. We briefly met Lucas’ sister in the 2nd season and her quick answers and humor cracked us up… And we can’t wait to laugh some more.
Find out in our interview how she prepared to play Erica, and some more curiosities, like who’s her favorite “Stranger Things” character and the perfect song to describe the 3rd season.
The first thought you had when you found out you were going to be a regular on season 3?
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I was completely shocked. I thought, “Wow, they must really like my work!” Erica was only supposed to be in one episode, maybe two, so I really didn’t expect any of this. After we filmed the nerd and syrup episodes, the Duffers went back to the script and wrote my character in a few more times. That type of thing never really happens, so I’m extremely grateful.
Your character made us laugh quite a lot on the 2nd season, what should we expect from Erica in season 3?
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Oooh, I think you will definitely laugh, and you’ll learn a lot about her.
How did you prepare to play Erica?
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When I auditioned, I fell in love with the character right away. I thought she’d be an interesting character to build on, especially in this genre. Erica started out as a very small part in Season 2, I just prepared like it was bigger. When I read the script, I could tell she lightened up the tone a little, but the writing made those comedic moments feel real and nuanced. Just things people do in everyday situations, so I didn’t overthink it. For every role I choose to do, I create these backstories, so I made this world for Erica. I listened to 80’s music from Loose Ends, Whitney Houston, I looked through family photos, I studied the fashion and I listened to phrases people would say back in the day. Erica comes from a small town, but she has a very confident old soul too, which is a lot like me and makes her fun to play.
“Erica comes from a small town, but she has a very confident old soul too…”
Your favorite “Stranger Things” character?
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That’s tough.
I’d say it’s a tie between MadMax, Will, and Eleven. They’re all my favorite for very different reasons.
The craziest fan-theory you have heard about “Stranger Things”?
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Hmm… the craziest fan-theory I’ve heard…Oh! Stranger Things is a story Nancy and Jonathan came up with for the paper. That’s not true (laughs).
A song to describe the 3rd season of “Stranger Things”?
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Beyonce’s “Diva,” Yep.
The last film that made you cry and the last one that made cry from laughing?
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You know, I never really cry when I watch films (laughs). I know, that sounds so bad, right? I may get a little sad, but I don’t cry. I recently watched “Daddy Day Care” with Eddie Murphy, that movie had me dying.
What kind of stories do you dream to tell in the future?
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My dream is to keep being part of interesting stories with great writing and tell the truth from my character’s point of view. I like stories that are about subjects’ people never really know or talk about. I’m really fascinated with historical stories where people turn tragedy into success. Stories about Mary Bowser, Alonzo Herndon, or Sarah Rector, people like that. Then I’d love to do more modern-day stories about tween issues and situations, inspired by my hometown. There are so many to tell. My mom is helping me formally write a few. I’m super excited about it.
A character you would love to play?
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Before “Stranger Things,” I built my reel doing a lot of smaller roles. And see, all of the characters were different. One identified as handicapable, one was abandoned. Lately, I want to do more physical stuff. I’d love to use weapons, do more stunts, and play characters that really show my emotional range. That would be fun. I don’t see girls who look like me in those types of roles as much.
The most beautiful thing while filming “Stranger Things 3”?
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The most beautiful thing I’d say is how all the cast welcomed me in. They always said great things about me and my work, gave me hi-5’s. They always treated me like I belonged there.
Photos by Elton Anderson
