(Photo credit to Jaqueline Silva)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Heads up, “The Last of Us” fans! Nerd Alert News was lucky to catch up with the talented Noah Lamanna who plays Kat in the latest season. Season two takes place five years later, and we’re being introduced to new characters and new drama. Kat is one of these intriguing new characters whom fans will be getting to know. So far, we know that they’re a part of Ellie’s life, and no doubt we will be learning more about them as well as all of these other exciting storylines.
Lamanna comes with a background in film and theater. They’re known for “Beacon 23” as Dev, as well as Chief Jay in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” The Toronto-based actor can boast many facets of entertainment, including musical theatre, puppetry, and drag performances. Life on stage is a favorite of theirs and is known for the lead role of Eli in John Tiffany’s production of “Let the Right One In” at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Dive into stories from the set of “The Last of Us” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” as well as exciting projects they have in the works, including one that graphic novel fans can look forward to.
Colleen Bement: The second season of “The Last of Us” looks like it will be just as intense as the first. What can you share about your character, Kat?
Noah Lamanna: Season two is even more intense—if you can believe it! Kat is Ellie’s ex-girlfriend. We understand that they dated at some point during the five-year time gap between seasons 1 and 2, and now they’re stuck living together in Jackson post-breakup. So, things are… awkward.
In episode one, Kat is struggling to lead a patrol with Ellie and Dina, who have very little respect for authority on a good day—and who are now also engaged in an irritating little flirtation right under Kat’s nose. Kat is trying very hard to be the boss.
Later in the season, we get a little glimpse into Kat and Ellie’s past, when their romance was still just budding. Even brief moments of levity have a big payoff on this show, so it was fun to be able to play in both worlds.
CB: What was your experience like on set?
NL: It was amazing! I was living my best “cowboy” life riding horses in the Rocky Mountains. The cast and crew were all so generous and warm, it’s a very supportive work environment. Of course, being directed by Craig Mazin is any actor’s dream. It really helps you trust yourself and trust the process when you have someone like Craig at the helm. He’s got a pretty strong track record for success.
CB: Were you a fan of the video game?
NL: I’m not a gamer, so I hadn’t played the game, but I was a big fan of the first season. It was pretty surreal to be invited to join season 2.
CB: Let’s switch gears to one of my favorite shows lately: “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”. You were fabulous as Chief Jay. I loved your character, and just as an aside, I also appreciate how the show has explored gay and non-binary characters. What was it like prepping for the role, and can you help us understand the character a little better?
NL: Thank you! Yes—more gays in space! It was very cool being inducted into the “Star Trek” universe. It’s such an enormous franchise that’s spanned so many decades, so it really feels like being plugged into something much bigger than yourself. It was exciting to see the inside of the ship and get some insight into how all the futuristic technology works.
A lot of the preparation for that role happened in wardrobe! All the uniforms are individually tailored because they’re so form-fitted, so I was back and forth on the lot many times for fittings. I connected a little bit more with the world of the show every time I put that suit on.
I think Chief Jay is meant to be a bit of a mystery. They’re there, and then they’re gone. Where did they go? Will they come back? Who knows!
CB: What’s next for you? Do you have any projects on the horizon?
NL: I’m currently working on getting a script of my own produced—so stay tuned for that! And for your readers who are into graphic novels, I play Sook-Yin Lee’s best friend in her new film “Paying For It,” which is based on the iconic graphic novel by Chester Brown. It’s available to stream now on MUBI.
CB: You’ve done quite a bit of theater, and I’d love to know what you enjoy most about performing on stage.
NL: My favourite thing about working in theatre is the invaluable resource of TIME. I love having a whole rehearsal period to play and experiment and work things out. Then you have the whole run of the show to continue making new little discoveries. I also love the rush of performing for a live audience. It’s an intense energy exchange that is unlike anything else I’ve ever done.
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