Story & Lesson Highlights with Emily Dunlop of East Atlanta

We recently had the chance to connect with Emily Dunlop and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
Amy Poehler and her podcast Good Hang! Sometimes I get caught up trying too hard (embarrassing, I know) which gets in my way of having fun and being my truest self. Amy’s podcast is a great reminder to me that meaningful connections often happen from just goofing around with someone.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For the past decade I’ve been saying I’m a “bi-country mogul living between the UK and Atlanta” in hopes that it would manifest my magical dream life and…it’s kind of working! I split my time between Northern Ireland and Atlanta and I just bought my 200 year old dream house. Check it out on Insta/TikTok/YT @TheAntrimHouseDiaries. I avoided social media for the past decade, but it finally got me in the end.

I’m an actress and writer and dog mom too. I love blueberry pancakes, prefer forests to vistas, and listen to funk music.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to think I was going to be an Oscar winning actress destined for fame and glory with a career to rival Meryl Streep’s. Now I’m just out here tryna book a one-liner in a Tyler Perry film (Mr. Perry I love you!).

Kudos to ol’ Timmy Chalamet for his stake in the ground, but I’ve learned the important thing in my career journey is staying connected to my creative voice and enjoying the process. I can’t control the outcome of my efforts, and the more I try to the more of life I miss out.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost give up every day. My life has been (and IS) full of rejection, sometimes on a daily basis. With every rejection, I go through a mixture of emotions – usually starting with the desire to give up. But, when you’re 10 years deep, there’s really no turning back! So when the familiar desire to give up feels overwhelming, I don’t try fighting it, I just move through it. And sometimes I repeat the wise words of Aslan, “Further up and further in…”

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Interesting question! I like that. Hmm… I’ll go with Willem Dafoe. Specifically the integrity he displays when it comes to his artistry.

Interviews I’ve read quote him saying things like he doesn’t give advice because in the film industry there is no one size fits all, everyone has to find their own way. His approach to choosing roles seems to be connected to serving a story the director is compelled to tell, which I agree to be the true purpose of an actor.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I don’t really feel comfortable talking about “my legacy” because I suppose it feels a bit self-important. But if I think about what people might think about me and what they might be getting wrong…I kind of wonder if people think I enjoy conflict.

I spent years studying Meisner technique with Rick Andosca (wonderful acting teacher in Atlanta) who taught me not to deny my own feelings and to stand for my perspective. I fought so hard to learn this lesson that it bled into my normal life, even outside of the classroom. I sometimes wonder if this trait in me has led people to think I like conflict, because I truly don’t. But I feel strongly about the “truth” of the moment and will probably always wrestle to defend my perspective.

Contact Info:

• Other: TikTok @theantrimhousediaries

Image Credits
David Cavan