Jamie Gray Hyder has built a career across television, film and video games while bringing parts of her own identity into the roles she plays. The Lebanese-American actress is known for portraying Katriona “Kat” Tamin on Law & Order: SVU, as well as roles in True Blood, Graceland and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.
In this Soulivity conversation, Hyder reflects on her path into acting, the experience of joining the SVU ensemble, self-care, advocacy, and why the qualities that once made us feel different can eventually become some of our greatest strengths.
Note: All Photos Supplied By Subject.
DT: Did you always want to be an actress?
JGH: Yes. Since I was very young, I aspired to be an actress. I was classically trained in voice for 12 years, which introduced me to musical theatre. Due to a vocal cord issue in college, I pursued more 'straight' acting, and it opened up more possibilities.
DT: How does it feel to be part of the Law and Order SVU ensemble cast/family?
JGH: It feels incredibly validating. I was out of work for about 18 months before booking SVU. Which was an opportunity of a lifetime for me. In hindsight, I think it prepared me for this role.
I'm grateful that I have a lot in common with my character Katriona Tamin/Kat Tamin. It makes it more sustainable and being able to connect with her emotionally. She is a lot like me.
DT: How do you approach self-care and keep yourself centred?
JGH: I workout with my trainer as often as I can, depending on my work schedule. For skincare and makeup, keeping it simple is what I like. I mostly use only natural products. For me, it's about enhancing what I already have and less time-consuming.
DT: What would you say to ten-year-old Jamie?
JGH: All the things that made you feel weird and different as a kid will become your assets as an adult.
5-DT: Finish this sentence, the shift I would like to see in the world is,"
JGH: "to see our differences as an educational opportunity".Name: Jamie Gray Hyder
Job Title: Actress & Advocate
Instagram: @jghyder
