Ann Dowd

The "stay positive and keep it simple" approach Ann Dowd has toward her work is truly inspiring. A go-to character-actor-extraordinaire for 30 years, she has now received wide acclaim (and an Emmy) for her portrayal of the terrifyingly devout Aunt Lydia in "The Handmaid's Tale." And her pitch perfect performance in Craig Zobel's "Compliance" is, in my opinion, a tour de force for the ages. In this half hour, she talks about the nuts and bolts of playing these roles and generously lets us peek "under the hood" at the inner workings of her craft. Inspiration is guaranteed.