Zoe Saldaña Tackles Dyslexia and Anxiety in Her Role as Joe in ‘Lioness’
In the thrilling new series “Lioness,” Zoe Saldaña steps into the pivotal role of Joe, a character deeply embedded in the CIA’s efforts against terrorism. Alongside esteemed co-stars Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, Saldaña is finding herself facing unique challenges in this role, particularly due to her struggles with dyslexia and anxiety.
Saldaña shared insights with PEOPLE on October 24, revealing that her portrayal of Joe demands significantly more preparation than her previous roles. “I dared myself to believe that maybe I can pull it off,” she reflected. However, this ambition came with a price: a substantial investment of time and effort. Thanks to the unwavering support from her husband Marco Perego and their three children, Saldaña has managed to meet these demands head-on.
Saldaña’s journey as an actress is inherently tied to her ability to memorize lines, a task made more complex by her dyslexia. She described her process, stating, “I would memorize, memorize, memorize, and by the time that scene would come, it was an extension of who I was—like ballet.” This dedication illustrates her commitment to embodying her character authentically while navigating her personal challenges.
In “Lioness,” Saldaña’s character balances the weight of professional duties while grappling with personal responsibilities in a high-stakes environment. This series marks a significant milestone in her career, not just because of the caliber of the cast and production team, but also due to the heightened demands of her role. The series was co-created by Taylor Sheridan, who is known for his dialogue-intensive writing style, evidenced by his previous successes like “Yellowstone” and the Oscar-nominated “Hell or High Water.” Saldaña noted, “He’s very dialogue-heavy. It’s very wordy. There’s a cadence to the way he wants the dialogues in the scenes to be said.”
Dyslexia, which impacts language processing abilities, can often be compounded by anxiety—a condition affecting over 40 million adults in the United States, as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jennifer Schutza, a certified dyslexia interventionist, explained to The Epoch Times that while anxiety and dyslexia can coexist, they often stem from distinct experiences. Children with dyslexia may face bullying or social isolation, leading to anxiety that can persist into adulthood.
Licensed clinical psychologist Melissa Robinson-Brown acknowledged that managing both dyslexia and anxiety can intensify the pressures Saldaña faces in her acting career. “For those with dyslexia, processing may be slower and memory may be affected,” she noted, emphasizing the emotional toll that comes with feeling different or judged.
Saldaña humorously added, “The worst thing that Taylor can do is to change a scene last minute or add dialogue. That’s when I’m like, ‘Wait, wait, wait, that’s dyslexia 2.0’—that will be the next step.” Her candidness highlights the intense pressure she feels in her profession, particularly when quick adjustments are made.
Dyslexia symptoms can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty with speech, poor spelling, and challenges in word retrieval. To combat these obstacles, Saldaña adopts a proactive approach by preparing “120 percent.” She emphasized the importance of early preparation, requesting scripts weeks in advance and utilizing digital platforms for daily line breakdown sessions with a tutor.
Her innovative comparisons demonstrate her adaptability: “The moment my brain realized that words are like a plié in a pas de deux, I was just like, ‘Ooh, a grand jeté is like a Taylor Sheridan monologue.”
Robinson-Brown advises that understanding personal stressors can aid in mitigating anxiety, suggesting techniques like deep breathing and grounding exercises. “Anxiety is the fear of the unknown,” she elaborated, emphasizing that knowledge and preparation can reduce anxiety levels and enhance cognitive function.
In this demanding landscape, Saldaña continues to shine, balancing her family life and her artistic pursuits. Her willingness to confront her challenges head-on serves as an inspiration, proving that with determination and the right support, it is possible to navigate the complexities of both personal and professional realms. As she forges ahead in her career, Saldaña’s resilience shines through, showcasing the strength it takes to excel amidst adversity.
