Hannah Love Lanier. At just 16, she continues her impressive journey with her upcoming role in Lioness, the highly anticipated drama series produced by Taylor Sheridan and Nicole Kidman for Paramount+. Starring as the daughter of Zoe Saldana and Dave Annable’s characters, Hannah steps into a role that undoubtedly promises to capture audiences’ attention with her effortless emotional depth and gripping on-screen presence.
Known for her versatility across genres, Hannah has already made her mark and demonstrated her passion and intuition for her craft with multiple standout performances praised by critics. From her dynamic portrayal of the eccentric Young Dr. Hadassah in Issa Rae’s HBO hit “A Black Lady Sketch Show” to her charming hosting of Nickelodeon’s Double Dare Superbowl LIV, Hannah’s range is boundless and ever-evolving. Hannah also shared the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor in Amazon’s 2024 reboot of “Road House,” further cementing her status as a rising force on screens both big and small.
Beyond acting, Hannah’s talents extend to the world of athletics. She competed in the Youth Olympics for the long jump, showcasing her fierce determination, sportsmanship, and fortitude. Her recent work in commercials for brands like Subaru and Kraft only adds to her growing portfolio, proving her talent resonates across mediums.
With Lioness on the horizon, Hannah Love Lanier is poised to be one of Hollywood’s most exciting new talents, bringing her unique charisma and skill to every project she touches. Audiences are sure to feel the tangible impact Lanier imparts into her role in Lioness.
Photo credit: Sarah Krick
Stylist: Amanda Lim
Hi Hannah and welcome to OLC! Can you tell us about your character in “Lioness” and how you prepared for such an emotionally intense role alongside stars like Zoe Saldana and Dave Annable?
Thank you so much. Happy to join the OLC family! In season 1 there were a lot of misconceptions about Kate. People saw her as rude, bratty, and stuck-up when in reality she was a sad 14-year-old girl who needed her mom. As a teenage girl, I know how complex emotions can be and how they manifest in ways that feel totally out of your own control. When it comes to preparing, I find putting myself in my character’s shoes to be the most helpful. Imagining myself, in the same situation, with my mom never home, off to some mysteriously dangerous job while my dad juggles his own work. Not to mention my job is made easier by working alongside such powerhouses. Zoe is masterful and generous in scenes which makes it way less difficult to tap into the life of Kate. The same goes for Dave, he’s the sweetest ever. Both of them are parents themselves so that loving energy makes a big difference on set.
At just 16, you’ve already worked across a variety of genres and formats, from “A Black Lady Sketch Show” to hosting Nickelodeon’s Double Dare. How do you approach the wide range of characters you’ve played?
I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to play characters totally different from one another. A Black Lady Sketch show was the first of anything sketch comedy I’d ever done and learning how to really let loose and be free while shooting was super fun. I approach every role with openness and willingness to learn honestly. I’m confident about what I know, while still being eager to figure out new things I can pick up.
“Lioness” is a drama series produced by Taylor Sheridan and Nicole Kidman. What has it been like working with such iconic figures in the industry?
It’s been an absolute pleasure. Taylor Sheridan can be an intense guy, in the best way. He has this “go, go, go,” mentality that pushes you a lot on set. He’s always been super sweet to me and in season 2 he directed the first two episodes so it was fun getting to work right alongside him. Zoe is a producer as well actually and I seriously cannot say enough good things about her. She’s such an inspiration and I’m so incredibly honored to share a workspace with her. Due to the fact that Lioness sort of showcases two different storylines; the family and military, I met a lot of the rest of the cast during the recent premiere. Including Nicole and she’s literally ethereal. I was trying to pretend like I wasn’t in awe in conversation with her.
You’ve shared the screen with major stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor in the “Road House” reboot. How has working with such experienced actors influenced your own approach to acting?
Everyone on Roadhouse was so sweet and welcoming, Jake and Connor alike. Working with talented actors like Zoe Saldana and Jake Gyllenhaal I’ve learned the importance of using your voice on set. Whether this means giving suggestions about how to move in a scene or asking questions when I’m unsure about something. Things like this demonstrate professionalism and show attentiveness. I’m super fortunate to have had such great role models so far who care so much about their work while also treating everyone around them with kindness and grace.
You’re not just an actress, but also a talented athlete, having competed in the Youth Olympics for long jump. Can you tell us about your experience in that and how you developed this passion for it?
Before I really started to focus on acting, track and field was my entire life. My mom ran track and did the long jump while she was in high school which inspired me to try the long jump as well. I honestly just fell in love with it, I was really good at it and spent a lot of my time improving. I remember we actually joined a “post-season” track team thinking it would mean I would get to go to a few extra meets beyond the actual season and it ended up being the road to Junior Olympics. I thought “Well, we’re already here, might as well give it a shot!” So, that’s exactly what we did and I placed 6th in the nation! I went twice in total and medaled both times. Unfortunately, after the Covid pandemic, my long jumping days were over but it’s still a super memorable era for me as a kid.
What attracted you to the role in “Lioness,” and how does this role differ from other projects you’ve worked on, like “A Black Lady Sketch Show” or the “Road House” reboot?
Lioness is a show full of strong powerful women. I think it’s so important to be showing things like this in the media. Having the opportunity to play “Kate” is nothing short of a blessing. Lioness is definitely the most intense project I’ve worked on so far, the adrenaline rush will keep you at the edge of your seat in every episode. ABLSS was jam-packed with incredible women in front of and behind the camera, which was inspiring. It was pretty great to witness the “crafty comedy.” I was pumped to play the young version of one of the most iconic recurring characters on the show Dr Haddassah. Road House was just a good time. “Charlie” was feisty and unafraid, which I was drawn to.
As someone who has already accomplished so much at a young age, what are some of your long-term aspirations within the entertainment industry?
I’m interested in trying things behind the camera like creating my own projects, producing, directing, and writing. I want to continue growing as an actor, try new genres, meet more people, and DO MORE! I’m so eager to work really hard pursuing this path to see what more is waiting for me.
How do you balance your professional acting career with other aspects of your life, including school, sports, and personal time?
I have been homeschooled since kindergarten so my schedule is pretty flexible which is helpful. Once I started high school, balancing work and school became a little harder. I’m still working on my time management skills. In my free time, I definitely take advantage of going out with friends, video games, and weekend sports. I started utilizing planners which has been helpful to know I’m getting everything done (or not). This way I can get my obligations done in a timely manner which gives me more time to spend having fun.
Having worked in both film and television, do you have a preference for one medium over the other, and why?
I wouldn’t say I prefer one over the other. They’re both great in their own ways and offer different things. Filming television can feel a bit faster-paced, filming multiple scenes for different episodes a day. I’d actually like to get more experience working in film, I was shooting Lioness at the same time as Road House so the schedule was super tight. I was in the Dominican for a week shooting Road House and went straight back to the location for the show.
What advice would you give to other young actors who are looking to make their mark in the industry, given your own experience so far?
I advise others to keep going. My parents always tell me, “Trust God, what’s for you is for you”. It’s true. I’ve had projects with several callbacks that I didn’t book and some with zero callbacks that I have. There are so many factors involved that aren’t always about performance. Do all you can do to be the best at your craft when the opportunity comes and trust the process. We as actors aren’t going to be right for every role but people remember good work, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. I’ve really learned from experience that sometimes, things can’t work out the way you think they should because there’s something even better around the corner.
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