Rebecca Wisocky, known for her standout roles in Devious Maids and Ghosts, reflects on her journey as an actress and the personal joys that have shaped her life. After years on off-Broadway stages, she gained prominence in 2013 as the formidable Evelyn Powell on Lifetime’s Devious Maids. “It happened late enough in my career that I knew what good fortune it was,” the 52-year-old actress shares with Closer. Wisocky has always viewed herself as a “character actor,” never aspiring to be a leading lady.
Her recent success soared with her portrayal of the haughty Hetty Woodstone in CBS’s Ghosts, which debuted in 2021. “I love pompous buffoons,” she confides. “It’s my favorite kind of comedy.” As she gears up for the fourth season of the hit sitcom and prepares for a new role in Max’s The Sex Life of College Girls, Wisocky offers insights into her captivating character and her own vibrant journey.
Finding Her Path in Acting
Reflecting on her early years, Wisocky reveals that she was a shy child until her mother took her to the local theater. “I auditioned for one of the children’s plays, and just instantly loved it and came out of my shell. I spent my whole childhood there.”
Supportive Family
Wisocky expresses deep gratitude for her adoptive parents, who, despite having no experience in the arts, dedicated themselves to supporting her dreams. “My mom and dad drove me back and forth to rehearsals nearly every night of the week,” she recalls. “They were selfless in the way they supported what made me happy. They are now in their 80s, and when anything good happens, they’re the first phone call I make. Because it’s their win, too, and they’re my biggest fans. I know how fortunate I am.”
The Essence of Playing Hetty
When it comes to her role as Hetty, Wisocky felt an immediate connection. “When I read the Ghosts pilot, I instantly fell in love. I felt an affinity for the role and the type of comedy,” she shares. “I don’t know what it says about me that this character is 100 percent deep in my wheelhouse — probably nothing good!”
Exploring Humor in Her Characters
Wisocky notes that both Hetty and Evelyn share an uptight humor that resonates with her. “At NYU, I was cast as Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals. I remember thinking, ‘Come on, you gave me the old lady to play?’ But I took to the character, who had so much privilege and was also so ridiculous and confidently wrong. My acting teacher said, ‘This is going to be your thing.’ And it turns out that prediction was true.”
As Wisocky prepares for new challenges in her career, she also cherishes the personal fulfillment she finds in her marriage, describing her husband as the “only good love decision I’ve ever made.” With her unique blend of talent and humor, Rebecca Wisocky continues to captivate audiences both on screen and in her personal life.
