When it comes to actors who can shape-shift between roles with fluidity and intensity, few capture the imagination like Lara Wolf. From the sprawling ancient worlds in “Those About To Die” to nuanced art-house explorations, her career has been as diverse as her own story—a story that began in Tehran, continued in Switzerland, and now thrives in New York City. It’s a blend of cultures and influences that she admits gives her both a unique edge and sometimes, the challenge of fitting into a landscape not always built for those who transcend categories.
“I was born in Tehran, but I grew up in Switzerland, where my two cultures constantly clashed in this interesting way,” she shares. “It’s funny; people rarely know where I’m from when they look at me. I’d like to think it’s getting easier in our industry, but being someone who doesn’t fit a specific mold can be a challenge.” For her, acting isn’t just a job; it’s a way to continuously negotiate and honor those fragmented identities, whether through mastering new languages or seamlessly embodying characters from all corners of history and geography.
In her most recent role as Queen Berenice in “In Those About To Die”, she steps into the world of a historical enigma. “I didn’t know much about Berenice at first. Cleopatra was the name everyone knew,” she laughs. “But when I started piecing her story together, especially with the help of a historian friend who translated texts for me, I felt this responsibility to honor her complexity. I wanted to understand how history had framed her and then figure out my own interpretation.”
The series, directed by Roland Emmerich, juxtaposes the savage world of gladiatorial combat with themes that echo into today’s hyper-politicized media landscape, often blurring the line between spectacle and reality. “The political intrigue in the show feels like a mirror,” she reflects. “Today, everything is politicized, and it’s impossible not to see the parallels. From the fandom of sports to the cult of celebrity, it’s all about how we elevate certain people only to tear them down later. The timing of the show’s release—it’s an election year in the U.S.—adds this layer that I think resonates on a very current level.”
Her experiences working with big-name directors and actors, like Anthony Hopkins, have reinforced the universality of the creative process. “Seeing how even the most seasoned people approach the craft with an openness to mistakes was reassuring. You think they’ve got it all figured out, but really, the magic comes from letting go and finding the work through trial and error,” she notes. “On a show like this, you have to stay nimble. Nothing stays the same from one moment to the next, and that flexibility becomes its own skill.”
Her ability to oscillate between blockbusters and more intimate projects speaks to her range as an actor, but it’s clear that the latter holds a special place. “Smaller, more intimate films… they’re personal. You don’t do them for the money; you do them because they mean something. That’s the passion work, and maybe that’s the European side of me, but those projects make you fall in love with the craft all over again.” Still, she appreciates the thrill of large productions. “It’s like running a small shop and then being asked to head up a whole department in a huge corporation. The freedom you have in one is balanced by the machinery of the other.”
As both a writer and actress, her approach to storytelling is inherently layered. Writing, she says, taught her the meticulous art of intention. “As a writer, every pause, every silence, has purpose,” she explains. “Understanding that has made me a more intentional actor. When I’m performing something I’ve written, there’s no need to decode it because it’s already mine. But when I interpret someone else’s words, I find joy in that translation.” This dual role—as writer and performer—marks her future plans. “Writing is difficult, but it’s something I want to keep exploring. The power to tell stories from both sides is exhilarating. And, as an actor, it’s a gift to shape worlds that can reflect or challenge the world we live in.”
As Wolf’s career continues to ascend, she is mindful of the importance of legacy—how her work contributes to a larger narrative that goes beyond her personal success. “I want to create roles and stories that stay with people, that make them reflect on their own lives, their own identities,” she says. “And if, by doing so, I can help others see that they don’t need to fit into one single box, then I’ll feel I’ve done my part.”
She remains an artist unconfined by borders, categories, or expectations, embodying the global perspective she brings to her craft. From the historical intrigue of ancient queens to the quiet introspection of an indie film, she’s building a career on her own terms—one role, one world, one layer at a time.
