In an exclusive interview with HBO, Sonja Sohn, the talented actress who played Detective Kima Greggs in the critically acclaimed series The Wire, talks about her experience on the show and her life beyond acting.
Sohn reveals that she had no prior acting experience before landing the role of Kima Greggs on The Wire. She was working as a slam poet when she caught the attention of show creator David Simon, who saw her perform and immediately knew she would be perfect for the role. Sohn admits that she was nervous at first, but quickly learned on the job and was able to bring authenticity to her character.
One of the aspects that made The Wire unique was its focus on the real-life issues of the city of Baltimore, where the show was set. Sohn explains that the show aimed to expose the realities of the city, including poverty, drugs, and corruption. The cast was made up of both actors and non-actors who truly reflected the community and brought a rawness to the show.
Sohn acknowledges that The Wire had a huge impact not only on her career but also on her personal life. She describes it as a transformative experience, as she learned so much about the world of crime and policing through her research for the role.
The interview also touches on Sohn's life after The Wire. She explains how she took a break from acting to focus on her activism work. She became involved with a non-profit organization called ReWired for Change, which aims to educate and empower young people who have been affected by trauma and adversity. Sohn believes that storytelling is a powerful tool for change and uses her platform to bring attention to important issues.
Reflecting on The Wire, Sohn emphasizes the importance of art in creating dialogue and sparking change.
In conclusion, Sonja Sohn's interview with HBO reveals her journey from slam poet to acclaimed actress on The Wire, and how the show influenced her life beyond acting. Sohn's passion for criminal justice reform and her work as an activist demonstrate the impact that art can have on creating positive change in society. The Wire will always be remembered as a groundbreaking series that tackled important real-life issues, and Sohn's portrayal of Detective Kima Greggs played a significant role in its success.