Background Actors on 'The Pitt': Faking Pregnancies, Playing Nurses for 7 Months

When part-time performers land a role, they usually anticipate it’ll last just a few days. Few would imagine they’d be required to work daily for several months instead.

Back in July, I found myself responding to an intriguing call for auditions – a new series titled “The Pitt.” What made this opportunity stand out was a rather unusual requirement: they were seeking background actors with flexible schedules, hinting at filming that could potentially stretch from July all the way into February. Little did I know that I would be among those lucky few cast as a nurse in this intriguing production.

In “Max,” a gripping medical series, the action unfolds over a 15-hour period at Pittsburgh’s Trauma Medical Hospital, with Noah Wyle portraying Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch as the main character. Since the storyline is continuous, it required the presence of background actors every day.

At the medical center, Kylie Judd portrays a pregnant woman who’s worried about her elevated blood pressure and the wellbeing of her yet-to-be-born baby. Meanwhile, Lagadi focuses on monitoring patients’ vitals. The two actors shared insights with EbMaster, discussing their roles as background players for a duration of seven months.

As a background actor, what did it mean to get a role like this, where you’re needed for an entire episodic run as opposed to working for a few days?

SHAUN LAGADI: I was thrilled to learn that, considering all the uncertainties around currently, and since work hasn’t been hectic. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful because not everyone gets this chance. Even the primary actors aren’t present every day, but as background performers, we were required daily, making it a truly exceptional experience.

KYLIE JUDD: I’m aiming to be an actor, and I’ve taken on a few background roles here and there, which usually lasts for a day or two. So, getting the chance to work on such an amazing series for an entire season was a long-held dream. Being on set every day, observing how the talented actors collaborate, and meeting kind crew members who were always warm and inclusive towards background artists, made it all truly special.

What research did you have to do to play the part?

You can’t truly understand your responsibilities until you experience them firsthand. Since my mom and sister are nurses, I have a good understanding of what a typical day for a hospital nurse entails. They taught us the necessary skills to care for patients properly. As a background actor, I usually have to mimic these actions, but due to the authenticity of the show, they trained us on many essential nursing basics.

What about playing a pregnant woman? What was a typical day for you, having to play someone on a gurney?

Visiting the costume department daily while being eight months pregnant with my ‘belly bump’ was quite an adventure. Many weren’t sure if I was genuinely expecting when we began, but it was rewarding to portray a sick pregnant character given that I don’t have children of my own. This role provided an additional acting challenge for me by allowing me to live and understand that experience daily.

What kind of backstory, if any, did you give your character?

I’M PARAPHRASING: I intended to create it on the fly to give the impression of familiarity with that piece. Having worked in a bustling, understaffed emergency room, I aimed to convey that sense, making it seem like just another ordinary day.

AS A MOVIE REVIEWER: Stepping into this film with elevated blood pressure, I found myself undergoing numerous tests to ensure both my health and the baby’s well-being. The constant checkups were reassuring, yet they also stirred a sense of anxious anticipation. The second assistant director played an instrumental role in guiding us through each scene, providing valuable direction that helped navigate the tense situation effectively.

What direction did you get on that first day?

JUDD: John Wells directed the opening episode, which established the tone for the entire season. The second assistant director collaborated extensively with us. You never know when they’ll call ‘action’ or ‘cut’. However, while working, I had doctors approaching me, engaging in discussions and monitoring my IV. With each take, we were always busy.

John Wells directed the first episode, which set the tone for the whole season. The second assistant director worked closely with us, but it was hard to know when they’d yell ‘action’ or ‘cut’. While working, doctors would come over, talk to me, and check my IV. Every take, we were always active.

What about makeup and costume for you, Shaun?

In a Nutshell: Our outfits and equipment remained unchanged during filming, as did our props. A team ensured our stethoscopes were properly positioned. The items in our medical bags stayed intact, mirroring the short duration of the storyline – just one day, not seven months. We also had to maintain the same hairstyle throughout, from the beginning to seven months later, for continuity purposes.

You mention pantomime, but what other skills are needed to be a background actor, because you’re seen, but not heard?

Being mindful of your surroundings is crucial. To achieve this, it’s essential to understand the patient you are treating and their specific symptoms, then act accordingly.

This was different from your typical background acting job, being there for seven months. Was it different from what you normally get paid?

The remuneration is fundamentally tied to the full seven months we were present, which sets it apart significantly from short-term jobs like one or two days. Unlike those brief stints, this seven-month assignment offers me the opportunity to receive payment during a period when job opportunities are scarce. I consider myself fortunate in this regard.

The price and my salary remained the same, as it followed the SAG-AFTRA rate. I also got a nice chance to take promotional photos.

What skills did you learn about being in the middle of the action in ‘The Pitt’?

JUDD: Through my observations, particularly of Noah, who worked almost every day, I gained insights into the daily struggles of an actor. Witnessing his dedication and tireless effort over extended hours, I came to understand the commitment required to become a great actor. His performance served as both a learning experience and a source of inspiration for the kind of actor I aspire to be.

LAGADI: From the show, I discovered that it mirrors the experiences nurses encounter daily, including caring for sick patients as well as their families. My admiration for nurses has always been high, but the ability to control emotions towards people you’re not related to yet have formed connections with is remarkable. It seemed incredibly real and challenging, something I don’t believe I could handle in reality, but it certainly gave me insight into the emotional and physical challenges they face as nurses.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-11 20:49

Background Actors on ‘The Pitt’: Faking Pregnancies, Playing Nurses for 7 Months