Fiona Dourif Unveils the Depths of 'The Pitt' and Her Unexpected Family Cameo

In the realm of cinema, particularly Max’s “The Pitt,” there are few characters more deserving of a swift departure from the hospital ward than Dr. Cassie McKay. After what seems like an eternity of medical duties, her case for going home is as compelling as they come.

In the role of McKay, I bring my skills as an empathetic doctor to life, often finding myself mirroring the emotional turmoil of my patients. However, even my personal struggles have reached unprecedented heights, a fact that became strikingly evident in this week’s 14th episode, titled “8:00 P.M.” – an hour that saw me facing arrest. But let’s rewind a bit.

So far this season, McKay has faced several challenges, such as rumors about her court-ordered ankle bracelet and the unexpected return of her estranged husband Chad (Ron Heaps), who got injured while pretending to be a skateboarding father for their son Harrison (Henry Samiri). With all the turmoil caused by the mass casualty incident, McKay feels compelled to bring in extra help to save Harrison.

This week, I got a special treat as my father, Brad Dourif, made his entrance on set, portraying McKay’s dad in our latest production. It wasn’t the first time we’ve worked together, though. Since 2013, she has been a pivotal figure in the “Chucky” horror series and films, while my father has lent his voice and human character to Chucky since the doll first appeared on screen in 1988. I was thrilled to have him be a part of my project this time around, but truth be told, I can’t claim credit for the genius casting decision.

Dourif mentions that he thinks Noah Wyle might have come up with the concept. Previously, Wyle had discussed his father’s career extensively with him, leading Dourif to believe that there was a need for a device to bring Harrison home. It seems likely that this idea was suggested in the writers’ room as an exciting possibility.

Right away, it’s evident where McKay picks up her compassionate approach in patient care –– and her boldness. First, she comforts her daughter, embraces her grandson, and then expresses her disapproval towards her former son-in-law. “Chadwick Harrison Ashcraft III,” she says with obvious distaste. “A name fitting for a man of such poor character.” She speaks candidly about people as they truly are.

During this ongoing workday, I found myself second-guessing my earlier choice of going against Robby’s advice. Earlier, a troubled teenager named David had been brought into the ER with his mother, Teresa. I had grown suspicious of him after noticing signs of hostility and potential violence toward girls at his school. Despite Robby advising us to stay clear, I decided to contact the authorities when David fled.

After the tragic incident at PittFest, my doubts about David’s involvement have only intensified, especially after he returned to the hospital last week with blood on him. Now, as I reflect on this hour, I can’t help but wonder if my decision to involve the police may have unleashed a dangerous situation that could potentially haunt me.

This episode reveals that the gunman was someone else who is now deceased, putting Robby, Teresa, and McKay in a tough spot with a distraught and aggressive David. Things don’t improve when Robby tells McKay, “You created this disaster; you’ll have to clean it up.

If the day wasn’t already troublesome enough, authorities have persistently contacted McKay. In the midst of the turmoil at PittFest, she had managed to bypass her faulty ankle monitor using an IO drill. However, after ignoring their calls on more occasions than acceptable, they stormed into the emergency room to apprehend her in full view of everyone present.

In conversation with EbMaster, Dourif discussed the embarrassment of the dramatic arrest scene’s conclusion, not only for her character but also for herself. She questioned if McKay believed she had erred in her portrayal of David, and why having her father on set made her character feel more authentic to her.

McKay has been through a lot in just a matter of hours. How do you think she’s holding up by hour 14?

It seems like she’s having an incredibly tough day. The ankle monitor situation might be adding to her embarrassment, and the encounter with Chad at work, which I imagine as her worst nightmare, isn’t making things any better. It must be hard for her to find herself in such a predicament, only to lose control, and then to have Chad appear before everyone, which I believe could be quite humiliating for her.

She also has her son to worry about in the other room. But thankfully her dad comes to get him, and he’s played by your father, Brad Dourif. How did that all come together?

It seems that Noah Wyle may have originated the idea, as he had previously shared extensive insights about your father’s career with you. Given this background, it wouldn’t be surprising if the concept of a device to bring Harrison home was suggested in the writers’ room as an exciting possibility. Simran Baidwan, who is both an executive producer and writer, then approached you politely to seek your consent before extending an offer to your father. Both of you were thrilled by this unexpected opportunity, making it a special and touching moment during filming.

You have obviously worked with your dad several times in the past, most notably in the “Chucky” movies and TV series. You even played a version of his “Chucky” character on the TV series. But what was it like acting opposite each other in this medical environment, which is also new for you?

McKay resonates deeply with me, evoking a familiar yet novel sensation. It’s as if I’m encountering something fresh. For the most part, my career has revolved around science fiction, horror, and genre work – passions that have always held a special place in my heart. However, these characters tend to be wild and untamed. In contrast, McKay seems so akin to Fiona that it’s reassuring, yet a little unsettling because there’s no room for anonymity – people either connect with me or they don’t. There’s nowhere to truly hide. Moreover, incorporating my real father into the narrative of my fictional father was a scene that felt like a genuine conversation between Brad and Fiona. The entire production and this show in general have been incredibly surreal, something I never anticipated but feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of.

Which is harder: spouting all this medical jargon or trying to master your dad’s “Chucky” character?

As a film critic, I’ve often been asked how I perfected my father’s distinctive voice for our on-screen roles. The truth is, it’s largely an illusion created by skilled makeup artists! Contrary to popular belief, the transformation requires less acting finesse than one might think.

This episode marks a culmination of a few of the stressors of McKay’s day. We see the confrontation between her dad and Chad, and the exit of Harrison from the ER. Then, we see her have to face the situation with David, who turns out not to be the PittFest shooter. Knowing this now, do you think McKay regrets calling the police?

It seems to me that McKay may have doubts about whether her decision was the right one in the long run. What she’s certain of, though, is that she gave it her all considering the situation she was in. I believe she acknowledges some merit in her actions for being courageous. It might have been tougher to oppose Robby when it would have been easier for him to take charge. However, I feel that in the end, she’s trying to preserve a positive image of herself.

McKay has a history of making poor choices, especially during her late teens and early 20s, a time when one might feel invincible. We often see people who make bad decisions and struggle to bounce back. So, in some way, she views David as part of her group, and her intent is to assist him ultimately.

In the second attempt at talking to David with his mother, McKay is visibly shaken by the encounter. Why do you think it really hit her in this moment? Because she is a mother whose son has literally been feet away for the past few hours?

Indeed, and it’s due to her understanding of the simplicity in which one can err in judgment. I liken it to the vulnerability of your heart being exposed beyond your chest. Notably, she and Teresa share similarities as single mothers, creating numerous points of resonance with her own life experiences. The day’s performances were particularly challenging to witness. When the actor cried out for his mother, the emotion was palpable on set. In truth, this occurrence was quite common during filming of “The Pitt.” The atmosphere around the set would adapt to the intensity of the scene, as it was a deeply affecting environment.

We have seen Robby be a firm but ultimately a guiding hand for the staff. Yet, in this moment, he tells McKay to fix her own mess. What do you think she feels about this very blunt directive from him?

I believe she values this. I see McKay as someone who wasn’t pampered, and responds well to straightforwardness, admiring Robby greatly. He is the foundation and soul of the hospital. Initially, there was a sense of annoyance in her when he delayed making a decision about David, forcing me to act without his knowledge. However, he demonstrated remarkable integrity, which I consider a pivotal moment in this storyline, by acknowledging his mistake and accepting responsibility for it. He is indeed an impressive individual. Noah Wyle, too, is an impressive actor. He is incredibly gracious, making him a fantastic team leader. It’s accurate, and it isn’t always the case.

She seems to be looking for a place to put her feelings about David and do some good at the end of the episode, going up to the nurses asking if there are any cases she can jump in on.

In my opinion, McKay’s personal life could use a bit of polishing. It seems she’s stumbled more than most in her peer group when it comes to matters of the heart. Her life revolves primarily around caring for her child and her work, two areas where she feels competent and purposeful.

Her life’s journey, though challenging, has equipped her with a unique skillset. She can empathize deeply with individuals facing tough circumstances, having walked similar paths herself. From the party where gunshots rang out to countless other hardships, McKay’s life experiences have converged to create this remarkable ability to connect with others in their time of need.

You mentioned that her ankle monitor is a source of humiliation for McKay, so what does it do to her to have it called out so publicly in front of everyone when she is arrested for disabling it?

The experience served as a reminder for her, but filming it felt mortifying due to the overwhelming flood of memories that she wasn’t good enough. This feeling soon transformed into anger towards the situation and its unfairness. However, deep down, there was an undercurrent of self-blame. Primarily, it was the intense humiliation of the event being witnessed by everyone.

But we get a very brief glimpse before the episode cuts to black where some of her colleagues like Dana (Katherine LaNasa) and Langdon (Patrick Ball) jump to her defense. That has to mean something to her when we pick back up in the finale?

Indeed, it appears that way for me as well during our filming process. There’s a unique camaraderie among us, something not always encountered. Long hours and daily commitment make every day feel significant. After the mass casualty scene, I found myself seeing us not as individuals but as a unified entity, mirroring what might happen in such situations. It transcends personal interest towards ensuring the collective machine runs smoothly because the stakes are incredibly high.

Did it feel like “Groundhog Day” going back to the same clothes and stories every day as you filmed this real-time season?

By the end of the sixth month, I found myself growing increasingly disliking my hair and yearning to release it from its ponytail.

Or:

By month six, I couldn’t stand my hair any longer and was desperate to let go of that ponytail.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-04-04 05:48

Fiona Dourif Unveils the Depths of ‘The Pitt’ and Her Unexpected Family Cameo