‘Ghosts’ Scene Stealer Betsy Sodaro on Nancy’s Unique Backstory and the Role She Originally Auditioned For

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If you’re not instantly familiar with Betsy Sodaro’s visage from her numerous TV and movie roles, chances are you recognize her voice. With a knack for stealing the spotlight on CBS’ popular sitcom “Ghosts” as Nancy, a ghost who died of cholera in a basement, Sodaro’s voice adds an extra kick to her already formidable comedic timing. Her voice is both rough and childlike, with a lively rhythm that has become so distinctive it’s hard to mistake for anyone else. In fact, during one “Ghosts” episode where Rose McIver (playing Samantha) was possessed by Nancy, many viewers assumed the scene was dubbed – it wasn’t.

Just like Morgan Freeman, Sodaro’s voice is so unique that often people recognize her before they recognize her face. Yes, the eye mite in the commercial for XDEMVY medication is indeed her. Her characters are known for their outbursts of excitement (“Ooh!”) or disgust (“Ugh!”), which have become as iconic as Homer Simpson’s grunt of annoyance, and she often uses words like “rad” or “crazy cool.” Add in her expressive facial expressions, and Sodaro often resembles an animated character – it’s no surprise that she’s sought after for voice acting roles. Recently, she lent her voice to shows such as “Exploding Kittens” and “Tiny Toons Looniversity.

As a devoted fan of “Ghosts”, I’m thrilled to share that our beloved character, Nancy, will grace our screens in the last two episodes of this season, airing tonight on CBS. Here are some fascinating facts about the captivating actor who has stolen the show:

1. Born and raised in London, England, she honed her craft at prestigious drama schools before making her way to Hollywood.
2. Known for her versatility, she’s played a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic, always leaving audiences wanting more.
3. Apart from “Ghosts”, she’s starred in several critically acclaimed productions, demonstrating her talent and dedication to the craft.
4. Off-screen, she’s an advocate for women’s rights and uses her platform to raise awareness and promote change.

Tonight, we embark on a journey that promises to be as enthralling as ever. Don’t miss it!

She auditioned for a different role on “Ghosts.”

Initially, Sodaro was considered for the part of Flower, the hippie cult-member portrayed by Sheila Carrasco, but her interpretation was quite distinct from the naive and absent-minded character played by Carrasco. Instead, Sodaro’s take on the role was more assertive, resembling a different character named Nancy. “I was definitely more of an aggressive hippie,” she jokes with laughter. “As for my range, I don’t think it stretches too far, Sheila is simply excelling in her performance.

Following the series’ selection, the producers presented her with the character of Nancy. Although she wasn’t sure if it was tailored specifically for her, she quickly recognized some striking resemblances. “I was astonished! This is, like, how I speak! This is fantastic!” At that moment, she was informed that the character could potentially return for additional episodes – but such promises are often made to actors. “I felt fortunate just to be a part of one episode,” she recalls. “From the outset, it has always been an incredibly welcoming set and a secure environment to make bold decisions and feel at ease. Occasionally, when guest-starring on a show, you worry that you’re merely an inconvenience or bothering someone.


She’s created quite the backstory for Nancy.

A key aspect of this software lies in its ability to explore unanticipated dimensions for familiar characters, like a Viking named Thor or a stockbroker called Bro. Initially, Cholera Ghosts were simply spectral figures with sores and no recognition within the main residence. However, Sodaro didn’t let that limitation hinder him, instead creating a rich backstory for these seemingly overlooked entities.

She initially explored the reason behind a 19th Century woman adopting such contemporary speech patterns. Since Cholera Spirits often fixate on water heaters, she hypothesized that two repairmen had been regular visitors in the 1990s. She likened them to Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, portraying these laid-back, cool characters. “She felt a connection with them,” she shares, “and they seemed to embody an entire lifestyle she admired.” Suggesting that Reeves and Winter should reprise their roles as the repairmen in a flashback scene on the show, Sodaro expresses her excitement by gasping audibly. “I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it!


Sodaro began performing at an early age.

Raised with an unyielding passion for sitcoms, from “I Love Lucy” to “The Simpsons”, Sodaro is such a dedicated fan that she holds a season pass to Universal Studios Hollywood, where she regularly visits Springfield. Her father, Craig, is a teacher and playwright of children’s theater, who frequently writes under the pseudonym Sam Craig. His work has been staged globally. During summer breaks, he would conduct acting classes for children, among them was Sodaro herself. Pursuing her passion for acting, she continued this journey through high school, ultimately deciding to major in it during her college years.

“Saturday Night Live” was the original goal.

Initially, Sodaro enrolled at Marymount Manhattan College mainly to be in New York City, with dreams of making it onto her favorite TV show, “Saturday Night Live.” Now, she chuckles at her past overconfidence. “I thought I’d attend college for a while but then drop out to join ‘SNL’ within a few years. I genuinely believed that Lorne Michaels would stroll by as I was buying a sandwich and find me amusing, leading to my being cast on the show!

Instead of thriving in the fast-paced environment of New York, she discovered her indifference and opted to switch to a smaller college in Colorado, where her passion for theater flourished. Post-graduation, she spent a year practicing improv comedy in Sacramento before relocating to Los Angeles as Upright Citizens Brigade was gaining popularity. Sharing this ambition with a friend, they vowed to endure any menial jobs necessary to attend classes and perform on stage. Among these jobs were working at Target (which she found grueling), the Disney café near the El Capitan Theater, and ironically, Universal Studios during their “Backdraft” era. For over three years, she held a fulfilling position at a small company that stored sets and props for various shows while also teaching and touring improv comedy.

Sodaro applied for “SNL” by sending tapes and performing in auditions, but then discovered that she preferred the atmosphere of UCB and improv. She explained, “I found there was an entirely different realm of comedy where I believe I excel better.” She continues to perform often, including every second Friday at UCB with her team Bangarang, and frequently appears as a guest on shows like “Assscat!”.

Through her comedy acts, she gradually discovered that she possessed a unique voice, both literally and metaphorically. “As a child, I used to record messages on the answering machine and think, ‘Hmm…my voice sounds peculiar, but everyone thinks that,'” she recalls. “The more I performed, the more people would remark on it, and I eventually understood: Yes, it is indeed unique.

She’s built up a long list of credits in the last 13 years.

Sodaro attributes the 2012 NBC sitcom “Animal Practice” as a significant leap in her career – it was not just her first series regular role but also her debut on a televised production beyond unaired pilots. Standout guest appearances on shows like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Superstore” demonstrated her ability to deliver impactful performances with minimal dialogue, and she had the opportunity to act alongside heavyweights such as Adam Sandler in “Hubie Halloween” and Seth Rogen in “An American Pickle.” However, it was the Netflix comedy series “Disjointed,” where she portrayed Dabby, a frequent customer at a cannabis dispensary, that truly propelled her career. Apart from “Ghosts,” this role is most often mentioned when people encounter her today – even in countries as far-flung as Greece, with fans exclaiming, “Dabby!” to her.

Sodaro is currently working on upcoming projects and dreaming about having her own show someday, but for now, what truly excites her is collaborating with friends to create new content. Making an impact as a scene-stealer in the present moment is the realization of a long-held ambition. “As a child,” she recalls, “I was always captivated by the supporting characters. I’d think, ‘Wow, that person appears in so many things. They deliver just one line and it’s always hilarious – that’s really appealing.’

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2025-05-01 20:18