Dress by Kristina K at Solo PR
Shoes by Damaya at SR316

Brittany Ishibashi is an American actress who began her career in 1999. Growing up backstage and immersed in the arts from a young age, she has since developed a diverse portfolio of roles across television and film. In her latest project, Brothers, she portrays Joy, a strong-willed woman balancing the demands of family and marriage with the challenge of prioritizing others' needs. Ishibashi was drawn to Joy’s resilience and her ability to remain open and adaptable in the face of adversity. In this interview, she discusses her initial attraction to the role, her experience working alongside Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and how she developed Joy and Woody's on-screen relationship. Additionally, she reflects on the significance of chosen family, her upbringing in the arts, and the methods she uses to sustain her creativity. Ultimately, Ishibashi shares what Brothers reinforced regarding the importance of vulnerability and establishing personal space.

Bandage Corset Midi Dress by Akira
Lucite Saucer Bangle Bracelets by Alexis Bittar

What appealed to you most about playing Joy Harrelson in Brothers, and what about her character made you excited to take on the role?

From the second I read the pilot, I fell in love with these families. The Harrelsons and McConaugheys are so different but love each other so deeply. I was drawn to the idea of playing in a world where we can have deep love for each other and still strongly disagree on so many things. Joy is exciting to play because she is like this deeply rooted tree that just keeps growing taller and taller to shade and protect her family. But the taller she grows, the harder the winds blow and the more she has to bend. When we meet her, she feels the exhaustion that comes with constantly moving to accommodate Woody and constantly reaching to make more and more space for her girls. I think the question for Joy this season is whether she is able to set boundaries and be resilient, or if she will just snap.

How did you prepare to step into the role of Joy, and were there any challenges you faced while bringing her character to life?

It was made very clear to me from the beginning that I was not playing Woody’s real-life wife, who is lovely, by the way. Meeting Laura is like a ray of light hitting you like a lightning bolt. You can’t help but be inspired by her light and her love for her family. I focused on that essence as the driving force, and everything built from it. So much of who Joy is is defined by her family. I loved exploring the ways her family feeds her sense of self and purpose, and how it also eats away at her. I loved finding the delicious layers of what made her relationship with Woody work. Even though some situations might seem like Woody is in the driver’s seat, directing where the family goes physically and emotionally, it’s really Joy behind the wheel.

Silver Gown by Alpana Neeraj at Solo PR
Silver Earrings + Ring by MAM

As Woody Harrelson's on-screen wife, how did you and Woody prepare and collaborate to cultivate a genuine and convincing relationship on screen?

Woody, as I’m sure anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting him will attest, is the easiest person to just be yourself with. My experience with Woody from the very beginning has been so incredibly life-affirming in the sense that, just hanging out with him, you know that everything is going to be okay, just the way it is. Woody is wonderful to work with because he is so playful and has such a childlike spirit. That immediate ease allowed plenty of room to trust the wild swings, listen more purely, and have a lot of fun.

What is one quality you admire most about Joy, and why does it stand out to you?

I admire Joy’s resilience. It takes a special kind of human to live with the gale-force winds that come with being married to Woody. She has learned she can’t dig her feet in, or she’ll get bulldozed by impossible situations and very big feelings. Her resilience is more about staying open and flexible to what is coming at her. Joy is able to face it head-on and roll with it.

**Left:**
Dress by Zang Toi
Kelly Black Heels by Francesca Bellavita
**Right:**
Bandage Corset Midi Dress by Akira
Lucite Saucer Bangle Bracelets by Alexis Bittar

You've been part of the entertainment industry for many years. What has kept you passionate about acting, and what has helped keep you grounded throughout your career?

I literally grew up backstage. It felt so natural for me to pursue the arts. I can’t imagine a world where I’m not creating and exploring life in that way. With acting in particular, I am so enamored with the ability to jump into new worlds and explore connection in different ways. I love storytelling, whether that’s on the screen or at bedtime with my kids. Keeping my imagination wild is so important to me. Through all the ups and downs of my career, it’s been invaluable to have family and community I can turn to for support. I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve questioned why I’m still doing this, but I always come back to this flame inside of me that I just can’t ignore.

Every project brings new experiences and opportunities to grow. Is there one lesson you've taken away that has stayed with you throughout your career?

Yes! Sticking with the idea of the artistic fire burning inside you, my acting mentor said something to me during a gray period that I still hold to be true. He said that when you have this gift of fire burning inside of you, remember that it will naturally go from burning so brightly at times to going down to a whisper of a flame. As an artist, it is incumbent on you to fan that flame and keep it alive. Choosing to connect through vulnerability is deeply meaningful and, at times, very hard. When I have moments when I feel like that fire might go out, seeing other performers do what they love always lights me back up. I’ll head to the theater, I’ll see some live music, I’ll watch my favorite movie. That does it immediately.

Cloud Petal Strapless Gown by Shelli Oh
Minnie Black Suede Pumps by Francesca Bellavita

What do you hope audiences take away from Joy and her journey throughout Brothers?

I hope people are encouraged to make time for themselves and what moves them. So many of us are caretakers, and that can be a lot to carry all the time. Joy reminded me that caring for yourself and caring for others can exist together. When you stay connected to yourself, you stay connected to what brings you joy.

What was it like joining the cast and becoming such an integral part of the family's story?

This whole show has been a dream from the get-go. Woody and Matthew were so great about making us all feel like family from our very first table read. Just one big, wild, and wonderful family. We are all so different, but it all fits. One of the things I think the show does really well is show how valuable chosen family is. Who you choose to hold close informs everything about how you move through this life—your perspective, your actions. All of that is to say, every person in your chosen family helps move your story along. I feel so insanely lucky to be part of this chosen family, on screen and off.

**Left:**
Bandage Corset Midi Dress by Akira
Minnie Black Suede Pumps by Francesca Bellavita
**Right:**
Dress by Kristina K at Solo PR

After playing so many different roles throughout your career, are there any types of characters you're still hoping to play?

For me, the types of characters that are of interest are those who are yearning for more magic and wonder in their life. I want to know what sparks them alive. I’m moved by those who are still kicking, still bowled over by simple beauties, and still in love with possibility. I love the messiness and vulnerability of that journey.

What has your experience working on Brothers meant to you, and what will you take away from being part of this project?

The show has brought the spirit of play back to the forefront of everything that I do! It’s easy for me to fall into the habit of living categorically (how else can I hold on to my role as “Cruise Ship Director” for my family?), but I was starting to feel those constraints on my creativity. Rules and structure have their place, but your spirit needs space to be messy and make mistakes. Brothers gave me permission to color outside the lines again.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Brittany Ishibashi
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: J Michael at Celestine Agency
Makeup: Mai Quynh
Photo Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Tearsheets by Daniel Lopez, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ali Rosoff, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: FD Photo Studios

Brittany Ishibashi is Keeping the Magic Alive