Sarah Catherine Hook: The White Lotus, Going Viral, and What’s Next

We’ve all been (happily) held captive in recent months, with the question “are you watching The White Lotus?” at the forefront of every social gathering. Sarah Catherine Hook, the fresh face playing Piper Ratliff in the show’s third season, understands the feeling, having been a fan of the HBO smash hit since the very beginning. You’ve probably seen her elsewhere as well, whether it was starring as Caroline Merteuil in Cruel Intentions or Debbie Glatzel in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Next up? A role in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel People We Meet on Vacation, out later this year. Hook discusses her experience filming The White Lotus, and where she’s headed in the future, below! 

What has it been like seeing the reaction from The White Lotus’s (highly dedicated) viewership to the twists and turns of the season?
It’s been pretty funny being on the other side of it. In a way, it has felt like a social experiment. The White Lotus really brings out the crazy in people. Everyone wants a piece of it, therefore everyone wants a piece of you even if you’re just a little bit involved. But I totally get it. It’s a cultural phenomenon. One of the few pieces of media that has united almost every generation. I just feel lucky to be a part of it. 

You were a fan of the show from the beginning; how did it feel becoming a part of a project you already admired so greatly?
Let’s just say….I’m still in denial.

Obviously the “Piper, no!” soundbite has taken over the internet. What is it like having your character go viral?
All I can think about is, “Those poor girls who are ACTUALLY named Piper. I feel you, sisters.” 

How did those kinds of off-screen moments with Mike White impact your experience during filming?
I really didn’t want to let him down. He could probably tell how nervous we all were and kept a silliness about him to signal “we’re having fun!” I’ve told so many people that one of the greatest lessons I learned from him was that you can take the work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. It wasn’t something he ever said per se, but it’s what I took from observing him - cackling like a little devil, while at the same time making the biggest show on television. It blew my mind everyday how carefree and joyful he was.

Piper tells her family that she wants to visit Thailand for academic purposes but secretly has ulterior motives. What is the craziest thing you’ve done to accomplish a goal of your own?
This probably isn’t that crazy, but during my first few years in NY when I was working my part-time jobs, I would go to casting calls during my 45 minute lunch breaks and come back to work as if nothing happened. I felt like a spy living a double life. 

You had just 5 days between Cruel Intentions and White Lotus… What did you do with them?
Oh god….I remember not being able to grasp the fact that I was basically moving to Thailand for half a year. I rented an airbnb in LA for those 5 days and replaced all of my winter gear with summer clothes out of my storage unit (I moved out of my apartment right before heading to Toronto to finish Cruel Intentions - still don’t have one btw). I made my best friend, Chelsea, stay with me that week cause I knew I’d likely never see her again (the drama) and tried to see as many friends as I could.

People We Meet on Vacation, a film adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel of the same name, comes out later this year. You’ve mentioned that your roles have all been quite varied; does your character in People We Meet on Vacation differ wildly from those we've seen you take on recently (that is, if you can say)?
I’d say so! It’s one of the few jobs where I’ve actually gotten to play my own age. That alone was enough of a change to make her different from the other characters I’ve played. 

Going forward, you’ve said that you would love to take on projects that involve singing. Do you have a dream musical role?
Clara Johnson in The Light in the Piazza. 

Jersey and Embroidered Tulle Dress by FREDERICK ANDERSON
The Mobius Long Boot by United Nude
Earring and Ring by Nicole Amato:https://nicoleamato.com

How do you hope to keep challenging yourself moving forward? As an actress? Just as Sarah Catherine?
For several years now I’ve been desperate to get back into an acting intensive. I even paid for one in NY right before I booked Cruel Intentions. I haven’t managed to make it work timing wise - maybe it’ll never happen, but it’s something I feel I need to prioritize as I’d really like to do professional theater. Other than that, I’ve noticed the best way for me to learn and challenge myself is by saying no and letting my opinions be heard. It’s really empowering as I’m someone who, in the past, has been prone to do what I think will make others happy. No more of that! 

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Sarah Catherine Hook
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Fashion Stylist + Producer: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: David von Cannon at A-Frame
Makeup: Misha Shahzada at A-Frame
Photo Assistant: Felicia Abban
Creative Assistant + BTS: Robin Chou
Retoucher: Luka Ukropina
Fashion Stylist Interns: Katie Myers + Sara Paul
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

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ArtAlison Hernon#actress, #The White Lotus, #Piper Ratliff, #Cruel Intentions, #HBO