After years of performing on off-Broadway stages, Rebecca Wisocky stepped into the spotlight as a television star in 2013 when she was cast as Evelyn Powell, the boss lady on Lifetime's comedic soap opera Devious Maids. "It happened late enough in my career that I fully appreciated the good fortune," Rebecca, now 52, told Closer exclusively. She admits she's always seen herself as a "character actor," never a leading lady, and that perspective has shaped her journey in remarkable ways.
In 2021, Rebecca's TV career reached new heights when she began playing the haughty and hilarious Hetty Woodstone on CBS' hit sitcom Ghosts. "I love pompous buffoons," she reveals with a laugh. "They're my favorite kind of comedy." As Rebecca gears up for her fourth season on Ghosts and a recurring role on Max's The Sex Lives of College Girls, Closer caught up with the fiery redhead to discuss her iconic character, Hetty, and the actress behind the signature blue Victorian gown.
From Shy Kid to Stage Star: How Acting Found Rebecca
How did you find acting?
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Rebecca shares a heartfelt story about how acting became her passion. "I was a very shy kid, and my mom, bless her, had this brilliant idea to take me down to the local city theater. I auditioned for one of the children’s plays, and the moment I stepped on stage, something magical happened. I fell in love with it instantly and came out of my shell. That theater became my second home throughout my childhood."
A Family That Believed in Her Dreams
Was your family supportive of your dreams of acting professionally?
Rebecca's gratitude for her family is evident in her words. "I was an adopted only child, raised by two incredible people who had no background in the arts. Despite their lack of experience, they were my biggest supporters. My parents drove me back and forth to rehearsals almost every night of the week, even though they both worked full-time jobs. They were selfless in their dedication to nurturing my passion. Now in their 80s, they're still my first phone call whenever something good happens. It's their win too, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such unwavering support."
Discovering Hetty: A Role That Fits Like a Glove
What does playing Hetty mean to you?
Rebecca confesses her instant connection with the character of Hetty. "When I read the Ghosts pilot, I fell in love. There was something so familiar about the role and the style of comedy. It's funny because Hetty is 100 percent in my wheelhouse, and maybe that says something about me, though I'm not sure what!"
Where Does Rebecca Find Her Uptight Funny Side?
Hetty and another one of your characters, Devious Maids' Evelyn, are both funny in an uptight way. Where do you find that within yourself?
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Rebecca reminisces about her time at NYU when she was cast as Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals. "At first, I thought, 'Come on, seriously? You gave me the old lady role?' But once I embraced the character, I realized how much I loved playing someone with so much privilege and ridiculousness. My acting teacher saw something in me that day and predicted this would become my niche. Turns out, he was right!"
What do you like most and least about Hetty?
Rebecca shares her nuanced take on the character. "What I love most about Hetty is her childlike curiosity and joy in discovering new things. On the flip side, she's quick to judge, which can be frustrating. It takes exceptional writing to make a character like Hetty likable. She says some harsh things, but the audience still roots for her growth. I'm proud that our show tackles provocative topics about American history in such a thoughtful way."
Connecting with Viewers on a Deeper Level
Have you heard from any viewers who’ve been touched emotionally by the show?
Rebecca acknowledges the impact of Ghosts on its audience. "Absolutely. In the episode where we reveal how Hetty died, we approached it with sensitivity, knowing that some viewers might relate to themes of despair or suicide. The response we received was both moving and humbling. It feels great to be part of a show that can make people laugh but also address darker issues with care."
