On this episode, I’m joined by the immensely talented Kaili Vernoff, a seasoned actress whose career spans film, television, and some of the most iconic video games of all time. From working with legendary filmmakers to becoming a key figure in a global gaming phenomenon, Kaili’s journey is as impressive as it is inspiring.
Kaili is best known for her work in films such as Sweet Lowdown and The Curse of the Jade Scorpion, as well as hit television series including Hulu’s The Path, Netflix’s House of Cards, and ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Most recently, she brought unforgettable strength and authority to the character Susan Grimshaw in Rockstar Games’ blockbuster hit Red Dead Redemption II.
Set in 1899, Red Dead Redemption II is a prequel to the original game and follows the Van der Linde gang as they flee across the American West after a botched ferry heist. Susan Grimshaw is one of the gang’s original members — the enforcer, the taskmaster, and an integral part of the group’s survival. Kaili spent over four years working on the game, fully immersed in the role as Rockstar Games used advanced motion capture technology to capture every movement, gesture, and emotional beat. The process required her to approach the performance much like a film role, acting out entire scenes physically and emotionally in mocap suits.
During our conversation, Kaili reflects on her early beginnings in the entertainment industry, having started as a child actor in commercials. Growing up in various parts of the United States, her passion for performance eventually led her and her family to Utah, where she discovered a love for theatre during
