Brooke Williams is no stranger to genre television, but it’s likely that few of her roles have evoked such powerful emotion from viewers as the recent introduction of her new character to 12 Monkeys. Without delivering a single line, Williams was able to make many fans of the show cry simply by revealing her identity as Hannah, the daughter Dr. Katarina Jones thought she lost to the plague. In the moment of their reunion, Hannah appears hesitant at first to embrace her long-lost mother, but when she does, she dissolves into joyful tears. “It’s a huge thing to have your whole identity shifted like that,” explains Williams. “To have your idea of who you are and where you have come from turned on it’s head. It’s a real mixture of emotions. This new relationship will shift her perception of herself, her values, everything she knows about herself. It’s a very exposing moment for Hannah.” “I felt very emotional shooting this scene,” admits Williams. “It was my first scene, and I had just met everyone. I was so blown away by the intensity of respect the cast and crew have for this story. There was a real gentleness and a tenderness on set.” She also credits Barbara Sukowa’s brilliant portrayal of Katarina Jones for a lot of the impact of the scene. “Barbara is obviously just incredible,” praises Williams. “It’s impossible not to feel a storm swelling up in you when you meet her eyes.” It’s no wonder that the audience felt this rush of emotions as well! Williams will add the character of Hannah to her many acclaimed genre roles throughout the years including Jennsen in Legend of the Seeker, Aurelia in Spartacus, Eva in The Almighty Johnsons, and Catania in The Shannara Chronicles. As a member of the Daughters in 12 Monkeys, hopefully her character will shed some light on the history of the development of the group founded by Jennifer Goines.
