Published on December 15, 2013
Updated on February 27, 2015
Copyright: Phil Stafford

Profile

Name: Taylor Schilling
Birthday: July 27, 1984
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Nationality: American
Occupation: Actress
Family: Parents are divorced. Mother is Tish Schilling (MIT administrator); Father is Robert Schilling (attorney); Younger brother is Sam Schilling (works on a farm)
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Blond
Right handed/Left handed: Right handed
Tattoos: Has one tattoo that she will not discuss. Photos, though, show a tattoo on her left side and it appears to be an infinity symbol.
Gist

Taylor Schilling is just at the beginning of her career, but what a beginning it has been. Her résumé may not be very long, but it shows an impressive and relatively lightning-quick ascension from drama school to starring as the lead in a hit series. Hailing from the Boston, Massachusetts area, Schilling aspired to be an actress from a young age and after experiencing a self-described "very difficult" youth, she moved to NYC to attend drama school. Trusting her instincts, Schilling took a sizable risk and dropped out of graduate school when she only had a year left in the program. This gamble paid off. Now, the star of a television show whose popularity exploded almost overnight, Schilling has been thrust into the spotlight with very little experience to go on. How she has handled this sudden notoriety and, to a certain degree, responsibility, is praiseworthy. Admittedly nervous at times and still adjusting to the new role she has acquired, Schilling has maintained a refreshingly appreciative and down-to-earth attitude. She is extremely close with her castmates; interacts with her fans with warmth and graciousness; and is passionate about her roles.

Though relatively new to the scene, Schilling has not refrained from being a vocal supporter of the issues that matter to her, controversial or not. She has repeatedly spoken out on prison reform, gender inequality in Hollywood, and in support of the GLBT community. When asked about her character's sexuality or Orange is the New Black's GLBT storylines, Schilling goes out of her way to be nonreactive, downplaying any efforts by interviewers to fetishize or scandalize the issues of sexuality or gender identity. Overall, Schilling is a free spirit, supportive of celebrating differences and the fight against conformity. She's fun; she's positive; and she's uber-talented. Also, her laugh is highly adorable (See Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C, and Exhibit D). As they say, the sky's the limit for her at this point, and I, for one, am rooting for her.
Quotes
  • "They're people. We're dealing with them as specific people. It's less about having a transgender character and it's more about Sophia's specific story." - in response to the comment that Orange is the New Black is exposing viewers to cultures that are not normally seen, like the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in the September 20, 2013 interview with George Stroumbouloupoulos.


  • "It's safe for men to be kind of like the anti-hero, you know, to be flawed and complex, and still for us to watch their story from beginning to end, but rarely do we see a woman who's that flawed and deem it worthy to follow her through. And we get to see Piper as this person who's incredibly flawed and manipulative, but still trying her best, and she's a woman, ad we're seeing a woman in all of her, all of those different parts of her, and we're following it." - describing one of the things she loves about OITNB in the September 23, 2013 interview with Daily Xtra.

  • "And once I read the script, I was really, really impressed that there was a woman who was sort of like the centerpiece of her own story and that it was a role that was not in reaction to a man, and she was driving her own – she was like in the center of her own narrative." - in the July 9, 2013 Nerd Repository interview.
Facts and Trivia

Gay Résumé

To my knowledge, Taylor Schilling has played only one role with GLBT connections:
  • Piper Chapman from Orange is the New Black -  a canonically bisexual character that is the main protagonist of the show. Piper, a young woman leading a comfortable life and engaged to a dude named Larry, has everything thrown into chaos when she is sentenced to a fifteen month prison sentence for a crime she committed a decade prior, when she was with her ex-girlfriend. This ex, Alex Vause, shows up in the same correctional facility as Piper, leading to the continuation of their off-and-on relationship and overall, a very high amount of drama. Schilling has been supportive of Piper's relationship with Alex, just as she has been with Piper's relationship with Larry. While the future remains unclear for Piper, one thing is certain: her story with both Alex and Larry remains far from being over.
Picture
Piper Chapman
Interviews
Piper Kerman, Taylor Schilling, Katie Couric, and Jason Biggs via Taylor Schilling's Twitter on September 11, 2013 at 6:12 a.m.

Request for all future interviewers of Taylor Schilling: Please do not ask her what it was like to work with Zac Efron/Ben Affleck, how did she feel doing nude scenes for Orange is the New Black, and was she nervous or concerned about dealing with a lesbian storyline. All three questions have been asked of her a million times and all three questions typically have nothing to do with Taylor Schilling, but instead draw attention to some other person or juvenile curiosity. Schilling has graciously and repeatedly answered these questions without a hint of annoyance, but even she admitted that the media has an unusual preoccupation with the lesbian aspects of Orange is the New Black. Of course, this preoccupation has rarely been rooted in a sincere interest in having a substantive discussion about same-sex relationships and interpersonal dynamics between women in prison. Instead, the inquiry usually begins and ends with "so, tell us about ladies getting it on behind bars." Oh, mainstream media, you are nothing if not predictable.

That being said, Schilling is due a lot of credit for never drawing attention to the show's nudity or GLBT storylines as a way to get viewers or have a catchy soundbite. Instead, she has discussed Piper Chapman's same-sex relationship respectfully and in the same manner as she has discussed the character's opposite-sex relationship. The gender of her character's love interests is inconsequential and she offers no apologies or justification for her character's sexuality. How progressive.  

Below are a list of some of her interviews (in chronological order):

  1. "Mercy! Daughter of New Bedford lawyer lands lead role in NBC drama" - SouthCoast Today, May 6, 2009 (discusses NBC drama Mercy, childhood, and acting background)
  2. "Taylor Schilling and Liz Heldens Talk Mercy" - MovieWeb, September 11, 2009 (discusses NBC drama Mercy and her family)
  3. "Interview Taylor Schilling about 'Mercy'" - (video) Today Show, September 23, 2009 (discusses NBC drama Mercy)
  4. "Taylor Schilling" - The Improper Bostonian, no date identified (discusses acting background, Zac Efron, Ben Affleck, weird Russian fan, Mercy, and being terrible at waiting tables)
  5. "Seven Questions with Taylor Schilling, Rising Star" - Fordham Magazine, Summer 2011 (discusses being a Boston Red Sox fan in NYC, Fordham University, Mercy, acting in a movie vs. acting in t.v., New Orleans, and acting alternatives)
  6. "Taylor Schilling is truly 'The Lucky One'" - The Mercury, April 12, 2012 (discusses the film "The Lucky One," acting background, and working with Zac Efron and Ben Affleck)
  7. "Taylor Made" - Vanity Fair, June 25, 2013 (discusses Boston, school, The Lucky One, and theater)
  8. "Patricia Sheridan's Breakfast with...Taylor Schilling" - Pittsburgh's Post-Gazette, July 8, 2013 (discusses OITNB, Piper Kerman, college, acting, and fame)
  9. "Taylor Schilling Talks Orange is the New Black, Talking to Her Real-Life Counterpart, the Prison Experience, Graphic Sex Scenes, and More" - Collider, July 10, 2013 (discusses OITNB, Netflix vs. cable television, Piper Kerman, and doing sex scenes)
  10. "MSN Meets Taylor Schilling and Jason Biggs" - (video) MSN, July 7, 2013 (discusses what attracted her to OITNB, playing comedy and drama, her chemistry with Jason Biggs, the media's focus on lesbian content on OITNB, dream guest stars on OITNB, female roles, t.v. shows she likes, and nudity)
  11. "'Orange is the New Black's' Taylor Schilling talks finding one's self in prison" - LA TV Insider Examiner, July 8, 2013 (discusses OITNB, Piper Chapman, and nudity in OITNB)
  12. "Interview - Jenji Kohan and Taylor Schilling are set free in new Netflix drama 'Orange is the New Black'" - Nerdrep, July 9, 2013 (discusses why she wanted to join OITNB, Netflix vs. filming regular t.v., Piper Kerman, what surprised her about prison, and Jodie Foster)
  13. "Taylor Schilling on Her Future With Netflix & Past with Zac Efron!" - Popsugar, July 11, 2013 (discusses OITNB, the OITNB cast, visiting prison and prisoners, Jenji Kohan, and Zac Efron)
  14. "Orange is the New Black Season 1 Exclusive: Piper Kerman and Taylor Schilling" - (video) TVweb, July 11, 2013 (discusses season 1 of OITNB and cast of OITNB)
  15. "'Orange Is the New Black' star Taylor Schilling takes the EW Pop Culture Personality Test" - (video) Entertainment Weekly, July 12, 2013 (discusses Saved By The Bell, Downton Abbey, Glinda the Good Witch head, and writing Nancy Kerrigan's mother)
  16. "Taylor Schilling talks loving Laura Prepon on 'Orange is the New Black'" - AfterEllen, July 16, 2013 (discusses Piper Chapman, OITNB, Vauseman, Laura Prepon, and same-sex sexuality)
  17. "Orange is the New Black's Taylor Schilling on Real-Life Piper's Advice and Getting Skeeved Out on Set" - Vulture, July 26, 2013 (discusses working with Piper Kerman, the OITNB set, working with Jodie Foster, Crazy Eyes, and her familiarity with prison lingo and stories)
  18. "Interview with Piper Kerman and Taylor Schilling" - (video) Good Morning America, July 29, 2013 (discusses Piper Chapman vs. Piper Kerman, OITNB set tour, and OITNB)
  19. "'Orange is the New Black' Star Taylor Schilling on Her Path to Prison" - The Daily Beast, July 30, 2013 (discusses acting background and Orange is the New Black)
  20. "Up Close with Orange is the New Black Star Taylor Schilling" - Shape Magazine, August 5, 2013 (discusses OITNB, nude scenes, and her exercise regime and diet)
  21. "Orange is the New Black's Taylor Schilling: ‘I Am Having So Much Fun!’" - Access Hollywood, August 14, 2013 (discusses the success of OITNB and dancing with her OITNB cast)
  22. "Orange is the New Black Stars Talk Season 2 and Laura Prepon's Rumored Exit" - E!, August 23, 2013 (discusses Vauseman and Laura Prepon)
  23. "Taylor Schilling on 'Orange is the New Black'" - (video) Huffington Post, August 26, 2013 (discusses what attracted her to OITNB, Piper Chapman, The Lucky One, maintaining a balance in tone on OITNB, white privilege, visiting prisons, final scene of season 1, transgender storyline in OITNB, criticism of OITNB, Ben Aflleck, and Netflix)
  24. "Q&A: Taylor Schilling" - Boston Magazine, September 2013 (discusses her father's history with the Department of Corrections, OITNB, and discussing/not discussing OITNB with her father)
  25. "Orange is the New Black Star Taylor Schilling Talks About Her Favorite Scene" - Adweek, September 2, 2013 (discusses Orange is the New Black and her favorites)
  26. "Interview with Katie Couric" - (video) The Katie Show, September 11, 2013 (discusses OITNB, sex scenes, lesbian activity in prison, and the success of OITNB)
  27. "Interview with Katie Couric - Answering Questions from Twitter" - (video) The Katie Show, September 11, 2013 (discusses OITNB set)
  28. "Taylor Schilling on George Stroumbouloupoulos Tonight" - (video) George Stroumbouloupoulos Tonight, September 20, 2013 (discusses Aidan Quinn, her parents, U.S. prison system, Argo, The Lucky One, and prison slang)
  29. "Orange is the New Black star, Taylor Schilling on nude scenes, lesbianism and Laura Prepon" - (video) Daily Xtra, September 23, 2013 (discusses OITNB, lesbian content, nudity, popularity of OITNB, female-centric storylines on OITNB, Piper Chapman, Vauseman in Season 2, GLBT content, Jodie Foster, and male directors vs. female directors)
  30. "Taylor Schilling Interview with Craig Ferguson" - (video) The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, September 23, 2013 (discusses living in NYC, OITNB cast, and Jason Biggs)
  31. "Interview with Taylor Schilling" - (audio) Kevin & Bean of KROQ-FM, September 23, 2013 (discusses Regina Spektor, OITNB, media portrayals of women, internet-streaming television, U.S. prison system, racism, Piper Chapman, OITNB cast, Vauseman, and Larry and Piper)
  32. "Conversations with Taylor Schilling of Orange is the New Black" - (video) Screen Actors Guild Foundation, September 23, 2013 (discusses joining SAG, OITNB, interview process for OITNB, popularity of OITNB, familiarity with prison system, Piper Kerman, OITNB cast, chemistry with Laura Prepon and Jason Biggs, Jodie Foster, effect of OITNB on her life, and shooting OITNB)
  33. "Taylor Schilling, 'Orange is the New Black' Star, On Piper And Her Sudden Fame" - Huffington Post, September 25, 2013 (discusses Piper Chapman, Orange is the New Black, fame, relationship with the OITNB cast, and sex scenes with Laura Prepon)
  34. "Taylor Schilling from 'Orange is the New Black'" - (video) Red Square, November 18, 2013 (discusses Russia, getting into character, the prison uniform, and learning about the aural difference of prison)
  35. "Daring Talk: Orange is the New Black" - Harper's Bazaar, October 22, 2013 (discusses taking risks, complex female roles, and OITNB)
  36. "Variety Awards Roundtable - TV Actresses on the Pressures and Rewards of Working on the Smallscreen" - (video) Variety Magazine, December 4, 2013 (discusses what attracted her to the role of Piper Chapman, seeing Vauseman costumes on Halloween, and adorably laughing at Malin Akerman's story)
  37. "Interview with Golden Globe Nominee Taylor Schilling" - (video) HLN, December 12, 2013 (discusses her Golden Globe nomination)
  38. "Taylor Schilling on her Golden Globes nomination: 'This whole thing feels like a dream'" - Entertainment Weekly, December 12, 2013 (discusses her Golden Globe nomination, season 1 of OITNB, and shooting season 2 of OITNB)
  39. "Chelsea Lately" - (video) Chelsea Lately, January 13, 2014 (discusses the Golden Globes, Jason Biggs, slapping Chelsea Handler's ass, Robin Wright Penn, shooting OITNB, and children)
  40. "Taylor Schilling on 'Orange,' new passion project'" - Associated Press, March 20, 2014 (discusses Aidan Quinn, season 2 of OITNB, Lupita Nyong'o, her father familiarity with OITNB's subject matters, the legal system, and her Golden Globe nomination)
  41. "Taylor Schilling" - Emmy Wrap, May 8, 2014 (discusses Emmys and Golden Globes, being called a comedienne, Piper Chapman, and the second season of OITNB)
  42. "Taylor Schilling and Danielle Brook [sic] on 'Orange is the New Black'" - (video) AOL, May 2014 (discusses what she likes about the character of Taystee Jefferson and season 2 of OITNB)
  43. "Orange is the New Black" - Out Magazine, June/July 2014 (discusses opportunity to have a substantive role, Piper Chapman's bisexuality, and the second season of OITNB)
  44. "'Orange is the New Black' Season 2 Cast Interviews" - (video) Media Devour, June 4, 2014 (discusses how she would fare in prison, Piper Kerman, character devolution, popularity of OITNB, binge watching, ensemble scenes, Piper Chapman in season 2, what Larry represents to Piper, and what Alex represents to Piper)
  45. "Taylor Schilling and Danielle Brooks - Orange is the New Black Season 2" - (video) Hey U Guys, June 4, 2014 (discusses when she realized OITNB was a hit, Piper Chapman in season 2 of OITNB, and shooting season 3 of OITNB)
  46. "taylor schilling will help you survive on the inside" - I-D Magazine, June 6, 2014 (discusses season 2 of OITNB, how Taylor would deal with prison, similarities and differences with Piper, hitting 30 years old, diversity on OITNB, hardest scene to play on OITNB, nudity, castmates she's close with, and what she would take to prison with her)
  47. "Taylor Schilling Talks Orange is the New Black" - (video) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, June 10, 2014 (discusses her family and season 2 of OITNB)
  48. "Taylor Schilling: Why OITNB is groundbreaking" - North Umberland News, June 16, 2014 (discusses the mass appeal of OITNB and confronting one's own truth)
  49. "Orange is the New Black stars love their work" - Now Toronto, June 18, 2014 (discusses learning about the penal season and denying the label of "lesbian show" for OITNB)
  50. "Orange is the New Black - Season 2 Interview with Uzo Aduba & Taylor Schilling" - (video) Murtz Jaffer, June 19, 2014 (discusses season 2 of OITNB and Vauseman in season 2)
  51. "Orange is the New Black's Taylor Schilling on Cockroaches, Laura Prepon, and Piper's White-Privilege Rant" - Vulture, July 7, 2014 (discusses dealing with cockroaches, Season 2, Laura Prepon, Vauseman, and Emmy categorization of OITNB) 
  52. "OITNB: Do You Love or Hate Piper? Taylor Schilling Says She's 'Just Being Herself'" - TV Guide, August 5, 2014 (discusses her Emmy nomination, transformation of Piper Chapman, motivations of Piper to get Alex in trouble at the end of season 2, Vauseman, season 3, Piper lying to Red about her store in season 2, and Piper's manipulativeness)

Resources and Links

  1. Taylor Schilling Facebook page
  2. Taylor Schilling IMDB page
  3. Taylor Schilling Instagram page
  4. Taylor Schilling Twitter page
  5. Taylor Schilling Wikipedia page

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