By: Sarah Morton
The countdown to the highly anticipated premiere of “Elkhorn” has begun, and one name on everyone’s lips is Tori Griffith. In this groundbreaking period drama that has just hit the small screen, Tori Griffith steps into the role of Rosie, a character whose journey from rural obscurity to urban ambition promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
“Elkhorn” transports viewers back to the late 19th century, immersing them in the rugged beauty of the Dakota Badlands. It follows the young Theodore Roosevelt as he embarks on a transformative journey, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of New York politics to establish the Elkhorn Ranch. Amidst this rich historical backdrop, Griffith’s portrayal of Rosie emerges as a beacon of determination, ambition, and resilience.
Griffith’s preparation for the role involved a deep dive into the mindset of her character, Rosie, whose quick-witted, street-smart nature required a nuanced approach. “My initial instinct when first reading the sides for the audition was that Rosie and I have lots in common,” Griffith shared. She tapped into their shared dreamer quality and ambition, which made embodying Rosie feel very organic.
“I always feel like once I can find common ground between myself and a character and really latch onto it, the rest tends to fall into place as far as thought process, objectives, point of view, and emotion,” Griffith explained. Her personal connection to the character’s roots, combined with meticulous research into the era, allowed Griffith to deliver a performance that is as authentic as it is moving.
Griffith drew inspiration from historical novels such as Cold Mountain and The Coffin Quilt, immersing herself in the lives of women from that era to ensure an authentic portrayal of Rosie’s experiences. “This method really helped me understand the point of view of women from this period and what day-to-day life looks like and feels like for them,” she noted, adding that the characters from these novels significantly influenced her depiction of Rosie.
Behind the scenes, Griffith enjoyed a lively and supportive environment, building strong connections with her co-stars, Ashton Solecki and Garrett Schulte. “The whole cast is comprised of such genuinely good and friendly people, absolutely brimming with talent,” Griffith recounted. She described the dynamic on set as both emotionally engaging and fun, with moments of intense acting followed by light-hearted interactions that strengthened their performances.
Reflecting on her transformative journey, Griffith shared, “Playing Rosie has been an incredible experience for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve grown so much as an actor, and I hope audiences will be moved by Rosie’s journey as much as I have been.”
As “Elkhorn” prepares to make its debut, all eyes are on Griffith, whose performance is poised to captivate viewers and spark conversations about her versatility and talent. Looking ahead, Griffith expresses a desire to take on roles that challenge and expand her abilities, particularly those of resilient, non-traditional female characters.
With “Elkhorn” set to transport audiences to a pivotal period in American history, Tori Griffith’s portrayal of Rosie promises to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of viewers around the globe. Through her commitment to her craft and her deep connection with Rosie, Griffith is not just playing a part; she is bringing to life a vibrant, enduring spirit whose story resonates with timeless themes of ambition and resilience.
Published by: Martin De Juan
