We had a chance to chat with actress Eden Summer Gilmore about playing Sofia Bianchi in Global’s Family Law which recently premiered on September 16. The drama series follows a group of family members who reluctantly work together at their father’s law firm in Vancouver. Family Law also stars Jewel Staite (Firefly), Victor Garber (Titanic, Argo), Zach Smadu (Cardinal) and Genelle Williams (The Expanse).

Image credit: Noah Asanias


Here’s what Eden Summer Gilmore had to say about her acting experiences and working on Family Law.

When did you decide that storytelling was something you wanted to do?

ESG: Storytelling has always been a part of my life. I remember putting on plays in the living room for my parents, writing little novels, or performing songs. We are all storytellers in life, but I realized when I got older how much of an outlet it was for me when I was younger and still is now. I would watch movies such as, “Harry Potter” or “Enchanted” and I would look up to these powerful women in these films and think that’s what I wanna do. I started commercials at the age of 5 and really enjoyed them. It was when I was about 10 I started to venture into tv/film and ended up booking my first tv role on Riverdale when I was 11. It was on that set when I realized, this is exactly what I want to do. 

Outside of acting, do you have any other interests or passions?

ESG: Outside of acting I have a few other interests/passions. I love to read and write poetry. Poetry is such a beautiful outlet to explore and express emotions. Fantasy is one of my favourite genres of reading. I also have a passion for singing and playing guitar. I am really inspired by Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo so you will tend to find me singing their songs. Singing really allows me to learn about myself and others, it helps me express the emotions that I am having trouble speaking. I have a very strong interest in crystals and am always carrying one with me. One of my favourites is rose quartz, it’s all about compassion for yourself and others.  I also love playing soccer and I have been playing since I was 5. Last year during the pandemic, I decided to take a year off playing and instead coached a U12 soccer team with my friend.

What can you tell us about Family Law?

ESG: Family Law follows the story of Abigail Bianchi [played by Jewel Staite], a recovering alcoholic and lawyer trying to put her life back together. She is forced to work with her estranged father at his firm with her 2 half-siblings whom she has never met before. The result is a dysfunctional family law firm operating to help other families with their own dysfunctions. I play Sofia Bianchi, the daughter of Abigail Bianchi, a smart and boy-crazy 13 year old girl who is furious with Abby. What I love about Family Law is that the characters are so real and everyone is going to be able to relate to them. The storylines are full of so much heart and tell so many important stories. We have such an awesome cast and crew I can’t wait for everyone to see them shine! I think everyone is really going to fall in love with the show.

What was it like working with Jewel Staite?

ESG: Working with Jewel is absolutely amazing. She is so incredibly kind, generous, and a fantastic actor. I am so grateful and honoured to have worked alongside her. It was amazing getting to share scenes with her. I got to learn so much from her. She created such a positive energy on set and made everyone feel so welcome. I am so so excited for everyone to see how incredibly talented she is on the show.  I love being able to play her daughter and feel so blessed to have formed a special bond with her.

What has been the best advice someone has given you about acting?

ESG: The best advice someone has given me on acting is from my acting coach and mentor, Beatrice King, which is to always make sure you are having fun. The reason I act is because I love it and I’m sure as many others can relate, it is really easy to get into your own head and put unnecessary pressure on yourself. This advice really helped me as it continues to remind me to take a step back, breathe, and make sure that with whatever you are working on you are enjoying it because that’s what’s important. Not only does working from a place of truth and joy give an authentic performance it allows us to be authentically ourselves. 

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