Carrie-Anne Moss found herself engrossed in a chapter about Baba Yaga from her beloved book when she received an invitation to join the new series, Yaga. To Moss, the timing seemed almost serendipitous.
During an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner, Moss shared her connection to the book “Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, which she has owned since 1999. The chapter she was reading resonated with the project she was offered.
The series Yaga, created by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, is a dark mystery-thriller adapted from a 2019 stage play. The story follows private investigator Charlie Rapp, played by Noah Reid (known for Schitt’s Creek), as he searches for missing heir Henry Park, portrayed by Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry, in the coastal town of Whittock, where the mystery mirrors the Slavic folklore of Baba Yaga.
Sandler approached Moss for the role of Katherine Hargrove, a professor attracted to younger men, through a letter outlining her vision for the character. After reviewing the letter, pitch, and scripts, Moss decided to accept the role.
Filming for the series in Victoria has brought Moss back to her roots in British Columbia, where she spent summers on the island with her relatives during her upbringing.
Growing up in Burnaby and later residing in Granville Island for high school, Moss’s passion for acting was ignited by watching television shows that evoked strong emotions within her. She pursued acting wholeheartedly, participating in choirs, writing plays, and immersing herself in performing arts groups.
The journey from her early acting endeavors in Vancouver to Toronto and eventually Europe led Moss to her breakthrough role in the television series Dark Justice (1991-93). Her move to Los Angeles was challenging, marked by financial constraints and visa uncertainties, but Moss remained steadfast in her pursuit of acting, driven by a genuine passion for the craft.
Despite facing setbacks in her career, including being let go from a television series, Moss persevered and eventually landed the iconic role of Trinity in The Matrix after a rigorous audition process. The role not only catapulted her to international fame but also solidified her dedication to her craft.
Reflecting on her experiences, Moss emphasizes the importance of trusting the journey, even in the face of adversity. Her commitment to storytelling as a means of fostering empathy and connection has deepened her resolve to navigate the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.
While Moss has transitioned to a quieter life in New Hampshire with her family after decades in Los Angeles, her passion for storytelling and her dedication to her craft remain unwavering. As she contemplates the future of her work, Moss’s steadfast belief in the transformative power of storytelling continues to guide her choices, including her return to her roots in British Columbia and her role in Yaga.
