After years of honing her craft on off-Broadway stages, Rebecca Wisocky became a household name in 2013 when she was cast as the formidable Evelyn Powell on Lifetime’s hit series Devious Maids. "It happened at just the right time in my career, where I truly appreciated the incredible opportunity," Rebecca, now 52, tells Closer exclusively. Despite always seeing herself as a "character actor" rather than a leading lady, her journey to fame has been anything but ordinary.
In 2021, Rebecca’s star continued to rise when she landed the role of the haughty and humorous Hetty Woodstone on CBS' Ghosts. "I have a soft spot for pompous buffoons," she reveals with a laugh. "They're my favorite kind of comedy." As she gears up for the fourth season of the beloved sitcom and takes on a recurring role in Max's The Sex Life of College Girls, Closer sat down with the fiery redhead to discuss her life, career, and the character who wears that iconic blue Victorian gown.
How Acting Became Her Calling
So, how did you stumble into the world of acting?
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Rebecca shares, "I was a shy kid, but my mom had this brilliant idea to bring me to the local city theater. I auditioned for one of the children's plays, and it was love at first sight. I just came out of my shell. Acting became my passion, and I spent my entire childhood immersed in it." It's clear that theater became her second home, shaping the artist she is today.
The Family That Supported Her Dreams
Did your family support your acting ambitions?
"Oh, absolutely," Rebecca beams. "I was an adopted only child, raised by two parents who didn’t have any background in the arts. But they were my biggest cheerleaders. They drove me back and forth to rehearsals every night, even while juggling full-time jobs. Their selflessness made all the difference. Now in their 80s, they're still my first phone call whenever something good happens. They’re my biggest fans, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have them."
Playing Hetty: The Role That Fits Like a Glove
What does playing Hetty mean to you?
"When I first read the Ghosts pilot, I was immediately smitten. There’s something about the role and the type of comedy that resonates deeply with me. Maybe it says something about me that this character fits so perfectly into my wheelhouse—but hey, I’m not here to psychoanalyze myself!" Rebecca jokes. "Hetty is the kind of character that allows me to embrace my love for comedic timing and larger-than-life personalities."
Where Does the Uptight Humor Come From?
Hetty and Evelyn from Devious Maids both share that uptight humor. Where do you find that within yourself?
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Rebecca reflects, "During my time at NYU, I was cast as Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals. At first, I thought, 'Really? You're giving me the old lady role?' But once I got into it, I realized how much fun I could have with her. She had all this privilege, yet she was hilariously wrong and confident in her mistakes. My acting teacher saw something in me that day and predicted this would become my niche—and he was spot on."
What do you admire or dislike about Hetty?
"What I love most about Hetty is her childlike wonder and joy in discovering new things. On the flip side, she’s quick to judge, which can be frustrating. But the writing is so clever that it keeps her from being a one-dimensional character. Despite her flaws, you want her to grow and evolve. It’s an incredible opportunity to explore some profound topics about American history, and I’m proud of the way the show handles it."
Connecting with the Audience
Have you heard from viewers who’ve been emotionally moved by the show?
“Absolutely. In the episode where we reveal how Hetty passed away, we approached it with great sensitivity, knowing that some viewers might relate to struggles with despair or even thoughts of suicide. The response we received was incredibly moving. It’s rewarding to be part of a show that not only makes people laugh but also tackles deeper, more challenging themes.”
