Real Talk with ABC’s A Million Little Things‘ star Lizzy Greene
By Rachel Naud
Photo credit for this image and cover: Tiziano
Lizzy Greene, 16, plays Sophie on the ABC hit show, A Million Little Things. The show, currently in its second season, deals with some very grown-up themes including suicide and depression. We sat down with Greene to talk about her character, Sophie, and why she thinks A Million Little Things is a show every parent should watch with their teen.
A Million Little Things has quickly become a fan favourite! Did you expect the show to take off like it did?
Yes and no! I definitely thought it was a super special show because of how it tackled such harsh and difficult topics with so much humanity and respect, but I also didn’t expect to get such amazing fan feedback. It makes me and the entire cast and crew so happy to read stories from viewers about how our show has helped them overcome and gather strength to talk about their own struggles.
How do you like filming in Vancouver? Have you found some cool spots you like to visit in the city?
Most definitely. The city is filled with beautiful attractions and many cute little nooks to relax in during off days. I really love to go to the Vancouver Art Museum, and look at the new exhibits every few months. And I also love to study in one of my favourite spots, The Wedgewood Hotel restaurant. The piano is always playing, and the entire environment makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. It’s very relaxing, and an easy place to relax and work on scenes.
Why do you think A Million Little Things is so important today, as it openly talks about depression and suicide?
I think it’s really important because any talk about mental illness helps break the stigma. Our show is a story of a modern family of friends who is hit with a bombshell they never saw coming, the suicide of one of their close friends. This story is really important because it shows just how common it is for the signs of depression to go unnoticed — until it’s too late. What else I think is really incredible is we have had two stories of suicide on the show thus far, one that was too late, and one that was caught just in time. It shows that not everything is inevitable, all you have to do is speak up.
Lizzy Greene as Sophie with her TV mom, Stephanie Szostaka, who plays Delilah on A Million Little Things, (ABC/Jack Rowand)
Why do you think it’s a good show for parents to watch with their teens?
Because it openly talks about things that most people steer away from. Being able to watch a show that applies directly to real life and very real issues helps those who could be struggling know that they are not alone.
What is happening with your character, Sophie, for the remainder of the season now that she knows the truth about her family?
She takes a full 180. Since hearing about the affair, she begins to cope the only way she knows how; by rebelling. She loses some relationships with those who are closest to her and becomes a whole new person. By pushing the only parent she has left out of the picture, you get to watch her struggle through the many teenage trials and tribulations, but now with no said boundaries.
What advice would you give any teens who might have feelings of depression?
I would 100 per cent say speak to someone who you care about. It seems like the hardest thing to do when you have depression, because you can’t imagine anyone understanding or empathizing with your isolated feelings. But talking to someone can lift a huge weight off your chest, and you might just open up a conversation that they might need to share with you as well. Depression is scary, because it hides in plain sight. But by making the most difficult first move for help, you could possibly save someone else in the process.
Any advice for parents who might have difficulty talking and/or connecting to their teens?
I would say try not to make everything about rules and jurisdiction. Kids like to feel like there is a relationship outside of the “boss” and “child” dynamic. Also, try not to compare them to how you were as a kid. It may not seem like it, but it comes across as putting them down. Take the time to show you care about their personal lives, make small talk, show up for their hobbies, and overall fully support who they are growing up to be.
A Million Little Thing airs Thursday nights on ABC.