Acting is often more than just pretending to be someone else. For many performers, embodying a role can leave a lasting impact that follows them long after the cameras stop rolling. Paulina Chávez, who stars as Ariana in Taylor Sheridan’s gripping oil drama Landman, knows this all too well. In an emotional confession, the young actress shared how playing Ariana brought an unexpected fear into her own life—a fear she never anticipated but one that now lingers in her everyday thoughts.
A Character Defined by Grief and Tragedy
Ariana’s character is no stranger to loss. In Landman, she’s a grieving widow navigating the harsh realities of the oil industry while trying to find a way forward after her husband’s untimely death. Her story is raw, heartbreaking, and full of vulnerability. It’s a role that demands an actor to delve deep into painful emotions, and Chávez delivered a stunning performance that brought Ariana’s struggles to life. However, what the audience might not see is how such an intense role can impact an actor personally.
In a recent interview with Town & Country Magazine, Chávez opened up about the emotional toll of playing Ariana. “What I’ve carried from Ariana has been the fear of a loved one just dying,” she revealed. This fear, while deeply tied to her character’s experiences, surprised Chávez when it began to seep into her own life in unexpected ways.
A Fear That Hits Close to Home
Acting often requires an emotional connection to the character, but Chávez didn’t realize just how much Ariana’s grief had embedded itself in her psyche until one night when she found herself overcome with worry. “I didn’t even realize it until a loved one was doing a long drive, and I was just so worried, and I didn’t know why I was freaking out,” she shared. It was only after reflecting on her feelings that she recognized their source: “It was because Ariana was there saying, ‘Hey, they could just die,’ which is not fun to think about.”
For Chávez, this realization was a startling reminder of how deeply her work as an actor could influence her personal life. It’s one thing to inhabit a character on screen, but it’s another to carry their fears and anxieties with you long after filming has wrapped. “It’s a very intense feeling,” she admitted. “And it’s not something you can just shake off.”
How Ariana’s Fears Mirror Real Life
Ariana’s story in Landman is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Her journey is deeply tied to the dangers of the oil industry, where risks are high and tragedies are an ever-present threat. As Chávez reflected on her own experience of carrying Ariana’s fears, she began to wonder how these emotions might continue to shape Ariana’s character in the future.
“I do wonder if that is going to carry with her,” she mused. “Just the fear of knowing how dangerous the industry is, and knowing that her partner… maybe Cooper, I don’t know, if they do decide to continue their relationship… is that going to be a fear of hers?”
It’s a question that highlights the emotional complexity of Ariana’s character and the challenges she faces in moving forward. Will her fear of loss prevent her from fully embracing a new relationship? Or will she find a way to overcome her anxieties and take a leap of faith? These are the kinds of questions that make Landman such a compelling drama, and they’re a testament to the depth of Sheridan’s storytelling.
The Emotional Residue of Acting
Chávez’s experience isn’t unique in the world of acting. Many performers have spoken about the lasting impact of their roles, especially when those roles require them to delve into dark or difficult emotions. For instance, Austin Butler famously found it hard to shake his Elvis accent after playing the iconic singer, while Lady Gaga’s method acting for House of Gucci became so intense that she needed a psychiatric nurse on set.
These examples underscore the emotional toll that acting can take, especially when a role demands complete immersion. For Chávez, the challenge of playing Ariana was not just about portraying her grief convincingly on screen but also about managing the emotional residue that came with it. It’s a testament to her dedication as an actor, but it’s also a reminder of the personal sacrifices that come with the craft.
A Role That Provokes Reflection
Despite the challenges, Chávez’s experience of playing Ariana has also been a journey of self-discovery. Through her character, she’s gained a deeper understanding of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
“It’s made me more mindful,” she said. “I think about the people I care about a lot more now, and I make an effort to be present with them. Because you just never know what’s going to happen.”
This newfound mindfulness is one of the unexpected gifts that acting can bring. While the fear of loss is something Chávez continues to grapple with, it’s also given her a deeper appreciation for the connections in her life and the importance of living in the moment.
The Future of Ariana and Landman
As Landman continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines and complex characters, fans are eagerly awaiting news of a potential second season. While no official announcement has been made, the possibilities for Ariana’s character arc are endless. Will she find closure and move forward? Will her relationship with Cooper deepen, or will her fears create new obstacles? These unanswered questions are part of what makes the show so compelling.
Chávez herself is curious about Ariana’s future. “There’s so much more to explore with her,” she said. “She’s a character with so many layers, and I’d love to see how she grows and evolves.”
In the meantime, fans can only speculate about what lies ahead for Ariana and the rest of the Landman cast. But one thing is certain: Paulina Chávez has delivered a performance that is as unforgettable as it is impactful, both for the audience and for herself.
A Lasting Impact
Paulina Chávez’s journey as Ariana is a powerful reminder of the emotional depth that acting requires. It’s a craft that demands vulnerability, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the story being told. For Chávez, playing Ariana has been a transformative experience, one that has left her with a mix of emotions that she continues to navigate.
As she moves forward in her career, Chávez carries with her the lessons she’s learned from Ariana—lessons about love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. And while the fear of losing a loved one may still linger, it’s also a testament to the power of storytelling and the profound impact that a single role can have.
In the world of Landman, Ariana’s story is far from over. And for Paulina Chávez, the journey has only just begun.