5 Minutes With FAME: Celebrity Interview with Sarah Haruko

You might have seen Sarah in hit shows like The Dropout, Dead to Me, or maybe S.W.A.T. Sarah has studied with Bob Krakower, Howard Fine, BGB Studios, Anthony Abeson, among a few. After her first audition at only the age of 10, Sarah didn’t actually decide to seriously begin pursuing acting until she was in her twenties when she began in New Jersey and New York. 

She made the bold leap to head to Los Angeles, where she booked her first network TV role and joined SAG-AFTRA. You’ll be surprised to learn that before pursuing acting, Sarah played the Bass Guitar. Haruko was able to take 5 minutes with FAME and tell us all about where she is now and where she’s headed.

Sarah, you’ve worked on several TV series like Dead to Me, The Dropout, and S.W.A.T., what do you love about working in TV?

TV is great because of how quickly it moves. For roles outside of the main cast, the audition turnaround is a couple days, if that. When you book the job, you could be getting fitted the same day, and in a week or two, you’re already on to the next thing. You learn a lot, you meet a lot of people, and every job has its own kind of magic. Films can be the same way, but usually there’s more time between casting and shooting. Ironically, with how fast episodes are churned out, you will do a lot of waiting on set. But it’s always worth it. When I get there, I just take everything in, because tomorrow it’s gonna be different. Look around now, and don’t look back.

When did you begin acting?

My first audition was when I was 10, but I didn’t decide to be an actor until many years later. In my 20s, I got involved with my community theater in New Jersey. From there, I moved to the New York City metro area and began studying with a few different teachers. Anthony Abeson, Melonie Mack, some folks at Weist-Barron Studios. I made a few of my own short films and was lucky to find a really great community of actors I could learn and grow with. Then I made the move to Los Angeles, where I booked my first network TV roles and joined SAG-AFTRA. I continued my training at several studios out here, but I’m currently working with an excellent coach back in NY Cover Zoom.

What advice would you give someone just starting an acting career?

Be careful whose advice you take! Do your research. Question people, projects, teachers; audit classes before committing; ask friends and fellow actors to share their experiences. Really listen to your gut. Always be professional and respectful. Remember that everyone in this business is a human being (including you). Be prepared to be patient. And when you join the union, learn as much as you can about it and get involved.

What projects are you working on now?

This winter I wrapped a short film with some puppeteer friends, which was a pretty incredible experience. I watched my co-star come to life in a silicone mold and CAD drafting program! The film is currently in post-production, so we’ll be doing ADR for that in the next couple weeks. Last fall I worked on another friend’s film (@conosesfilm),which is now being submitted to festivals, so looking forward to seeing that on the big screen soon.

How would you describe your style?

Comfortably edgy? Before focusing on acting, I played bass guitar in several indie bands, so I love a rockstar vibe(more glam than grit). But I just can’t give up leggings and hoodies. I’m pretty good at finding a mix that makes me feel empowered and sexy—and that I could also take a nap in. One designer I’m into right now is Kate Hewko. Her style is bold and fun, and the pieces give you a lot of freedom to experiment. It’s also women-owned and socially conscious, and I love the diversity of their models. When it comes to hair and makeup, I’m pretty no-frills. I go all out for auditions and screenings, but day to day, good skincare is enough.