Fiona Dourif, the talented actress known for her compelling role in *The Pitt*, has opened up about a distinctive aspect of her character’s portrayal that is closely tied to her own personality. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, she revealed her belief that a particular line referencing her “witch’s cackle” in the show’s second season was likely penned by co-star Noah Wyle.
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In the latest season, Dourif’s character, resident Dr. Cassie McKay, finds herself the subject of flirtation from a patient, who remarks on her delightful laugh. In response, Dr. McKay quips coyly, “Oh god, my witch’s cackle.” Dourif confirms that this line draws inspiration from her own laugh, which she describes as loud to the point of being somewhat embarrassing. “That’s my real laugh. I have a really loud laugh that I actually find quite embarrassing,” she explained. The witty banter is an interesting nuance that adds depth to her character while reflecting her off-screen personality.
Dourif is convinced that Wyle played a significant role in introducing this line. Wyle not only stars in the show as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch but has also taken charge of the writing process for several episodes. “I remember reading it and being like, ‘Oh my god,'” Dourif recounted, highlighting how her unique laugh had made its way into the script in a remarkably personal way.
The actress also shared that her loud laugh has become somewhat of a signature trait among her friends and colleagues. “People say this to me all the time. They’re like, ‘Oh, I can always figure out where you are because I can hear your laugh from doors down,’” she said, clearly amused by the observation.
As the season progresses, Dr. McKay’s journey takes a more romantic turn when she secures a date with her flirtatious patient after his discharge. Dourif expressed her excitement about portraying this bashful side of her character, especially after having faced a more challenging earlier season. Her personal insights reveal a broader theme for many women in their 40s, as she remarks, “There are a lot of women who are focused on work and then you get to middle age… and you want to fill your life out a little bit. It’s vulnerable and harder to do than when you’re in your 20s.”
Reflecting on her character’s evolution, Dourif described the experience as sweet, stating, “I felt very bashful myself in a lot of these scenes. But it was sweet to take that twirl. I was happy the show explored that with me.” Her appreciation for the character’s growth adds an intriguing layer to her performance, making it relatable to many viewers.
Noah Wyle, co-star and executive producer of *The Pitt*, highlighted the multifaceted roles he juggles on set while discussing the creative process behind the series. He has written two episodes each season and recently directed his first episode in the second season. Wyle remarked on the quick turnaround between the first and second seasons, stating, “There wasn’t a lot of time for analysis…We shot the first season, and it started airing just as we were pretty much done with it.”
Wyle also mentioned the initial success of the first season, which provided the production team with a sense of validation. “We went back to season 2 with a little bit more confidence that our instincts were good and that we should lean into them,” he said, expressing optimism for the direction of the series.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming episodes, fans can look forward to the conclusion of season 2, with the finale scheduled to air on Thursday, April 16, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max. With a mix of humour, vulnerability, and relatable themes, *The Pitt* continues to captivate audiences, thanks in part to Dourif’s authentic portrayal of Dr. Cassie McKay and the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew led by Wyle.