Lilah Pate Shares Her Experience Collaborating with Father on ‘The Runarounds’ (Exclusive)
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Actress Lilah Pate recently opened up about her leading role in Prime Video’s series ‘The Runarounds’, portraying Sophia Kinney in the show created by her father, Jonas Pate. Following her supporting roles in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ and ‘Outer Banks’, the 21-year-old actress expressed how these previous experiences helped prepare her for her pivotal role in the new series. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lilah revealed the significance of working alongside her father on a project she admired for so long.
Growing up in a film-centric environment, Lilah recalls being captivated by the industry from a young age. She shared how her father encouraged her pursuit of acting only if it was a genuine passion. With her commitment and dedication evident through booking independent roles, Lilah eventually convinced her father of her true interest in the craft. This led to the unique opportunity to collaborate with her father on ‘The Runarounds’, a project close to both their hearts.
The genesis of ‘The Runarounds’ stemmed from Jonas Pate’s prior success with ‘Outer Banks’, where he delved into the concept of a band’s origin story. Lilah detailed her experience of unexpectedly landing the role of Sophia, which evolved from a minor character into a significant part of the series. The emotional journey of exploring her character alongside her father during production underscored the personal significance of the project for both of them.
Despite the privilege of working closely with her father, Lilah acknowledged the pressure to excel in her performance. She candidly shared the weight of expectations placed on her shoulders, with her father emphasizing the importance of delivering an exceptional performance. Reflecting on a heartfelt conversation they had on set, the duo reaffirmed their gratitude for the rare opportunity to collaborate professionally while maintaining a familial bond.
Drawing inspiration from her past roles, including portraying Gigi in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, Lilah embraced valuable lessons learned from her acclaimed co-stars. The camaraderie formed between the casts of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ and ‘The Runarounds’ during their concurrent filming in Wilmington highlighted the shared experiences and friendships forged in the industry. Additionally, Lilah expressed gratitude for the mentorship and support she received from the cast of ‘Outer Banks’, particularly during her formative years on set.
Looking ahead, Lilah expressed hope for a potential second season of ‘The Runarounds’, envisioning further character development for Sophia. Amidst her bustling schedule, including filming a new project in London, she emphasized the importance of recalibrating her goals based on personal growth and continuous improvement. Taking to heart her father’s advice on focusing on effort rather than outcomes, Lilah strives to maintain a balanced perspective on her career aspirations.
As ‘The Runarounds’ season 1 continues to captivate audiences on Prime Video, Lilah Pate’s journey in the show serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, familial bonds, and personal growth in the entertainment industry. With her talent shining on screen and her commitment to honing her craft evident, Lilah’s narrative underscores the artistry and dedication she brings to each role she embraces.