Anna Van Patten has garnered significant attention for her breakout performance as Kitty, a dancer at the Silver Slipper, in the highly anticipated third season of HBO's hit series, Euphoria. Season 3 is poised to be remembered for several standout moments, including Cassie's (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate’s (Jacob Elordi) wedding dance, Nate’s brutal death, and the four-year hiatus between seasons, but Van Patten's portrayal of the dark, sad, and emotional character Kitty is undoubtedly a highlight.

In an exclusive interview with Collider, Van Patten revealed the intense pressure she felt to do justice to Kitty's complex story. She emphasized the importance of staying present with the character and focusing on her truth to embody such a deep headspace. Collaboration with director Sam Levinson was crucial in shaping Kitty; Levinson provided various references that helped Van Patten expand her vision for the character. She appreciated the freedom and collaborative environment on set, where her questions were heard, and she had room to explore different tones in her performance.

Van Patten also shared her experience regarding the episode titled 'Kitty Loves to Dance,' named after her character. While she knew about it during filming, she clarified that the pressure she felt was not due to the episode's title, but rather her desire to authentically convey Kitty's experiences for the larger narrative, ensuring the story resonated powerfully with audiences.

Stepping into Kitty's shoes proved to be a transformative experience for Van Patten. She learned a great deal about herself, particularly gaining comfort in her own body. Playing a dancer allowed her to feel okay with taking up space, a lesson further reinforced by her subsequent engagement in pole dancing, which reshaped her relationship with her body and self-perception.

Anna Van Patten is no stranger to the world of iconic television, stemming from a distinguished family legacy in the entertainment industry. Her father, Tim Van Patten, is a renowned actor and director known for his work on shows like The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and Game of Thrones. Anna spent her formative years on these sets, absorbing invaluable knowledge and experiences that would later contribute to her acting success. Her uncle, Dick Van Patten, an actor and comedian, and her sister, Grace Van Patten, who has starred in series such as Nine Perfect Strangers and Tell Me Lies, have also made significant impacts in the industry.

Despite her family's expertise, Anna is determined to carve her own authentic path, resisting the urge to conform to public norms. Her educational background, including studying performing arts and film in high school and college, reflects her commitment to a well-rounded understanding of her craft. She believes this comprehensive approach broadened her perspective on the art of storytelling, revealing its intricate, collaborative nature beyond just words.

Looking ahead, Van Patten is drawn to roles and projects that explore 'gray areas' and spark broader conversations, finding Euphoria particularly exciting for its ability to do so. Her fascination with storytelling is deeply personal; she perceives life itself as a collection of stories, a fundamental way she connects with the world and learns about herself. Her advice to her younger self would be to embrace authenticity, lean into what makes one unique, and continuously learn and explore personal interests.

To decompress between projects or during production, Van Patten is a firm believer in long walks for grounding. She also seeks inspiration from various sources, including movies, museums, and conversations with family, describing herself as restless and constantly driven to move, learn, and explore. Her future aspirations revolve around personal and creative growth, hoping to be part of more projects that facilitate this journey. Euphoria Season 3 is available to stream on HBO Max.