This blog post is from actor/celebrity Diane Kruger. You can see Diane play the character Sonya Cross, a detective who has Asperger Syndrome on FX’s new hit series “The Bridge” on Wednesdays at 10 PM EST!
Diane Kruger playing Sonya Cross in “The Bridge” Photo Courtesy: FX
When I first signed on to portray Sonya Cross, a detective who has Aspergers for The Bridge, I knew very little about autism. Even after countless books and internet research, I could only begin to grasp what it must be like living with this condition. But one thing became immediately clear: there was no way I was going to be able to give an authentic performance without spending time with someone with Aspergers. Actors tend to work inside out when approaching a character for the first time. So I asked FX to help me find a consultant. Luckily an executive vice president at FX named Chuck Saftler jumped in to help. As you know, Chuck is a tireless advocate for Autism Speaks and quickly put me in touch with Alex Plank, a very bright and charming young man with Aspergers. Alex allowed me into his world….unafraid of what I might ask or see, he is truly the reason I finally felt capable to become Sonya. And then something else — I fell completely in love with Sonya. I am so incredibly fond and protective of her and I want to show all of her colors and nuances to the best of my abilities. It all started to make sense. Not that I could ever do it 100% justice, because…how could I? But because of Autism Speaks and Alex Plank I`ve come to understand what autism is and how it impacts one’s life and the people around them. I feel like I finally “know” Sonya…and my life has forever changed because of her.
I want to thank all of you, and especially Alex, for the help and invitation to learn about autism and I truly hope that you will be proud of our joint work when you watch The Bridge. I know I sleep easier at night, knowing that Alex is there…every day…watching out for you.
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