Rising Star Emily and Elizabeth Hinkler On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Your story is worth sharing. Whether you are a filmmaker, a writer, a poet, a teacher, a child, or any person in this world, it’s important, even crucial, to share your story and speak your voice. Many of us question whether our story is important or if it matters, but speaking your story brings such magic, healing, and community. We never know the impact we have on others’ lives who might be going through something similar, or the freedom we feel taking ownership of who we are.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Emily and Elizabeth Hinkler.
Emily and Elizabeth Hinkler (both they/she) never grew out of playing pretend. Growing up without access to many resources, their unique bond and unconditional acceptance of one another amalgamated into a world of their own: an incubation of creativity and belonging.
The stories and characters the Hinklers share today are an outgrowth of that: of knowing someone so intimately, you feel their heart as if it were your own. Passionate about sharing storytelling experiences that explore the intricacies of life’s moments and relationships, their work holds space for unification and individuality. As they were gifted with the safety and nurturance to truly be themselves, storytelling is their way to create connection and understanding.
The Hinklers’ two-person play won the Hollywood Fringe’s Duende Distinction Award for best acting, and were nominated for best acting at the Stage Raw Awards. Elizabeth was in the Top 20 Actors of 2020 with Casting Society of America’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee, and Emily was nominated for Best Ensemble by CinEuphoria for Boy Erased.
Previous work together includes memorable roles on The Good Doctor, Adam Sandler’s Sandy Wexler, Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, Chicago Med, and Good Burger 2. When not creating their own work, the Hinklers enjoy myriads of crafts, learning ASL, making homemade jam, foraging, and stained glass.
Based in LA.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Thank you so much for having us! Our story is that we never grew out of playing pretend. Having little access to resources, activities, or media, we incubated one another with immense creativity, care, and acceptance. Those seeds that developed our relationship is the outgrowth of the stories and characters we create in our acting and filmmaking.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
Growing up, we didn’t know what acting was, or even that it was a career path, until we did a play at thirteen and were double cast as the same part. It wasn’t even a discussion, it was just something we both felt that finally completed the puzzle for us, and we each knew that we would continue to do this for the rest of our lives.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
We play a lot of conjoined twins. We’ve been conjoined at the head, middle, and leg to name a few. Actually, we are really good at three legged races because we have the same length step and can run to the finish line! Our most favorite time was when we were conjoined at the head in The Good Doctor. It was a very special experience for us, because it was our first time playing twins that felt like real people instead of stereotypical twins- we didn’t always talk at the same time, wear matching clothes, or were always fighting. It was the first time we felt seen. The episodes were incredibly emotional, and the story was so dear to our hearts. We were thankful to have each other during that time, and will always treasure that experience.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One of our usual mistakes that we have made, and keep making, is that if one of us is friends with someone, the other twin will assume they are friends too, because they hear so much about them…which can ultimately become problematic being twins. Emily filmed Boy Erased in Atlanta and became friends with everyone on set, and told Elizabeth about all of these new pals. When the premiere rolled around, Elizabeth, completely elated to meet everyone, bounded over to Madelyn Cline, Joel Edgerton, Lucas Hedges, and so many others hugging them. But everyone assumed Elizabeth was Emily. So when Emily showed up, they were like… “So nice to meet you, Elizabeth!” Hehe this happens a lot so we usually need to try to remember to say who is who!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
We are really excited about the projects we’ve been making. As filmmakers, we created our own company, The Hinklers, where we create storytelling experiences to understand someone else’s heart as though it were our own. All of our pieces are character driven, with the intention to see into the heart, mind, and soul of another person. Although we cannot share what we are working on at the moment, we are excited to share them with you soon!
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
Having a career in the arts is incredibly challenging; it’s an enormous test of endurance, flexibility, patience, and understanding and executing your values. It’s part of the creative process to feel down, unmotivated, stuck, and lost. Being one another’s biggest advocates and supports is truly what keeps us going, helps us stay motivated, waters us when we are wilted, and nourishes our soil and roots to continue growing.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity is the pathway to connection. Understanding someone else’s heart and mind, even if you do not share the same skin color, abilities, orientation, identity, or background is essential in creating peace in our communities. Film and television’s accessibility and visual storytelling provides an engaging way to experience someone else’s story first hand, through their eyes. It creates empathy, respect, and belonging.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1: You do you and you can’t go wrong. As the industry is always changing, the advice or wish to follow in someone else’s footsteps is outdated and impossible. You cannot have a career path like anyone else, not even for each of us. If you follow what you love, your heart and inspiration, that will lead you on a fulfilling path that is completely curated by you.
We’ve always been blessed with the support of each other to be ourselves, and therefore do not have a specific example. Be you, understand what you love and want to do, and your heart will tell you where to go and what to create into the world.
2: Create a life of balance.
We heard this lesson early on in our careers from our incredible friend and casting director, Mark Fincannon. He asked us, when we are sitting in our rocking chairs towards the end of our lives, what would we cherish and remember? For so many of us, all we want is our dreams to come true, but we forget that our dreams are here, existing in this very moment. This journey is a marathon. Instead of spending so much energy forcing our dreams to happen, we find other ways to be fulfilled in the present moment and enjoy the process- through building a community, being with family, filling our creative cups in other ways, and enjoying all of what life is. For us, we aim to spend much of our days experiencing the world, making lots of crafts, eating yummy food, playing and cuddling with our puppies, and spending time together.
3: The cavalry is not coming. Our dearest filmmaking mentor and friend Jay Duplass shared this in his book, Like Brothers, with his brother Mark, and it continues to ring true. Our dreams are not created by others, only through ourselves.
For us, we came to LA with the decision to produce and act in a two person twin play that playwright Janet Schlapkohl wrote specifically for us. It was a lot of work, but was incredibly well received, so much that we got picked up by the Odyssey Theatre for a four month run. Most actors are itching for representation while they are out here, but for us, doing the work and sharing the beautiful story of these twins was our priority. From doing the work and staying true to us, we got representation. However, even with support, you are responsible for being your own cavalry.
4: Work on your mental health. So much of the industry is filled with rejection and the unknown, but it’s how you approach such situations that determines your longevity.
Oftentimes the stories in our heads are much more different than the reality outside of us, and it’s important to check in with our thoughts and see what is actually true. The most important relationship you have is with yourself. Everyone has a constant dialogue in their head- make your head a nice place to be.
5: Your story is worth sharing. Whether you are a filmmaker, a writer, a poet, a teacher, a child, or any person in this world, it’s important, even crucial, to share your story and speak your voice. Many of us question whether our story is important or if it matters, but speaking your story brings such magic, healing, and community. We never know the impact we have on others’ lives who might be going through something similar, or the freedom we feel taking ownership of who we are.
Our own story of being identical twins is important for us to share. Especially due to media, so many people have misconceptions about twins that it’s difficult for us to be seen as real people. For example, a lot of people ask or tell us who is prettier, smarter, funnier, more friendly, more dominant, etc from the very first few seconds of meeting us. They either contrast us to be complete opposites or lump us together as if we are clones- which doesn’t allow the space to be the multifaceted complex people that we are. We all deserve the right to share our story and be seen as who we truly are.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
As we touched on earlier, it is all about balance; listening to what you need and enjoying the process. Living life, being kind to yourself and your mental health.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
To see someone else’s heart as though it were your own. :)
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
We’d both have to say our playwright, Janet Schlapkohl, who wrote the two person play, My Sister, for us. So much of our history has been playing ensemble characters, and to be presented with a play that was written for us was truly an honor. Janet understood our intimate relationship as her aunts are twins as well, and the play is impeccable in encapsulating the immense love between two siblings. Janet has helped us tour the show, and will be there when we make it into a film. We are so grateful she was the first person to take a chance on us.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Emily: My favorite quote is “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.” by Goethe. It’s been a favorite for a very long time, and reminds me that anything is possible, just start.
Elizabeth: I don’t necessarily have a favorite quote, because I love and resonate with so many different ones depending on the day. But the quotes I most oftentimes pull from are by my most beloved author, Brene Brown. I’ll share this one: “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” A lot of people have told me that to “survive” in this industry, I need to toughen up. I know that has worked for a lot of people, but I always aim to wear my heart on my sleeve and am very emotional, and see that as my superpower. It does mean I get hurt a lot, but I don’t see being hurt or heartbroken as a bad thing. It makes me feel, and that is important. It is my power that helps me connect, engage, and support others in a way that many people are not used to. I believe it’s part of my life’s purpose.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Elizabeth: Goodness gracious, for me it would have to be Brene Brown. I am so in awe of her work and it has made me who I am. It has made our company the way it is. Through her, I have learned to wear my vulnerability with pride and honor and have found her a core teacher in my life.
Emily: It would definitely be Jack Black.
Elizabeth: Ooh! Can I join you?
Emily: Of course! Jack Black is the essence of play. I admire him not only as an actor and artist, but as a human being. His heart is so big that you can feel it through the screen. I love his energy, generosity, and commitment to each role. If we met, I’d run up and give him the biggest hug.
How can our readers follow you online?
Instagram: @thehinklers @elizabethhinkler @emilyhinkler
Youtube: @thehinklers
Facebook: emilyandelizabethhinkler
Twitter: @thehinklers @elizabeehinkler @emilyhinkler
Tiktok: @thehinklers @elizabethhinkler @emilyhinkler
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Thank you so much! This was very meaningful to us as well, and we appreciate your incredibly thoughtful and considerate questions. Best wishes to you as well :) :)
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
