Britt Lower has always had a knack for captivating audiences, whether she’s bringing humor to a romantic comedy or diving into the eerie depths of a psychological thriller. Best known for her roles in Unforgettable (2011–2014), Man Seeking Woman (2015–2017), and Apple TV+’s Severance (2022–present), she’s carved out a space in Hollywood that feels both effortless and intentional. But her journey hasn’t been a straight path—it’s been one of exploration, artistic risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful storytelling.
A Small-Town Start with Big Imagination
Born on August 2, 1985, in Heyworth, Illinois, Lower grew up in an environment rich with creativity. Her mother, Mickey Lower, ran a face-painting business known as “The Zoo Lady,” a fixture in Central Illinois that sparked Britt’s early fascination with performance. The artistry, the characters, and the sheer transformation that came with a few brushstrokes left an impression on her. She would later recall being mesmerized by circus performers—tightrope walkers, jugglers, artists who traveled and worked on the road for a living. That world felt like magic, and it was a kind of magic she would spend much of her life chasing.
Lower graduated from Heyworth High School in 2004 before heading to Northwestern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication in 2008. While at Northwestern, she immersed herself in improvisational comedy, training with renowned groups like Upright Citizens Brigade and ImprovOlympic. Those early experiences would later serve her well, giving her a comedic edge that made her performances feel natural, unpredictable, and refreshingly human.
Breaking Into Hollywood
Like many actors, Lower’s early years in the industry were a mix of small roles, auditions, and trying to find her footing. Her first big break came in 2011 with Unforgettable, a CBS crime drama where she played technology expert Tanya Sitkowsky. The show gave her a taste of network television, but it was her next major role that truly put her on the map.
In 2015, Lower landed the role of Liz Greenberg in the FXX series Man Seeking Woman, a surreal romantic comedy that played with exaggerated and absurd scenarios to explore modern dating. Lower’s comedic instincts shined, and her portrayal of Liz—a refreshingly self-assured, sharp-witted character—resonated with audiences. The show gave her the space to flex her comedic muscles while grounding its more absurd moments in real, relatable emotion.
From there, Lower continued to take on varied projects. She had a recurring role in Casual (2016), appeared in American Horror Stories, and even starred in a music video for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ song “Wolf.” Her ability to move seamlessly between genres—from dark comedy to horror to psychological drama—proved she wasn’t just another TV actress. She was someone willing to take risks, always searching for roles that felt challenging and new.
Finding Her Stride in Severance
Then came Severance, the Apple TV+ sci-fi psychological thriller that would change everything. Lower plays Helly R., a character caught in the unsettling world of Lumon Industries, where employees voluntarily undergo a procedure to separate their work and personal memories. The show, created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, has been widely praised for its eerie atmosphere, sharp writing, and thought-provoking themes. But at its core, it’s a story about identity, free will, and resilience—ideas that Lower embodies effortlessly in her performance.
Playing Helly wasn’t just another acting job for Lower—it was a deep, psychological dive. To prepare for the role, she took an immersive approach, shadowboxing on set to stay physically engaged, experimenting with different ways to carry office props to make Helly’s interactions feel authentic, and even creating abstract drawings and paintings to tap into her character’s rebellious mindset. The work paid off—her performance is electric, raw, and deeply human. It’s no surprise that Severance quickly became a critical hit, earning a dedicated fanbase and solidifying Lower as an actress capable of carrying complex, emotionally layered characters.
The Circus, Creativity, and What’s Next
Lower’s passion for performance isn’t limited to the screen. Her fascination with circus arts—dating back to those childhood encounters with tightrope walkers—eventually led her to perform with Circus Flora in St. Louis during the hiatus between Severance seasons. It wasn’t just a whimsical side project; it was a genuine commitment to immersive storytelling. She stepped into the role fully, experiencing firsthand what it meant to live and work as a circus performer. It was a dream realized and a reminder that, for her, acting isn’t just about delivering lines—it’s about embodying an experience.
As Severance continues its second season, Lower has expressed excitement about delving deeper into Helly’s world. She hopes to explore more of the character’s backstory and motivations, adding more layers to an already intricate role. But beyond Severance, she’s also thinking about what kind of stories she wants to tell next. Period pieces intrigue her—especially narratives set in the 1970s, a time period she’s long been drawn to. And if there’s a theme that keeps pulling her in, it’s the idea of emotional bravery—the courage to confront life head-on, to navigate pain, joy, and transformation without fear.
For Lower, acting isn’t just a career. It’s a lifelong pursuit of discovery, a constant challenge to push herself in new and unexpected directions. Whether she’s leading a sci-fi thriller, performing in a circus, or experimenting with new forms of storytelling, one thing is clear—Britt Lower isn’t afraid to take the leap.
