Ann Dowd on Embracing Aunt Lydia Again in The Testaments: A Heartfelt Return with God’s Blessing
Ann Dowd on Returning as Aunt Lydia in The Testaments
Emmy Award-winning actress Ann Dowd has expressed her desire to return to the complex role of Aunt Lydia in The Testaments, a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. Dowd, who has portrayed Aunt Lydia for six seasons, stated that she “wasn’t ready to give up” the character, saying she eagerly welcomed the opportunity to revisit her. The new series, an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, is set to premiere on Hulu this Sunday.
In The Testaments, Dowd co-stars with Chase Infiniti, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another, and Lucy Holliday, who plays Daisy. The two characters are introduced as students at Aunt Lydia’s newly established academy for the daughters of Gilead’s high commanders. Details about these characters will unfold as the series progresses.
The events in The Testaments occur several years after the chilling narrative of The Handmaid’s Tale, which concluded in May. Dowd describes Aunt Lydia as “a complete gift,” noting the character’s moral complexities. At the end of The Handmaid’s Tale, Aunt Lydia is left "deeply remorseful," having realized the horrors of her actions.
Over the years, Dowd asserts that Aunt Lydia has undergone significant changes, allowing her to start anew with her school. “It’s a whole different world,” Dowd remarked, emphasizing that the character enters this new chapter as a “gentler self.” Though the fierceness of Aunt Lydia remains, her focus has shifted to the education of young girls in Gilead, though notably lacking in reading and writing.
“As a through-line connecting both of Margaret Atwood’s Gilead novels, I feel very privileged for that connection to the past,” Dowd added.
In her portrayal, Dowd has drawn inspiration from her experiences with Catholic Ursuline nuns, instilling a strong work ethic in her representation of Aunt Lydia. She elaborated on how this shaped her understanding of the character’s motivations, describing Aunt Lydia’s upbringing as one that was likely influenced by a cold, religious father.
Notably, Atwood insisted that Aunt Lydia must survive throughout the series, stating the character is “too good to kill.” Dowd expressed gratitude for this decision, recognizing Atwood’s intentions in keeping the character alive for the sequel.
Addressing current events, Dowd reflected on the frightening parallels between the show and contemporary U.S. politics. She emphasized a sense of urgency regarding social issues, though she admitted to not watching the series, noting, “I don’t watch because… it takes away from the joy.”
Looking forward, Dowd mentioned several projects in development alongside her long-time manager, including an adaptation of Naomi Wallace’s play Night is a Room and Olga Tokarczuk’s novel Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. However, she remains particularly excited about a forthcoming book by her husband, titled Act Like a Human Being, which aims to share insights from past acting students on the importance of effective communication.
As Dowd prepares for the launch of The Testaments, she remains reflective on Aunt Lydia’s journey and what it means to bring such a layered character to life on screen. The first episode of the new series is scheduled to air Sunday, promising to reveal more about Aunt Lydia and her enduring impact in Gilead.
