Carrie-Anne Moss was immersed in one of her cherished books, reading a chapter about Baba Yaga, when she received an invitation to join the upcoming series, Yaga. The coincidence felt like a meaningful alignment to her.
During an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner, Moss revealed her long-time ownership of Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés since 1999. The chapter she was reading resonated with the project she was being offered.
“I take those kinds of things quite literally,” Moss expressed. “Things like that have always guided my life.”
Yaga, a dark mystery-thriller series, was created by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler based on her 2019 stage play. The show features Noah Reid from Schitt’s Creek as private investigator Charlie Rapp, who embarks on a quest to locate missing heir Henry Park, portrayed by Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry. Set in the fictional coastal town of Whittock, the storyline mirrors the Slavic legend of Baba Yaga, a mysterious character with a hut standing on chicken legs and unpredictable powers.
Upon receiving a letter from Sandler explaining the role of Katherine Hargrove, a professor attracted to younger men, Moss carefully reviewed the pitch and scripts before accepting the part.
Filming in Victoria has brought Moss back to her roots in British Columbia, where she spent summers as a child with her aunt and uncle on the island.
Growing up in Burnaby and later residing in Granville Island during high school, Moss was drawn to acting early on. Influenced by television shows that evoked strong emotions in her, she pursued her dream of becoming an actress through choir singing, playwriting, and performing.
Transitioning from Vancouver to Toronto and then to Europe, Moss landed her first significant role on the television series Dark Justice (1991-93) while living in Barcelona. The move to Los Angeles presented challenges as she navigated financial constraints and visa issues but remained steadfast in her pursuit of acting.
Despite facing setbacks, including being released from a TV series after two seasons, Moss persevered and eventually secured the iconic role of Trinity in The Matrix after rigorous auditions. The experience taught her valuable lessons about resilience and trusting the journey.
Reflecting on her career-defining role in The Matrix, Moss shared her emotional reaction upon watching the film for the first time and the impact it had on her career trajectory. The role propelled her to international fame, leading to appearances in various films and her return to The Matrix franchise in 2021.
Balancing her acting career with motherhood, Moss prioritized raising her children and cherishes her family life in New Hampshire after relocating from Los Angeles for a quieter environment.
While contemplating the future of her work, Moss expressed reservations about the role of artificial intelligence in creativity, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in storytelling.
As she embraces new opportunities, Moss remains focused on her current choices, including revisiting her roots in British Columbia and embracing a role that seemed serendipitous at the right moment.