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Largely regarded as one of the best shows on TV, FX’s Snowfall hits all the right notes with its top-tier storytelling, stylish cinematography, and compelling characters. While Franklin Saint is a draw, fans have also taken a huge liking to Aunt Louie, played by Angela Lewis.

A breakout star since season 1 of the popular series, Lewis is the fire behind Louie’s intelligence, warmth, strength, and vulnerability. She draws from her professional theater background to guide her performance, but also credits her character for teaching her some lessons about personal power.

Lewis recently spoke with Showbiz Cheat Sheet about season 4 of Snowfall, her vision for Aunt Louie’s future, and what she’s learned from her character.

'Snowfall' star Angela Lewis attends the premiere of FX's 'Devs' in March 2020
‘Snowfall’ star Angela Lewis attends the premiere of FX’s ‘Devs’ at ArcLight Cinemas on March 02, 2020 | Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Angela Lewis says the stakes are high after Louie got shot

There is no shortage of edge-of-your-seat intensity on Snowfall, but episode 8 saw fan-favorite Aunt Louie get caught in the crossfire of Khadijah’s vendetta against Franklin and Leon.

While Leon, Franklin, and Jerome were physically unscathed in the drive-by shooting, Louie was hit and is unconscious in a hospital bed. It hurts on multiple levels.

Lewis says the family is going to take action. “Everybody’s mad. The family is mad, and you better believe that they’re not going to take this lying down. And it’s just going to be super intense from here on out,” she said.

Viewers know that several characters — and the operation — are in jeopardy right now when it comes to freedom or death, but Lewis is most concerned for Louie.

“I’m very afraid for Louie. She’s fighting for her life, and fighting for her life in a way that she’s never had to fight for her life before,” Lewis said.

“I think she’s been a fighter in general her whole life, and she’s been abused and underestimated, but this is a whole other level of fight. So, we’ll see whether she comes out of it, and if she does, how. What does that mean for her and her existence?”

Lewis on her hopes for Uncle Jerome and Aunt Louie

Heading into the final stretch of season 4, Jerome is enraged about Louie but has always felt conflicted about the business. He’s supported Franklin and Louie as partners in the operation, and over the course of four seasons, the entire family has witnessed the pitfalls and successes from earning money the way they do.

Lewis has her own wishes for Louie and Jerome. When we asked about her character’s ideal endgame, she expressed her desire for the couple to win.

“I think Louie wants all the power she can get. So, I’m rooting for Louie and Jerome to be able to get on the same page and get as big as they possibly can — to expand their world as much as they can. That’s what they got into it for. Louie has always seen herself larger than life, I think. So, I’m really wanting her to experience that,” Lewis shared.

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Louie has taught Lewis something valuable

Actors often glean wisdom from the characters they play, and certain roles can help them tap into parts of themselves physically, emotionally, or mentally. At times, such experiences serve to teach as well, and Lewis gained insight about herself through playing Louie.

“Louie has definitely taught me that I need to stand up for myself more, and that I can stand up for myself more,” she reflected.

“I think on the spectrum of self-worth, there’s a lot of space between where Louie is and where I am. I think there’s room for growth for me before I get to some of the lengths that Louie goes to in order to fight for her power.”

Fans can catch Angela Lewis killing it in Snowfall each Wednesday on FX at 10 p.m. EST. The season 4 finale airs on April 21.

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