Jasmine Mathews, Daniyar, Eden Epstein Discuss the Authenticity of ‘Sweetbitter’ [Video]

The new STARZ series Sweetbitter serves up unique flavors as it follows 22-year-old Tess as she tries to start a new life in New York City.

Tess gets a job as a backwaiter at one of the city’s finest restaurants and meets a cast of unique personalities as she’s drawn into the behind-the-scenes drama.

We recently sat down with Jasmine Mathews, Daniyar, and Eden Epstein who all play characters that stand out in the show’s ensemble.

“My character, Heather is a very smart, feisty, sassy, sort of gossiper. She’ll talk about you behind your back, but also tell it to your face, but she’s the only person of color who works in the front of house as well,” said Mathews.

“My character, Sasha, is a gay backwaiter. Force of nature, loud, open-mouthed, says what he wants, with a huge heart,” Daniyar explained.

“I play Ari, who’s sort of the mean girl at the restaurant,” Epstein said.

“She’s pretty judgemental, can be crass at times, has no filter. I think she has a soft spot somewhere, you just have to find it.”

When asked what drew her to her role, Mathews explained: “The truth, the authenticity that I found. Heather’s experience of being the only person of color is my own experience in a lot of restaurants that I’ve worked in,” and there’s a part of her that’s seeking for acceptance, and approval and I think we can all relate to that.”

Daniyar was a fan of Stephanie Danler’s writing.

“The book is unbelievable!” Daniyar exclaimed. “I could play anything, a background person! I’m a fan of the book, I’m a fan of Stephanie Danler’s writing, and just being in it would be incredible. Not only am I playing this kind of role, I’m playing the most amazing role, and Sasha is unbelievable.”

Epstein was excited by how dissimilar she and Ari were. “I love playing someone who’s not similar to me, and this character is relentlessly herself, even when it’s unattractive and unkind at times. So that was a treat, to get to play someone that can be unpleasant at times, but I think she’s also very funny.”

The first season of Sweetbitter will have six episodes, but each character does have their own story.

“It’s just like a prologue too, it’s just a slice, it’s just the beginning,” Epstein remarked.

You can watch the full interview with Jasmine Matthews, Daniyar, and Eden Epstein here:

For more interviews where we talk with leading cast members, check out the rest of our coverage of Sweetbitter right here.

Additional reporting by Caralynn Lippo. 

Sweetbitter premieres Sunday, May 6th at 8/7 c on STARZ.

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