Joy Osmanski Talks ‘Stargirl’ and the Pleasures of Playing the Villain [Exclusive Interview]

There is no other mother quite like the tigress. She takes her cubs out to the hunting field and teaches them hands-on skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. Without these important lessons, a young tiger would not have the edge it needs to live a long, healthy, and productive life.

Stargirl’s character known as Tigress has similar traits to the animal she shares names with. She is protective of her daughter, Artemis, on and off the playing field rooting her on through the ferocious fight — and even jumping in as backup when needed.

Brought to life by the extremely talented Joy Osmanski, Tigress fills a void in the villain world today by being a dedicated mother despite her criminal background. She truly wants what is best for her family, and has no problems killing anyone that gets in the way of their happiness. 

Joy Osmanski’s name may ring a bell from other roles in television and movies such as Santa Clarita Diet, The Loop, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, and Devious Maids. Her diverse acting career has set her apart in a sea of overwhelming talent. 

Osmanski took the time to answer a few of my questions about her current role on Stargirl and what it’s like to play the villain.

Tell-Tale TV: How did you come to be a part of Stargirl? What made you excited to work on the show?

Joy Osmanski: I got hired the good (new) old fashioned way — with a self-tape audition. Everything was top secret, though. The character had a code name — I had no idea it was a dual character.

It wasn’t until after I got the role that I learned all the details. At first, I thought it was a mistake, that I’d been sent the wrong information. I remember asking my agent, Jabari, who Tigress was.

My understanding came as a slow dawning; my excitement grew as more and more of the project was revealed. A superhero show? And I get to play a supervillain? What?!

Tell-Tale TV: What is the best part of playing a villain? The worst?

Osmanski: Playing a villain, especially when the writing’s great, is wonderful. It’s so fun to be given permission to behave in ways you never would in real life.

And to experience such a physical character has been exhilarating — I never imagined I would be doing stunt work at this point in my career. Watching that self-imposed limitation come crashing down has been incredible. The worst part of playing a villain? Nothing. 

Tell-Tale TV: What other heroes or villains would you like to see pop up on the show?

Osmanski: I would love to see Johnny Sorrow make an appearance. I mean, come on. He’s a former silent film actor forced into retirement by the “talkies.”

He wears a mask because seeing his face is fatal. This is some next-level, art imitating life creation. I love it.

Tell-Tale TV: Tigress has been seen on Gotham and Young Justice, fulfilling very different roles. What does Stargirl’s version bring to the table?

Osmanski: What I love about this iteration of Tigress is how she’s motivated by love for her family. For me, it’s much more compelling if my character is driven by something more faceted than just bloodlust. That’s definitely there too, but it’s partially justified by her intentions for her daughter, Artemis, and I think that brings a relatable element to an otherwise fairly alarming character.

Tell-Tale TV: Stargirl seems more family-friendly than a lot of the superhero shows at the current time. Do you feel this is a good thing? Why?

Osmanski: I believe there’s a place for all the versions of superhero shows — I certainly watch a wide range of content. But I do love being part of a show that I can share with my friends and family as a common interest.

Stargirl involves so many satisfying, exhilarating ingredients that can bring people together in a time where we are deeply divided. And certainly, for a little bit of time each week, we can all escape into a world where good and evil collide in stories we want to watch unfold.

Tell-Tale TV: In the comics, Tigress walks a fine line between hero and villain. Will the show explore this aspect at all?

Osmanski: Honestly, even though I know Tigress is considered a villain, I don’t tend to think of her that way. Sure, her methods are nothing that I would endorse, but I sympathize with her frustrations. I relate to her struggle with playing a part of a society she doesn’t agree with.

I think a lot of people feel at odds with what is expected of them — how to behave, what to say, what public rituals to participate in — and push against that. Sometimes, that’s precisely what needs to happen to exact positive change and evolution.

Again, my personal ethos is nothing like hers, but I love that the show allows us to see the reasons behind the villain’s actions. I’d love to see more about why Tigress behaves the way she does. 

Tell-Tale TV: Stargirl has already covered important topics such as bullying, abuse, poverty, and public shaming. Is there any certain subject you would like the show to delve into?

Osmanski: I think the show is doing a lovely job of addressing a variety of pertinent issues. And with the various storylines around parents and children, inheritance, and heredity, I’m loving anything that explores what it means to be “related,” especially when that means the next generation deviates wildly from the one previous.

Tell-Tale TV: Has there been a particular scene in Stargirl that was more difficult to film than others?

Osmanski: The scene in Episode 6, where Neil (Sportsmaster) and I were attempting to sell Artemis on our date night. It wasn’t difficult to film, but it was difficult not to laugh. Stella did such a wonderful deadpan while she listened to us rattle off all our plans for the night, and what we expected of her.

And our director, Chris, let me and Neil improvise a lot of dialogue, which was so fun and hilarious. I think it was the only time I broke during the filming of that scene. Neil said the name of some ridiculous exercise and I lost it. We also shot that scene around two in the morning, so we were getting a little loopy. 

Tell-Tale TV: What would you like your acting career to be known for?

Osmanski: Longevity and diversity of roles. 

Tell-Tale TV: Finally, what are your interests outside of acting?

Osmanski: I’m passionate about my family. Being a parent. Advocating for my children, and children everywhere. Education and awareness about open, transracial adoption. Making things with my hands — crafting, artwork. 

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Watch Joy Osmanski play a devoted mother and deviant criminal on Stargirl airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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