Actress Kaitlyn Bernard not too long ago sat down to speak about her highly effective efficiency as Rachel Jeffs within the Lifetime movie Surviving My Father, The Rachel Jeffs Story, based mostly on Jeffs’ memoir Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs. The film explores Rachel’s harrowing journey of survival and resilience after escaping from the management of her father, the infamous FLDS chief Warren Jeffs, and the trauma of rising up in a world constructed on concern and manipulation.
Bernard shared that she first turned conscious of the FLDS group when Warren Jeffs was on the FBI’s Most Needed checklist, but it surely wasn’t till she learn Rachel’s memoir and the movie’s script that she started to grasp the depth of what Jeffs endured. “My eyes were completely opened to this world that not a lot of people know about,” she mentioned. “It’s really rooted in trauma, control, and manipulation. I was blown away by Rachel’s story because despite what happened to her, she was able to, as her memoir says, break free and rewrite her own story.”
Earlier than filming started, Bernard had the chance to talk immediately with Rachel Jeffs alongside director Ali Liebert and producer Amelia. She described the expertise as deeply emotional and provoking. “Even when she talks about her trauma, she has this quiet strength to her, which I really wanted to portray throughout the film,” Bernard mentioned. “She’s such a beautiful human being, and she was so kind and open with us. That conversation gave me even more perspective and helped shape how I approached the role.”
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Bernard defined that the standard she most needed to seize was Rachel’s resilience. “She’s built this incredible life for herself after having nothing when she left the FLDS,” she mentioned. “Despite everything she went through, she came through it with this grace and courage that’s really inspiring.” Bernard recalled an particularly transferring second from their name, when Jeffs advised her, “I know you’re going to do an amazing job, and I’m just going to pray for you tomorrow.” “We were all in tears after she said that,” Bernard added.
Taking over the position of an actual one that has skilled a lot ache was each difficult and emotional for Bernard. She admitted that she felt stress to inform the story authentically. “I’d never played a real person before, and I wanted to tell her story properly,” she mentioned. “It was an emotionally charged role—the kind I love—but it was definitely demanding. I had to find ways to take care of myself and separate Kaitlyn from Rachel once filming was done each day.”
One of the vital difficult scenes for Bernard was the opening of the movie, the place Rachel confides in her husband about what her father did to her as a baby. “There were so many layers to that scene,” she defined. “There’s shame, relief, and this heartbreaking understanding between them. It was one of those scenes that stayed with me.”
Regardless of the darkish materials, Bernard mentioned the solid and crew created a protected, supportive atmosphere on set. “Michael Eklund, who plays Warren Jeffs, made all the difference,” she mentioned. “He’s terrifying on screen but one of the kindest people off it, which made everything feel so much safer. You really need that kind of support when filming something this heavy.” She additionally praised director Ali Liebert, calling her “one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with.” Bernard mentioned Liebert and producer Amelia’s backgrounds as actors helped them perceive the best way to create a collaborative and emotionally protected house. “They had such a strong vision for the story, and it all came together so beautifully,” she mentioned.
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| © 2025 Corus Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. Corus Tv. |
The mission, Bernard famous, modified her each as an actor and as an individual. “Rachel’s courage to make a change and leave everything she knew behind really stuck with me,” she mentioned. “It reminded me how important it is to choose your own path, no matter how hard it is.” She hopes audiences come away from the movie feeling not simply moved by the story however impressed by Rachel’s resilience. “This isn’t just a story about survival,” Bernard mentioned. “It’s about overcoming trauma and creating a beautiful life for yourself despite it all. I hope people feel inspired after watching.”
Surviving My Father, The Rachel Jeffs Story is an unflinching have a look at the price of management and the ability of reclaiming one’s freedom, and Kaitlyn Bernard’s efficiency captures that wrestle with grace, sensitivity, and fact. Her portrayal honors Rachel Jeffs’ braveness and humanity, reminding viewers that even within the darkest of circumstances, there’s all the time hope and energy to be discovered.
Watch the total interview with Kaitlyn Bernard right here:
