With a current calendar that involves starring opposite Kevin Costner in Paramount+’s Yellowstone and Bryan Cranston in Showtime’s Your Honor, Lilli Kay is at no loss for pushing her acting chops this winter. While both shows might veer toward the “heavy,” Kay shares that there’s still time on-set for a little wellness, skin care and singing.
The roles you’re currently playing are heavy. How do you unwind after a long day on-set?
After work, I usually pour myself a giant glass of water—I am terrible at hydrating—curl up on the couch and watch something comforting. These days, it’s Heartstopper on Netflix. In theory, I’d like to eat a meal that’s super healthy and nourishing… but I usually end up eating a bunch of salty-spicy junk food because that’s what I crave when I’m tired. Oops.
What are your current go-to wellness items?
I’ve been trying to actually take my vitamins like a grown-up! Turmeric and a rotating regimen of probiotics are the big ones for me. I’ve spent a long time trying to figure out my skin-care routine… it usually changes based on the season, but as of right now the products I absolutely never switch out are Mediheal sheet masks ($11)—they save my skin after a long week—and Clé de Peau UV protective cream ($135). It’s the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out. I also try to stretch with a yoga strap before bed. It helps me check-in with my body.
Are there any specific glam steps you take to get into character?
I usually leave my face and hair in the hands of the experts, but scents can be really fun for me. It’s kind of interesting imagining how someone would smell, what that story that might tell. I love mixing and layering fragrances in my own life, so it’s a cool element to play with.
What is the one thing fans might be surprised to hear that goes on behind the scenes at Yellowstone?
Somehow, everyone on seems to have an incredible singing voice. I remember one day, Jen Landon just whipped out her travel guitar and started singing—my jaw was on the floor. Much more jamming in the bunkhouse than I’d anticipated, for sure.
What are you excited for as we start the new year?
Feels silly to say, but I’m really excited to see the new season of my show Your Honor on Showtime next year! And terrified! I absolutely hate watching myself, but everyone else on the show is so great, and I can’t wait see what they get up to.
