Imogen Faith Reid is making waves in the entertainment industry with her breakout role as Natalia Grace in Hulu’s gripping series Good American Family. The 27-year-old British actress portrays the controversial Ukrainian adoptee whose story captured nationwide attention.
Born on May 18, 1997, in the United Kingdom, Reid was diagnosed with dwarfism, standing at just 4 feet 3 inches tall. This height is similar to that of her character, Natalia Grace, although they have different types of dwarfism. Reid has carved out a promising career as an actor, singer, and dancer. Before landing her first major role, she worked as a body double on several high-profile productions, including The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Witcher (Season 3).
Reid shared her excitement about landing the role, stating, "I saw the self-tape [request] through my agent and I thought, 'Well, I'm not going to get that. But, whoever gets it — slay.' After four recalls, I got the job, and it was just such an incredible moment. When researching the story, I was so fascinated by it. As a little person, I just felt like I know what it's like to be judged in everyday life and going through those daily struggles of being small. I thought, 'Yeah, I can take this on.' And I did!”
In her portrayal of Natalia, Reid describes her character as "manipulative and always one step ahead" in the first four episodes of Good American Family. "The first four episodes were so much fun, and I just unleashed that image, just ready to come out … my villain era,” she said. However, she also expressed a preference for exploring Natalia’s perspective, calling it "heartbreaking" and emphasizing the story's nuance. "It’s hard to get to the truth,” she added.
As the series unfolds, it delves into the real-life events surrounding Kristine and Michael Barnett, who adopted Natalia. The third episode, titled "Ghosts Everywhere," highlights Kristine's growing concerns about Natalia's age and background. After discovering that the seven-year-old Natalia has pubic hair, Kristine's life spirals out of control as she seeks answers about her adopted daughter's past.
In this episode, Kristine Barnett, played by Ellen Pompeo, is out on bail after being arrested on charges related to abandoning a child. As she navigates the fallout from her arrest, Kristine grapples with the implications of her actions and the reality of Natalia’s situation. The episode captures the tension and confusion surrounding the Barnetts' family dynamics and the societal pressures they face.
Dr. Stephen Lawrence, portrayed by David Paymer, informs Kristine and Michael that he has never seen pubic hair on a child as young as Natalia. He suggests that they seek further medical evaluations to determine her age and health status. The couple learns that Natalia may need surgery for her clubfoot and hips, raising questions about the legitimacy of the adoption agency that facilitated the adoption.
In a pivotal moment, Kristine fills out a FOIA request for Natalia's immigration documents, hoping to uncover the truth about her daughter's past. Meanwhile, Michael's Circuit City store faces closure, adding financial strain to an already tense situation.
As the Barnetts struggle to cope with the mounting pressures, Kristine visits Natalia's previous home in New Jersey. There, she speaks with Mary Leones, who reveals little about Natalia’s past. Kristine's determination to uncover the truth only intensifies her conflicts with Michael, who wants to provide a stable home for Natalia.
The couple’s differing perspectives on Natalia's care become a focal point of tension. As Kristine prepares for an appearance on the Glenn Beck Show, she grapples with the implications of her choices. Michael, concerned about their public image, urges Kristine to consider the impact of their actions on their family.
In the lead-up to the show, Kristine and Michael present a united front to the cameras, but their private struggles threaten to unravel their marriage. As they navigate the complexities of their family dynamics, the series raises important questions about identity, trust, and the nature of family.
Christina Hendricks, known for her roles in Mad Men and Good Girls, is also involved in promoting Good American Family. She describes the series as a "mind-blowing" true story, highlighting the powerful narratives that unfold throughout the show. Hendricks expressed her admiration for the cast and the compelling nature of the series, stating, "Every actor in the world wants to be a part of ‘The White Lotus’: it’s like they’ve all won the lottery. You don’t just get a TV show – you get a whole new life. I’m sure they’re enjoying every minute of it.”
As the series continues to unfold, audiences are drawn into the complex world of the Barnetts and Natalia Grace. The show not only tells a gripping story but also challenges viewers to consider the broader implications of adoption, identity, and the struggles faced by families in similar situations.
With a talented cast and a thought-provoking narrative, Good American Family is poised to leave a lasting impact on its audience. As Imogen Faith Reid takes on her role with depth and nuance, viewers are left to ponder the real-life implications of the story being told.
The next episode of Good American Family is set to premiere on April 2nd, promising to further explore the tumultuous relationship between Kristine and Michael as they confront the reality of their family's situation. As tensions rise, viewers will be left wondering how the Barnetts will navigate their challenges and what the future holds for Natalia Grace.
