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Who else is ready to rally for the #FreeMcKay campaign?
The situation surrounding Cassie McKay took another intense turn in The Pitt Season 1 Episode 14 as an unsettling cliffhanger unfolded. Just as it seemed the tension from a recent mass shooting incident was subsiding, the episode ended with police arriving to arrest McKay for tampering with her ankle monitor. It’s hard not to feel for her—she has been through enough!
McKay has become a beloved character, and rightly so. The Pitt has successfully crafted characters that feel relatable and genuine, resonating deeply with viewers. McKay, in particular, stands out as a multi-dimensional figure navigating challenging circumstances.
Recently, we engaged in a conversation with Fiona Dourif, the talented actress behind McKay, to reflect on the series’ remarkable success and explore what makes McKay such an engaging character. Here’s what she had to say!
When you joined The Pitt, did you anticipate how wildly successful this series would be?
Honestly, I always approach things with a bit of skepticism regarding my luck. At first, I thought I might get fired or that the hype was exaggerated. However, there was definitely a unique feeling about this project. Many people around me insisted it would be a hit, while I was more doubtful. But once John Wells screened the episodes for us, our perspectives changed significantly; we realized just how good it was!
Understatement of the century!
I can relate to that. I’ve had so many people approach me lately, asking if we went to school together, which never really happened before.
You have one of those faces! You actually remind me of someone from my high school.
Oh, really? [Laughs] This has been happening to me quite a bit recently, and it’s amusing. I receive calls or texts from people I haven’t spoken to in ages, which is quite nice.
What attracted you to the role of McKay? She’s such a compelling character.
When I first read about McKay, I immediately connected with her. The character description resonated with me personally. I felt I was bringing part of myself into the role. After an extensive audition process that felt like it involved every actor in Hollywood, I received the news that I was cast, and I was thrilled, especially since her backstory felt very relatable.
Of course, that also comes with a bit of pressure; if people dislike McKay, they might not like me since we share many traits! [Laughs]
Did you have a comprehensive understanding of McKay’s background when you started?
Yes, after we were cast, we met with the writers. They provided us detailed bios for our characters, giving us a deep dive into their backgrounds—almost a thousand words! That preparation helped me develop a solid understanding of McKay’s journey, especially since we knew the arc for the season in advance.
How did you get into the mindset for the mass shooting storyline? It was such an intense shift.
Being in The Pitt helps set the environment. The hospital feels real—the sets are immersive. There’s no artificial separation typical on TV sets; you genuinely feel you’re stepping into a hospital. This reality enhances the urgency of filming. There’s no downtime during such emotionally charged scenes, which adds to the experience, especially during moments of high-stakes tension like the mass shooting.
The intensity of the situation, combined with the presence of medical consultants and real ER nurses on set, contributes to an authentic portrayal. It’s a unique challenge to balance the chaotic environment and make it feel like real-life stakes are involved.
Your character has important moments that highlight her relationships, such as when her ex-husband comes to terms with her situation. How do you perceive the evolution of their relationship?
There’s an interesting dynamic with my character’s ex-husband that unfolds throughout the season. The issues stemming from the ankle monitor incident showcase the complexities of our relationship. However, by the end, there’s a sense of understanding and forgiveness between them, which could pave the way for smoother interactions in the future. Less conflict certainly would make life easier for McKay!
Reflecting on the ankle monitor scene, how shocking was it to step from life-saving work to an arrest? I’m officially the president of the Free McKay campaign!
[Laughs] Free McKay!
That twist was jarring! The feelings I experienced while reading that script were overwhelming—humiliation and anger were at the forefront. It was a bitter end to a day filled with life-saving efforts.
Looking at David’s storyline, McKay struggles in her final moments with him. He still harbors animosity toward women. Can you elaborate on this confrontation?
By the conclusion of their storyline, McKay grapples with uncertainty regarding whether her choices were right. She tries her best to reach out to David, who embodies a younger version of herself. That age can be a tumultuous time when life decisions significantly shape someone’s future.
Her intentions stem from genuine care. McKay hopes that David can learn to navigate his challenges without succumbing to a life filled with suffering.
On another note, McKay draws from her life experiences in her interactions within the ER, particularly her mentor-mentee relationship with Javadi. How did these dynamics evolve?
My scenes with Javadi were particularly enjoyable to film. In reality, Shabana [Azeez] possesses a wonderfully humorous personality, which contrasts with McKay’s more layered and serious demeanor. They both bring distinct strengths to patient care. McKay’s life experiences make her more relatable, while Javadi’s intellect and skill set highlight their differences. This dynamic generates interesting tension, showcasing both admiration and jealousy.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for McKay’s future in the series?
I hope we see McKay have more victories. She strives to connect with people, but receives pushback often. A healthy work-life balance would be a welcomed change for her. I also enjoyed mastering some more technical medical skills during filming, and I’d love the opportunity to explore that more.
What has been the most rewarding and challenging part of working on The Pitt?
The medical terminology posed a significant challenge for me—I still find certain terms difficult to say. But the community we’ve built is truly rewarding. It’s not always easy to find such camaraderie in a cast and crew. Everyone involved is dedicated to creating something special, and the supportive environment makes this process enjoyable.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The season finale of The Pitt is fast approaching, with the series winding down this Thursday. All episodes are available for streaming on Max. Keep an eye out for more exclusive insights today!
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