Few television characters have captured audiences quite like Patricia in Apple TV+’s acclaimed series Widows Bay. Equal parts awkward, mysterious, hilarious, and surprisingly relatable, Patricia quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in large part to Kate O’Flynn’s fearless and layered performance.
Following the recent Season 2 renewal, Awards Buzz spoke with O’Flynn about discovering Patricia, the character’s growing fanbase, collaborating with creator Katie Dippold, and why she trusts the creative team completely as the story moves forward.
Jeff Conway: Congratulations on the Season 2 renewal. I have to say, Patricia is one of my favorite television characters of the year. How did she first come onto your radar, and what made you want to take on the role?
Kate O’Flynn: It came the way these things usually do. I received a self-tape request, read the script, and immediately had an instinct about her. I found her funny, layered, and a bit of an enigma.
Then I read Episode 4, and it felt like it completely exploded open who she was. Suddenly there were so many directions you could take the character. It was such an exciting acting opportunity, and I was absolutely chomping at the bit to play her.
Jeff Conway: The response to Patricia has been incredible. Have you been aware of the fan reaction and how much people love this character?
Kate O’Flynn: I’m not really on social media, but Katie Dippold has sent me a few things. Apparently, there’s even an action figure now, which is kind of amazing.
What I love is that I think everyone has an inner Patricia. Maybe people feel embarrassed to admit they have those awkward tendencies or complicated emotions, but then suddenly all these inner Patricias have risen up and said, “I see you. That’s me.”
That’s been really lovely to witness.
Jeff Conway: One of the strengths of Widows Bay is its ensemble. What was it like working alongside this cast?
Kate O’Flynn: They’re extraordinary.
I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work with wonderful actors, but there was something special about this group. From the very first table read, there was an incredible chemistry in the room.
Everyone was invested in serving the story and supporting one another. There was a genuine understanding of what it means to be part of an ensemble. We were all tuned into the same frequency, and that doesn’t always happen.
You can see it on screen. Everybody brought their absolute best, and I think audiences can feel that.
Jeff Conway: Has Patricia allowed you to stretch different muscles as an actor compared to your previous work?
Kate O’Flynn: Absolutely.
I’ve spent years working in theater and playing complex characters on stage, but this was the first time I got to explore that level of complexity on screen.
To have that opportunity happen within an American television series of this scale was a huge moment for me.
Another challenge was working alongside writers and performers with strong improv backgrounds. We don’t really have the same improv culture in the UK, so keeping up with that energy while working in a different accent and trying to stay funny was definitely a challenge—but a very rewarding one.
Jeff Conway: What makes Katie Dippold such a unique creative leader?
Kate O’Flynn: Katie talks a lot about “following a feeling,” and that really became the guiding principle for the entire production.
Rather than focusing on a rigid destination, it felt like we were all collectively searching for something. The focus was always outward, chasing an instinct.
She’s incredibly smart, incredibly quick, and deeply passionate about the world she created. I found her tremendously inspiring.
Jeff Conway: Were there any Patricia moments where you got to improvise or bring something uniquely your own to the character?
Kate O’Flynn: The writers were really the ones adding surprise lines. I wasn’t improvising dialogue.
The dance moves, though—that’s another story.
We actually worked with a choreographer to figure out Patricia’s movement style and the idea that she had learned some of these moves from music videos. Physicality is where I feel most comfortable exploring a character. When I’m not speaking and can simply behave as the character, that’s where I can really play.
Jeff Conway: Season 2 is officially happening. What are you hoping to explore next with Patricia?
Kate O’Flynn: Honestly, I have complete trust in Katie and the writers.
The series is going to become what it needs to become, and I know whatever they come up with will be far more interesting than anything I could invent myself.
Beyond Patricia, I’m excited to see where all of these characters go. Rosemary, Dale, Bashir, Jerry—there’s an entire community full of fascinating people and incredible actors.
There’s still so much story left to tell.
Jeff Conway: My final question is one I ask actors all the time. If you could sit down with Patricia and offer her a piece of advice, a warning, or a comforting message, what would you say?
Kate O’Flynn: That’s such a great question.
I’d tell her: Back yourself. You’ve got this, kid. That’s exactly what I’d say.
With Widows Bay officially returning to Apple TV for a second season, O’Flynn’s Patricia remains one of television’s most delightfully unpredictable characters. Whether she’s wielding awkward charm, uncovering mysterious powers, or breaking into unforgettable dance moves, Patricia has clearly struck a chord with viewers. And if O’Flynn is right, perhaps that’s because there’s a little Patricia in all of us.
