Chloë Sevigny’s Killer Instincts

Photo: Patrick Harbon

Chloe Sevigny made her screen debut in 1995's Kids, but these days the actress who came to define turn-of-the-century indie cool is decidedly grown up. In the lead role on A&E's dark new crime drama Those Who Kill, Sevigny leaves behind her token offbeat sensibility to deliver a strong, chilling performance as a police officer who may be even more dangerous than the serial killers she's chasing. UPDATE: A&E pulled the show after two episodes and is going to find a new time slot.

Out: It's a bit surprising to see you on a cop show. How'd that happen?

Chloe Sevigny:My character Catherine's struggles were really interesting to me. Instead of a drinking problem, she's a cutter and has sexual problems. She has this stepfather who she believes molested and killed her brother, so the idea of taking him down interested me the most. There are lots of bad cops on TV, but she's breaking the rules even within that group.

What kind of police training did you do?
There's an officer to show you the moves. I'm always acting like a girl and sticking my ass out, though, so the hardest thing for me was to stay properly balanced.

What about firearms?
Prior to this I did a series in England called Hit & Miss, where I shot a lot. I hate guns. I said, "The less you have me running around with a gun, the better." So you don't see much of it.

You've now done a number of TV shows. Does it get easier?
It's mostly about being away from home for so long and not eating the catering. I have a weird thing for organic eggs, so I make my breakfast every morning in the microwave in the makeup trailer. I bring kale and fresh veggies and avocados so I'm not grazing at craft services. Even if you're like, "I want some egg whites," it's cooked in some horrible oil. God, I sound really actress-y.

How did you acclimate to Pittsburgh, where the series filmed?

I've got to say, if I couldn't live in New York or L.A., I would probably move to Pittsburgh. It felt very vibrant and like there was a lot going on; you know, they call it the Paris of Appalachia.

So, how are you doing today?

I'm really homesick. I've been in L.A. for a couple months; I bought a new place in Brooklyn, and it's being worked on, so I'm out here with my boyfriend. I'm so resistant to this town and I have been since I was 19 years old. I know it's bad to be so resistant to anyplace, but I can't get over it. It's a real stumbling block for me.

That's refreshing. It feels lately like all sorts of New Yorkers are all about LA. There was even that Moby essay in the Guardian about how abandoning New York for LA is the best thing to do.

I've been to Moby's house here and there's not much to complain about if you're living up in that castle. It's always the rich people who are complaining about New York! Matt Damon left, too. It's also something about taxes.

Where in Brooklyn are you moving?

To de Blasio's neighborhood. It's a big move! I've lived in Manhattan for 20 years, so it's a big move.

Have you ever had a run-in with a cop?

I've never been in trouble with the law in my entire life. Well, except for traffic violations. I got pulled over once in high school. I was driving my 1971 Volkswagen bus and got a ticket for noise pollution. The cop told me to get a new muffler, but I was like, Who's gonna pay for that?

Watch this creepy clip of Those Who Kill below: