Who Is Britt Lower? 5 Surprising Facts About the ‘Severance’ Star

Britt Lower is making waves in Hollywood with her standout performance in Severance—but there's more to her than meets the eye.

The actor, who brings Helly R. to life in Apple TV+'s critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller, has captivated audiences with her layered portrayal of a woman unraveling the mysteries of Lumon Industries. Her ability to navigate the show’s darkly satirical and psychological twists has earned her well-deserved praise and cemented her status as a rising talent to watch.

Before stepping into the eerie world of Severance, Lower built an impressive resume on both big and small screens. She appeared in popular TV series like Man Seeking Woman and Casual, showcasing her knack for comedy and versatility as an actress. Her range allows her to transition seamlessly from lighthearted roles to the intense, enigmatic performance that has fans of the Apple TV+ show hooked.

When she's not acting, Lower channels her creativity into the arts. She's a visual artist with a passion for drawing, often sharing her whimsical and thought-provoking illustrations on social media. Her artistic spirit extends beyond traditional mediums—Lower has even collaborated on performance art projects that merge storytelling, movement, and design.

Read on to discover five surprising facts about Britt Lower, from her creative pursuits to the unique path that led her to Severance.

She got an affinity for the arts at a very young age.

The Illinois native grew up on a small-town farm in a household that was regularly stocked with art supplies. In an interview with Vogue Singapore, Lower says she learned “art was for everybody and that you didn’t need anyone’s permission to make anything.” Her passion for the arts continued as she double majored in visual art and acting at Northwestern University, while also serving as the technical director of a theatre board. “I was managing the tools and the costumes and helping the designers build their sets, and I got a taste for that creative teamwork that I now enjoy so much on Severance.”

Lower used her artistic skills to prepare for her role in ‘Severance.’

Lower’s artistic eye came in handy for her role in Severance, as she delved deep into music and the arts during the pandemic lockdown to prepare. “I listened to a ton of music and made these abstract drawings and paintings to tap into the rebellious part of [Helly R.],” she told Flaunt Magazine. “I have a whole sketch book filled with super intense scribbly very saturated Helly-inspired art!”

She took on her role in Severance because of her character’s personality.

Lower was particularly taken with Helly R.’s depth, praising her character and relentless quest for identity. "She’s the most defiant, brave, unapologetically honest person I’ve ever encountered on a page," she told Elle, reflecting on how the character's boldness offered a stark contrast to her own rule-following nature growing up. The character's ethical compass, resilience, and layers too played a part in her willingness to take on the role. “In the face of a harrowing circumstance, she has a keen sense of what is ethical and is not afraid to stand up to authority,” she told Flaunt Magazine. 

She listened to Patti Smith, 4 Non Blondes, Stevie Nicks, and more to get into character.

A crucial part of Lower's character development process comes through music. When preparing for a role, she curates a dynamic playlist filled with songs that align with the character’s theme or capture the right mood.

“Sometimes the rhythm of a song will feel like the character’s rhythm,” she told Pitchfork. “Sometimes it’s something in the lyrics.” Patti Smith’s “Piss Factory” (1974), 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” (1993), Stevie Nicks’ “Wild Heart (Demo)” (1981), and more were just a few of the tracks Lower listened to when getting into her character on Severance.

She hopes to pursue a project set in the 1970s.

While she continues her journey on our screens in Severance, Lower hopes to work on a project set in the decade—but more importantly one with emotional depth. “I’m attracted to delight, and I like stories that explore what it means to be emotionally brave,” she told Flaunt Magazine. “When I first moved to New York, I performed the role of ‘Cavale’ in the play Cowboy Mouth, that Patti Smith and Sam Shepard wrote together during the '70s... I’d love to do something set in that time period.”