The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. "I think now it's changing with women being in front of the camera and behind the camera and more women directors, more women writers, more women producers," she says.Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Winnick notes a recent study concluding that women action heroes do actually draw viewers. "I'm blessed and honored to say that I believe Lagertha has had that influence, and we need more of her out there, or characters like her out there." someone that has substance, somebody that has true value, somebody that young girls can try to relate to and aspire to be," she continues.
We need more women who speak out, and characters on TV that people look up to. "I think right now, we need more role models like Lagertha. "I'm just so blessed that I've had that opportunity to have a character that people worldwide recognize and look up to, especially right now, with everything that's happening with the #MeToo movement and Time's Up." " wrote me, just recently, an email, and remembered that conversation, and it brought tears to my eyes," she reveals. Onscreen, Winnick says fans can expect a great ending to Lagertha's dynamic story in season six of Vikings. it took a lot of time to earn the confidence from the powers at be to let me behind the camera, I know I was the only cast member that has had that chance, and I'm grateful for that." I've always had a desire to try to get behind the camera, and now we need more women filmmakers," she says. "For me, it was important to creatively test my skills outside of being in front of the camera. She recently directed an episode of season six, which she tells ET was "one of the most challenging yet most rewarding experiences of my life." "I want to give women all the tools they need, based on knowledge, to get out of situations," she expresses.Īnd as Vikings wraps up - the History hit is set to air its sixth and final season later this year - Winnick has set her sights on expanding women's presence in entertainment. Since Vikings' first season in 2013, she's taught women on set a "crash course on self-defense." The actress, who, at the age of 16 established WIN KAI Martial Arts Schools in Toronto, now runs Winnick Self Defense with her brother, Adam. "I have a strong need to teach women self-defense," she declares, explaining how she's used her martial arts background to support women. The 41-year-old actress is also helping to empower women in a more tangible way. "But hopefully they will have the courage and the confidence to be able to get out of the situation, and become even stronger, just as Lagertha did." "I think a lot of girls and women around the world can relate to being in a situation where their voices are not as strong," she says.
Doing research and learning about the statistics surrounding women affected by abuse helped Winnick get on board with the choice for her character.