Maya Hawke makes her acting debut in BBC1's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women this Christmas.
The 19-year-old actress - who is the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke - plays the stubborn and strong-willed feminist Jo in the coming-of-age story about the four loving March sisters set in 1861.
Maya revealed that ever since she was small, she has felt a strong affinity with Jo, the second-eldest March sister, who is arguably the most-loved by fans of the novel.
She joked that she initially thought she was obviously the perfect for the part - until she realised that she wasn't alone, and that a lot of readers identify most with the tomboyish character.
"I've felt really connected to this character since I was a wee thing," the star revealed at a screening for the three-part series. "So when I was offered the role I was like, I'm obviously the right person for this part! They made the right choice and so I can go in and be myself." Jo is so durable, it felt like what ever I had in me during that day she could handle. It was only after realising everyone else thinks that they're Jo too that I started to feel the weight of the world on my shoulder!"
On the advice her famous parents gave her, she continued: "I have a wonderful, supportive relationship with my family. I get lots of advice from them about all kinds of things."
Maya also revealed that father Ethan Hawke visited her on set - they filmed in Ireland's Wicklow rather than Massachusetts, where the story is set - as she spoke about the "privilege" of working with co-star Angela Lansbury - who plays the formidable Aunt March.
"There was one day on set that I had the privilege of doing a scene with Angela, and I also had my father there watching - it was an interesting day.
"There was a moment, and Angela was being brilliant as usual, she's so nimble and intellectual, and Vanessa [Caswill -director] leant over to her and gave her a note, which said, 'this time try more generous'.
"And the camera rolled and the light of a thousand suns poured out of Angela's eyes, and it was like she took this one word which could have meant anything really and let it fill up her whole body which such immediacy and clarity."
Commenting on the lack of female representation in TV and film, Maya ruminated: "Men haven't had the same opportunity to get to see themselves in women. Men should be able to see themselves in female characters and female strength, just as much as women are able to see themselves in male characters."
Little Women - adapted by Call The Midwife writer Heidi Thomasalso - also stars Emily Watson as Marmee, and Michaal Gambon as Mr. Laurence, and will air on December 26, 27 and 28.
Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
