Priya Kansara on Voicing Mary in Project Hail Mary & Building a Career | Women in Entertainment

What does it take to make a computer feel unforgettable?

In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Priya Kansara shares the unexpected story behind voicing Mary in Project Hail Mary, a role that began as an on-set improv experiment and evolved into a character with humor, rhythm, and emotional impact. Priya opens up about stepping into a world of voice work without prior experience, creating her own “directory” of responses for Mary, and learning how to play logic over empathy while still helping build the emotional universe of the film.

She also reflects on the generosity and collaboration she experienced on set, including what it was like to work opposite Ryan Gosling and alongside filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Beyond the film, Priya talks about her unconventional journey from studying molecular biology and working in healthcare to landing roles in Bridgerton, Polite Society, and Star City. It’s a conversation about trusting your instincts, advocating for your character, and embracing the qualities that make you distinct.

Listen to learn:

- How Priya landed the role of Mary in Project Hail Mary

- What it takes to improvise as an AI opposite a live performance

- Why her science background shaped her connection to the story

- The career pivot that took her from healthcare to acting

- How she hopes to create safer, more inclusive spaces in entertainment

The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.

With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...

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Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..

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