Actress Maria Sten, already a multifaceted talent with a background in modeling and a past title as Miss Universe Denmark, is now taking center stage as the lead in the action thriller series Neagley for Prime Video. The 36-year-old portrays Frances Neagley, a former U.S. Army Master Sergeant and private investigator, in this spin-off that delves into her personal quest for justice following the death of a close friend. The series is set to premiere on September 16th.
From Unexpected Beginnings to Leading Role
The journey to starring in her own series was not a straightforward one for Sten. Initially, she was not selected for the role of Neagley. “My manager at the time called me and was like, ‘Yeah, sorry, it didn’t go your way’,” Sten recounted in an exclusive interview. However, a twist of fate occurred a few weeks later when her manager contacted her again. “So, they’ve decided to change the character, and now they want you back,” he informed her. Sten admitted she was unsure how to react to the sudden turn of events. It appears the production team sought to redefine the character to better complement the dynamic with the series’ titular character, Reacher. Showrunner Nick Santora ultimately decided Sten was the right fit for this revised vision.
Sten has been a notable presence across the first three seasons of the popular series Reacher, sharing the screen with lead actor Alan Ritchson. The unexpected success of Reacher has been a significant development for Sten. “It’s been exciting and very surreal,” she shared. “The success of Reacher has just been incredible. I certainly didn’t expect that when signing up for the job to begin with. You never know how these things are going to be and to see how people really took to it has been so incredible.”
A Diverse Creative Path
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to artist parents, Maria Sten’s creative inclinations were evident early on. Her professional life began with a different focus: dance and modeling. She moved to New York at the age of 18 with aspirations of pursuing a career in professional dance. “Originally, I thought I was going to move to London and do musical theatre,” Sten recalled. Her path evolved, leading her from dance to music, and eventually, she committed to acting as her primary creative outlet. “I knew that I wanted to tell stories, but I didn’t know in which capacity,” she explained. The opportunity to lead her own series was beyond her wildest expectations: “I never in a million years would have been able to come up with this. I’m very grateful to be here.”
Dreams of the West End
Despite her success in television, Sten still harbors ambitions of performing on stage. “I would love that. That’s like my dream,” she stated when asked about performing in London’s West End. She expressed a deep affection for London and considers a stage performance in the West End to be the pinnacle of theatrical achievement. “To me, being on stage in the West End has always been at the top of my list because this is the heart of theatre.”
Family Influence and Grounding Interests
The artistic environment in which Maria Sten was raised has undoubtedly shaped her approach to her career. Her mother, the acclaimed Danish painter Nina Sten-Knudsen, had a profound, albeit subtle, influence on Sten’s professional trajectory. “The fact that she was an artist and her impeccable self-discipline, I think that was sort of passed on without it being something that she ever was very vocal about,” Sten reflected. She noted that her mother recognized her early desire to perform and was consistently supportive, understanding the dedication required for an artistic career.
Beyond her family’s artistic legacy, Sten finds balance and grounding through her personal interests and relationships. She identifies as a “horse girl” and finds solace in spending time in nature, particularly when horseback riding. “I love being off grid in the middle of nowhere, whether it’s horseback safaris in Africa or in the Mountain West in America,” she shared. These experiences in remote natural settings are crucial for her to “re-centre myself from all of the frantic energy of our industry.” Close family and friends also play a vital role in keeping her grounded amidst the demands of the entertainment world.
Looking Ahead and Advice for Her Younger Self
With her upcoming projects, including the indie crime drama East of the River currently in post-production and another film in development, Maria Sten is focused on appreciating the present. When asked for advice she would offer her younger self, her response emphasizes mindfulness: “Try to be more in the moment instead of living in the future or the past. Life is now. Remember to live it now.” This philosophy underscores her approach to her burgeoning career and life in general.
All episodes of Neagley are scheduled to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on September 16th.
