Gugu Mbatha-Raw has proven herself a chameleonic star of stage and screen. Since studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, appearing on London stages and TV series, and then breaking out with her British Independent Film Award-winning turn in the feature film “Belle,” the actor-activist has dazzled in everything from period dramas to sci-fi adventures. In episode #100 of “In the Envelope,” Gugu opens up about the artistic processes she relies on—including using music, accents, and even scents—to get into character.

Gugu has starred in “Larry Crowne,” “Undercovers,” “Beyond the Lights,” “Concussion,” “Miss Sloane,” “Black Mirror: San Junipero,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Cloverfield Paradox,” “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Fast Color,” “Motherless Brooklyn,” and this year, on AppleTV+’s drama “The Morning Show” as Hannah Shoenfeld and in the film “Misbehaviour” as Miss World pageant winner Jennifer Hosten. This episode is brought to you by AppleTV+.

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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

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Special thanks to...

- Host: Jack Smart

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- Design: Mark Stinson and Caitlin Watkins

- Additional Support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Oriella St. Louis