The CBS comedy series “Ghosts” tells the story of a lively ensemble of spirits who inhabit Woodstone Estate, each with their own unique historical background. From Thorfinn, the Viking, to Alberta Haynes, the prohibition-era jazz singer, and Flower, the hippie, each character brings a unique perspective and humor to the show. The show delves into the historical stories of these ghosts, adding depth and richness to the comedic elements of the series.
Recently, the human embodiment of five ghosts from the show visited the Library of Congress in DC to view historical artifacts curated specifically for each character’s era. Actors Asher Grodman, Richie Moriarty, Danielle Pinnock, Rebecca Wisocky, and Román Zaragoza all found the experience to be deeply moving and profound. The opportunity to see artifacts from their characters’ time periods helped them connect even more with their roles on the show and added a new layer of authenticity to their performances.
The experience at the Library of Congress was emotional for all the cast members, as they were able to see special curated artifacts from the time periods of their characters. Pinnock, whose family immigrated from Jamaica, felt a sense of connection and recognition when viewing the artifacts. Zaragoza, who plays Sasappis, expressed a heaviness when seeing Lenape artifacts and hearing about the displacement of his character’s people. The cast members shared a sense of gratitude and awe at being able to connect with history in such a tangible way.
Rebecca Wisocky, who plays Hetty Woodstone, shared her passion for researching her character’s era and diving into Victorian history. She specifically mentioned the bizarre fighting clubs and the tradition of making jewelry out of loved ones’ hair in the late 1800s. The cast members all expressed a deep interest in learning more about their characters’ backgrounds and the historical context in which they lived.
The artifacts shared with the cast members ranged from the oldest to the most recent, with each character represented by historical items from their specific time periods. From Lenape artifacts for Sasappis to a 1933 New York Times article on prohibition for Alberta, the cast members were able to gain a deeper understanding of their characters’ backgrounds and the historical events that shaped their lives.
Overall, the experience at the Library of Congress was a profound and emotional journey for the cast members of “Ghosts.” By immersing themselves in historical artifacts from their characters’ eras, the actors were able to deepen their connection to their roles and gain a new appreciation for the rich history that informs the show. The visit to the Library added a layer of authenticity and depth to the comedic elements of the series, highlighting the importance of storytelling and history in creating a well-rounded and engaging television show.
