From playing Reenie Greene in “Tracker” to directing and producing her own projects, Fiona Rene is embracing the freedom to build stories on her own terms.
Fiona Rene brings a distinct sense of intelligence, wit and unpredictability to Reenie Greene, the sharp legal mind who often helps Colter Shaw out of trouble in “Tracker.” Her work across television, including “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” reflects a career shaped by an appetite for different genres and creative challenges. But acting is only part of the picture. Rene is also exploring directing and producing, taking a more active role in shaping the stories she wants to tell.
With “Tracker” returning for its fourth season this October, Rene sits down with DAMAN to discuss what Reenie has taught her, the freedom of creating on her own terms and the importance of making room for every facet of her creative life.
DAMAN: What first drew you to Reenie, and what keeps you connected to her?
Fiona Rene: I loved that Reenie was incredibly capable but still messy and human. She’s smart, she’s direct, she knows what she wants, but she also leads with her heart, sometimes to her own detriment. Four seasons in, I think I’m still discovering her, which is what keeps her exciting to me.
DA: How has your understanding of Reenie changed?
FR: I think I understand her softness more now. In the beginning, I really connected to her strength and independence, but over time, I’ve realized how much of that strength is actually protecting a very tender person underneath. I let more of that show now.
DA: How has working alongside Justin Hartley and being part of “Tracker” shaped you as an actor?
FR: Justin is incredibly present and generous, and he really trusts me to create and embody Reenie. “Tracker” has taught me to trust myself more, too. I come prepared, obviously, but then I let go and actually play once we’re in the scene.
DA: What makes Reenie and Colter so compelling?
FR: They fundamentally see the world differently, but there’s so much trust underneath that. Reenie wants to talk about everything, and Colter would probably prefer to disappear into the woods. But they really respect each other, and I think there’s a kind of love underneath their friendship that makes the differences work.
DA: What is your favorite quality in Reenie?
FR: Her conviction. Reenie commits. She’s consistent, something I sometimes wish would rub off on me a little more. When she believes in something, she goes all the way. I love that and definitely relate to it.
DA: Is there a Reenie moment that has stayed with you?
FR: Honestly, some of my favorite moments are the smaller ones with Colter, when you get to see the history between them without having to explain it. I love when Reenie gets to drop the lawyer armor for a second and you see how deeply she actually cares about him and the people around her. And, obviously, her moments of sassy quirkiness.
DA: What did “Penelope” teach you about yourself as a creative?
FR: That I’m capable of a lot more than I thought, and that I really love building the whole world, not just living inside one character. Directing, producing and acting at the same time was slightly insane, but it also felt incredibly natural. It made me realize that with preparation and enough rest, I can take one hat off and put another on.
DA: When did you realize you were ready to stop waiting and start creating?
FR: I think there’s a moment for most creatives when the waiting turns into pain and you realize that, ultimately, you’re a creator. It started with theater and pottery, then grew into the confidence to do something bigger and scarier. There are stories I want to tell and worlds I want to build, and at some point, I realized nobody has to invite me to do that. I can just start, and it can be messy.
DA: What inspires your community work?
FR: I really believe that if you have access, resources or a platform, you should be creating access for other people, too. Art changed my life because it gave me places to belong, play and understand myself. I want to help build those spaces for other people.
DA: How do you stay grounded?
FR: I’m still learning! I have a lot of different parts of myself, and for a long time, I thought I had to choose between them. Now I actually think staying grounded comes from letting all of them exist, but having a method for transitioning between them: the actor, the painter, the producer, the director, the businesswoman, the person who wants to help people, and the person who occasionally just wants to sit at home with my cats.
The key for me is taking my MEDS: meditation, exercise, diet and sleep. And making sure I don’t isolate.
DA: Do you want to do more behind the camera?
FR: Absolutely. “Penelope” really opened that door for me. I want to direct more, produce more and keep building my production company. I’m especially interested in horror and comedy, and mixing them together in the right ratio for each project. I love stories that can keep you on your toes, make you uncomfortable, make you laugh and then unexpectedly break your heart.
DA: Is there a character, story or genre you still want to explore?
FR: I’d love to play someone truly dangerous. I play a lot of very capable, grounded women, which I love, but I’d like to go much darker and stranger. Give me someone morally questionable, a little feral, gritty and, hey, maybe covered in blood.
DA: What has Reenie taught you about yourself?
FR: That strength and softness aren’t opposites. I think both Reenie and I have had to learn that being vulnerable doesn’t make you less capable. It actually gives you access to a different kind of strength, where confidence and compassion live together.
DA: Season four in three words?
FR: Expanded. Connected. Home.
Photography Karen Doolittle
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Hair and Makeup Veronica Nunez for Art Department using YSL Beauty and Oribe Hair Care
Production Media Playground PR