Exclusive Interview: Eureka’s Erica Cerra

Erica Cerra plays Jo Lupo on Syfy’s Eureka. I love Jo and the most interesting thing about her is how she’s grown over the seasons. When we first met Jo, she was the tough, hard-ass cop who relentlessly picked on Carter. It was so much fun to watch, but I wanted to know more about her. Eureka delivered. They gave her Zane.

In watching Jo’s relationship with Zane, we were allowed to see the feminine and at times, vulnerable side of Jo. She doesn’t give her love easily, but she’s a woman with needs, just  like any other. What started out as only a physical relationship between Zane and Jo developed into something lovely and interesting to watch. Then he’s ripped away from her.

Jo’s strength was not only revealed in her job, but in her emotions as well. When she, Carter, Allison, Henry and Fargo return from 1947 (Founders Day), Jo is faced with the fact that Zane no longer knows her as the woman he proposed to and she cannot remind him of it. She has to go along in the timeline they returned to – Zane-less. While you could see her heartbreak, she showed such strength in maintaining her new role, you couldn’t help but admire her. In a recent interview with Erica Cerra, I asked her what her favorite qualities in Jo were. “I would have to say what I love most about Jo, is her strength, both physically, and emotionally.  She has been really great to play.”

With the announcement that Eureka would finish out their fifth season and not return, I am already looking forward to where Erica will go and what role she’ll play. It would be interesting to see her flex that acting muscle she was able to use in her years on Eureka. “I have had such a wonderful experience working on this show… but I am so excited for what is to come.  I would love to do a sitcom… however I love drama, I would LOVE to continue working in film – I am up for anything right now! ”

Erica is no stranger to the sci-fi/fantasy genre, having has roles in “Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief“, “Battlestar Galactica“, “Warehouse 13“, “Sanctuary“, “Supernatural“ and “Smallville“. Seeing her do a sitcom would be fun! But I won’t forget Jo and I’ll miss her when the show closes. For Erica, she hopes the fans will take something of Jo with them. “I would say that the fans favorite characteristic about Jo, is also my favorite… she is kick ass!  That is what I hope they remember most. ”

Erica has been so busy and it was difficult to nail her down for an interview, so I had to ask what she does in her down time. “When I am not acting, I enjoy domestic hobbies… like cooking, gardening – I love to paint and watch movies.  I live a pretty exciting, high energy life, so I really enjoy my quiet time.” No kidding! I don’t think I could keep up with her, but it was so nice to have the opportunity to grab just a blink with her. Now I think I need a nap.

Watch Erica Cerra as Jo Lupo on Eureka, Monday nights at 8/7 Central, on Syfy.