Building Great Ones: Susie Abromeit on Purpose, Pain & Reinvention

By Kyra Greene

Susie Abromeit has never lived a life in half-measures. From the fierce discipline of being a top-ranked tennis player to the emotional depth of her acting work in Jessica Jones, to the intimate human storytelling of her podcast Great Ones, she has followed one instinct again and again—if she feels called to something, she commits with her whole self. Each chapter of her career is less a departure and more an evolution, a new way of exploring what greatness means, not just in others, but within herself. Determined, curious, and unafraid to dig into the messy, beautiful truth of being human, Abromeit has built a creative life rooted in flow, resilience, and the belief that we are all architects of the lives we imagine.

You’ve built a multifaceted career—from competing as a top-ranked tennis player to acting in projects like Jessica Jones and now hosting Great Ones. What connects all these chapters for you on a personal level?

I think  when I put my mind to something I go out and do it. I am very determined,  and in all aspects I am exploring different parts of myself and trying to be great at something each time. Hence, my podcast Great Ones. I am trying to find out what makes people truly great in all aspects of their lives. 

Your podcast Great Ones features a remarkable range of guests—from Spike Lee to Wynonna Judd. What have these conversations taught you about what true greatness really looks like?

These conversations have taught me that visualizing what you want out of life is the key to success.  That, and never giving up.  And if you have road blocks, you find new innovative ways and maneuver around them. The thru line I’ve found, is to keep going and let it flow. We are the creators and architects of our lives and we can build anything we want. And when there is no flow, you have to pivot and find a new pathway forward. Resilience, and alchemizing their pain or tragedy seems to be a common theme. 

You’ve said that humor has been an essential part of your healing process. When did you first realize that laughter could be just as powerful as therapy?

I realized it when II was a kid. I found that if you can make someone laugh, it can ease tension and pain and anger in people lives. I can’t imagine life without humor. Laughing is my favorite, and the thing that helps us get through anything. Life can be truly absurd, but it’s the crying and then the laughter that comes that helps with finding the balance and being able to get through anything. 

Your new short film Death and Friends dives into grief with a mix of dark comedy and raw honesty. What inspired you to channel such a deeply personal loss into storytelling?

I lost my mom very suddenly, and I wanted to honor my mom and use that pain for my art and turn it into gold. We can’t control the things that happen to us, but we can control how we frame things, use things, and allow the lessons to be learned. I think we can find and gain wisdom in those moments. When I lost everything in the Woolsey fires, I learned that I could either stay and cry and feel sorry for myself, (which is understandable) or I can use that vast amount of energy  for something good and create the life I want. And ever since then, I’ve been doing just that. 

There’s a striking line you’ve shared—”It’s not what you go through, but who you go through it with.” How has that philosophy shaped the way you move through life and creative work?

It’s a motto my best friends and I use constantly. I am so grateful for the amazing friendships I have in my life. I can’t imagine how I would have survived without them. They were the ones to help me through every heartbreak, tragedy, and pain. That motto is so so true, because those friendships helped me reframe those challenges to help better my life. 

Having interviewed so many accomplished individuals, are there recurring traits or habits that you’ve noticed in people who thrive despite adversity?

They will find a way no matter what. They have practiced greatness over and over and over again. They have exceptional habits and no matter what happens, they will alchemize challenges and be resilient to everything. 

You’ve described Death and Friends as Girls meets Fleabag. What tone or truth were you hoping to capture about grief that you feel is often missing from how we portray it on screen?

Grief is a roller coaster of emotions. One minute you’re crying, one minute you’re laughing and then feeling completely manic. And I feel we have captured just that. It’s in our own unique voice but it definitely has a similar tone to those amazing TV shows which I love. 

From acting to producing to hosting, you’ve built a career around connection and curiosity. How do you stay grounded when you’re constantly navigating between so many creative spaces?

They are so interconnected and my relationships are everything to me so I’ve been able to integrate those things. It’s who I am and what I continue to strive for. 

As someone who’s experienced both extreme discipline in sports and vulnerability in art, how do you balance strength and softness—especially when the world expects women to choose one?

That was definitely a challenge when I started acting,  because you don’t cry in tennis –you have to be a warrior. I had to let all my walls come down and when my father passed away 17 years ago, I was able to have my heart completely opened by it. That started the process for me. And I continue to be open more and more. 

Looking ahead, whether through Great Ones or your upcoming film, what kind of conversations do you hope your work sparks in this next chapter of your journey?

I am so curious and fascinated by people and I want to understand what makes people tick! 

As she looks ahead—to new conversations, new roles, and the raw, darkly funny honesty of her film Death and Friends—Susie Abromeit stands grounded in what has carried her this far: connection, curiosity, and the courage to stay open. Whether she’s laughing through the absurdity of grief, alchemizing loss into art, or uncovering the habits of people who thrive despite adversity, she approaches every moment with a rare blend of strength and softness. And in this next chapter, she hopes to spark conversations that reach deeper into who we are, why we persevere, and what truly makes a person great.

Photo Credit: Ben Cope

Glam: Cat Sherwin