At a recent New York City screening hosted by PopViewers and Prime Video, Maggie Q opened up about “Ballard“, the new crime series in which she stars as LAPD Detective Renée Ballard. While the series is already earning praise for its gripping storytelling and high-stakes mystery, the post-screening conversation offered something deeper: a window into why this role feels like a full-circle moment for an actress who has spent decades betting on herself.
How Maggie Q Landed “Ballard” — Without Even Knowing It
“I had no clue this was going on ,” Maggie Q told PopViewers CEO Chris Witherspoon during their intimate Q&A. In fact, when Ballard was first being developed, the producers reportedly said they were “looking for someone like Maggie Q” — not expecting she’d actually say yes. But a year later, they came back and asked the real Maggie Q to take the role. “I ended up reading six or seven scripts — which by the way never happens before you start a show,” she said. “And I really liked her. I liked that she was always trying to do the right thing.”
That sense of integrity drew Maggie in. But it was the real-life inspiration behind the character — a 30-year LAPD veteran named Mitzi Roberts — that sealed the deal. Mitzi became a daily presence on set, helping Maggie understand the emotional toll and tireless dedication that comes with cold case work.
“She was with me every day, you guys,” Maggie said. “She’s a 30-year veteran. She retired — lucky for me — a few months before the show started, and she consults and mentors now. There are so many qualities about her that I don’t possess in my own life that I was able to bring to Ballard. As a detective, the amount of patience you have to have — whether you’re robbery, homicide, cold case, whatever — it takes real fortitude. You have to keep your eye on the prize, and it takes years and years and years. Just imagine that kind of dedication. I mean, think about social media and how little attention span we have — and then think about a detective who spends 10, 15 years trying to bring just one family a little peace.”
Despite Maggie’s lengthy résumé — from “Nikita” to “Mission: Impossible III” — she admitted she hadn’t read Michael Connelly’s best-selling books before getting the call. But she knew enough to know this was a universe with serious legacy. Stepping into it meant stepping into big shoes — including those of Titus Welliver’s iconic Harry Bosch. “There was something so right about the energy between all of us,” Maggie said. “Titus literally passed me the baton in L.A. and said, ‘Q, you’re up. My universe has ended, and yours is starting.’ I have to say, the level of graciousness, positivity, and support he’s given me through all of this — he’s just an amazing human. And look, who can say they’ve had a show that’s run for 10 years? That just doesn’t happen.”
What Maggie brings to “Ballard” is more than star power or physical intensity. She brings lived experience — as someone who’s navigated Hollywood without a safety net, slept on floors to pursue her dream, and insisted on loyalty in an industry that often demands compromise.
“When I got to Hollywood and booked my first movie, the agents wouldn’t sign me because I wouldn’t leave my manager,” she shared. “They basically said, ‘Well, it’s her or us.’ And I said, ‘Then it’s her — because you weren’t there. I’m only here because of this person.’ And if that means I have no representation in Hollywood, who cares?”
As “Ballard” streams on Prime Video, it’s clear the show is poised to be more than just another police drama. It’s a character study. A love letter to unsung heroes. And a personal high point for one of Hollywood’s most quietly powerful stars. “Ballard” is out now on Prime Video.
