Actress Laëtitia Hollard Defends 'The Pitt' Character Emma Nolan

The Juilliard grad says her character is 'tougher than she looks' and comfortable in vulnerability.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass, metal medical equipment, and other textured surfaces in dramatic, high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the intense world of emergency medicine that the character Emma Nolan navigates.The chaotic, high-pressure environment of 'The Pitt' ER challenges the idealistic young nurse Emma Nolan, but also reveals her inner strength.Sault Ste. Marie Today

Laëtitia Hollard, who plays nurse Emma Nolan on the hit medical drama 'The Pitt', says her character is more resilient than she first appears. Hollard, a Midwesterner like Emma, discusses how she drew on her own background to bring depth to the role, including Emma's response to traumatic incidents on the job and her evolving relationship with mentor Dana (Katherine LaNasa).

Why it matters

Hollard's insights shed light on how 'The Pitt' is exploring complex issues of identity, community, and personal growth through the lens of its diverse ensemble of young medical professionals.

The details

As a recent Juilliard graduate, Hollard was thrown into the high-pressure world of 'The Pitt' for her screen debut. She worked closely with LaNasa to authentically portray Emma's journey, including harrowing scenes involving sexual assault and a violent patient encounter. Hollard emphasizes the importance of accurately depicting the emotional toll on nurses, as well as Emma's Midwestern work ethic and optimism.

  • Hollard graduated from Juilliard just before landing the role of Emma on 'The Pitt'.
  • The show's producers arranged for Hollard and the other nurse actors to visit a real-life sexual assault examination facility to prepare for those scenes.

The players

Laëtitia Hollard

The French-Caribbean actress making her screen debut as nurse Emma Nolan on 'The Pitt'.

Katherine LaNasa

The Emmy-winning actress who plays Emma's mentor, Dana, on the show.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She's tougher than she looks. She feels comfortable in the vulnerability.”

— Laëtitia Hollard, Actress

“You know, Shakespeare can get kind of crazy. I've done Macbeth and King Lear, so I love that stuff. It is so cathartic to be able to experience people's hardest moments.”

— Laëtitia Hollard, Actress

What’s next

Fans will be eager to see how Emma's character continues to evolve in future seasons of 'The Pitt', as she navigates the high-stakes world of emergency medicine and potentially becomes more jaded or assertive like her mentor Dana.

The takeaway

Hollard's performance as Emma Nolan subverts expectations, showing that the young nurse's Midwestern charm and optimism belie an inner strength and resilience that will be tested as she grows into her role on 'The Pitt'.