Local Legend: Susan Heyward Flies Broomsticks, Loves Flatbush

FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN — The daughter of Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley is alive and well and enjoying s'more lattes in Flatbush.

Susan Heyward, who recently wrapped up a stint flying broomsticks on Broadway's "Harry Potter And The Cursed Child," is an actress best known for her versatility.

Need a federal prison warden to take "Orange Is The New Black" by storm? Heyward can do that. Need someone to play hard-bitten L.A. cop battling it out with people with "Powers" while also playing a savvy secretary to a 1970s Bobby Cannavale on HBO's "Vinyl"? Heyward can do that.

Need an acrobat to grab a broomstick and soar across a Broadway stage? Heyward can do that.

Heyward has appeared on stages from New York City to Canada and Moscow, but she's pretty much always happy to come back to Flatbush. She spoke with Patch about life in the neighborhood as part of our Local Legends series, in which people who make New York City great discuss the neighborhoods they call home.

Last week we spoke to Colin the Piano Guy who lugs an 800-pound grand into Washington Square Park for concerts every weekend. Next week, we'll explore NYC apartment botany with Instagrammer Alessia Resta.

(Does your neighborhood have a Local Legend we should feature? Nominate them here.)

Here's what Heyward had to say about her home neighborhood:

Describe Flatbush in three words.

Diverse, supportive, beautiful.

What drew you to Flatbush? What do you love about the neighborhood and what do you hate?

I moved to Flatbush when I knew I needed to be close to Prospect Park, a commute to midtown that was less than an hour and place that felt like people took care of each other. That was in 2015 and though I've moved a little farther away from the park, Flatbush still checks the other two boxes. I love the independent, neighborhood businesses; I relish the chance to give my dollars to small business owners. What do I hate? The rent really is too damn high. But I signed up for that when I decided to live in the most expensive city in the nation. Folks without the privileges that I have are made to struggle far too much for housing that is actually affordable.

Obligatory local food question: What's your guilty pleasure neighborhood food, why, and where do you get it?

Cafe Madeline is my everything. Every guest who has ever stayed with me has ended up there at least once during their visit. The service is kind, quick and accurate. The food is fresh and delicious and makes my body so happy. The vibe in there is amazing, you can eat and chat, eat and read, eat and work or eat and meet new people. When I'm on my best behavior, I have a brekkie bowl, but the s'mores latte is sinfully delicious.

How does your life in Brooklyn show up when you're playing a maximum security corrections officer, a witch flying across a broadway stage, or an L.A. cop in the superhero division?

The people watching in the neighborhood gives endless inspiration. Humans are so quirky and surprising. There is so much pathos in small moments, that I'm always watching them and collecting behavior to bring to work. So whether that's the particular droop of the shoulders and a look of worry on someone's face as they ride the train to work, or sense of invincibility emanating from a crew of teenagers walking the streets in the middle of the day, I'm always open to the human drama right in front of me, so hopefully I can bring it to the screen in a way people recognize. I hope viewers see themselves as brave, struggling, flawed and glorious. Cause that's how I see them every day.

What’s your quintessential Flatbush story?

So I moved into a new place that was supposed to have laundry in the building, but due to complications (read: lazy landlord liars), I had to use a nearby laundromat for a while. I moved while still filming "Orange Is The New Black" and performing in "Cursed Child,"so at first I dropped off my laundry.

The same laundry attendant was always there. It did not matter what time, or what day, the same woman was behind the desk to serve me with increasing recognition. We murmured soft greetings, and got down to business, me rushing to the next thing on my to-do list, she off to fold clothes while watching a show in her mother tongue.

One day recently I walked in and instead of those activities, she was leaning over the counter looking at what I assumed was homework with a boy who couldn't have been older that 13. She was glowing. She was clearly so in love with this boy, that it made my heart stop.

That's quintessential New York, grade A United States. Coming from somewhere else, and working your butt off for those you love who will have a better life because of your labor. As I walked out the door, I heard her laugh a mother's laugh. Full throated and rising over the din of spin cycles. It was so pure, it felt like I'd almost over heard a private conversation.

With the crazy hostile environment for anyone perceived to different or foreign, I'm glad I witnessed that moment.

Describe your perfect day in the neighborhood.

After journaling and meditation at home, I'd start with the earliest yoga class possible at Third Root. Then I'd treat myself to breakfast at Cafe Madeline (duh). After that, I might head to the Cortelyou Branch of the public library to return or pick up something I put on hold. Then I'd spend a few hours writing or prepping an audition at home before cooking dinner with food I bought at the Flatbush Food Coop. Then I'd wrap up the night with friends seeing a show at Kings Theater. I saw Ne-Yo there a few years ago and it's gorgeous in there.

What's coming next for you?

Last year I stayed in the city for work (gratefully), so this summer I've been making up for all the travel opportunities I missed! I've also found a few opportunities to direct and write while auditioning for the next project. So what's next? More travel and new ways to be creative. I'm not quite sure what that will look like, but I'm dedicated to taking it one day at a time.

Want to read up on past Local Legends? Here's where to look:

• Colin 'The Piano Guy' Plays Washington Square Park
• Culinary Writer Joe DiStefano's Food Haven Is Forest Hills
• Attorney General Tish James Was An Impromptu Blackout Traffic Cop
• Music Producer Martin Bisi Says Gowanus Made Him a Mutant
• Broadway Star Liz Larsen Says The UWS Is Family
• Gastor Almonte Says Great Comedy Starts In East NY
  

This interview has been slightly edited for style.