Jennifer Stone Says ‘The Pitt’ Audition Triggered a Panic Attack Because It Felt Too Real

Jennifer Stone, known for playing Harper Finkle on Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” says auditioning for “The Pitt” was an emotional experience because of her work as a nurse.

Speaking on the “CHEERS! with Avery” podcast, Stone said she auditioned for a series regular role on the medical drama. She studied her lines during breaks at work while waiting for patients to be admitted.

Stone said the show’s opening episode, which includes a character experiencing COVID-related flashbacks, was especially difficult to read. She said the material triggered a panic attack because it reminded her so closely of her experiences working in an emergency room.

“I started having, like, the heavy breathing,” Stone said, explaining that she had to ground herself by focusing on her surroundings.

Stone began working as an emergency room nurse in 2022 and later took on a disaster relief nursing role. She said she still finds “The Pitt” difficult to watch because its portrayal of medical work is “too close to home.”

Stone starred on “Wizards of Waverly Place” from 2007 to 2012 and recently returned as Harper for the final season of the reboot, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.”