Actors openly discuss regret and limitations: Insights on typecasting, humor icons, and beyond
Six acclaimed comedic actors addressed the challenges and opportunities they face while making people laugh during a discussion with The Times at The Envelope's Emmy Roundtable for comedy actors. Their TV shows, ranging from Netflix's "Running Wild" and HBO's "Somebody Somewhere" to ABC's "Abbott Elementary" and NBC's "St. Denis Medical," each offer a unique take on comedy.
In the Netflix series "Running Wild," Kate Hudson stars as Isla, a trailblazing woman who takes over the family's pro basketball franchise. Lisa Ann Walter portrays Melissa Schemmenti in ABC's "Abbott Elementary," a tough grade school teacher in underfunded Philly public schools. Nathan Lane plays Bunny, an aging gay man bringing together a chosen family in Hulu's "Mid-Century Modern." Paul W. Downs performs double duty in Max's "Hacks," managing the legendary comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. Bridget Everett plays Sam in HBO's "Somebody Somewhere," a cabaret singer returning to her family's small Kansas town. Lastly, David Alan Grier stars as Dr. Ron in "St. Denis Medical," a dedicated physician at a small-town hospital's ER.
During the roundtable, they discussed how comedy can test boundaries and touch on sensitive topics. The actors agreed that the key to successful edgy comedy is thoughtful execution, ensuring that it does not cause harm or rely on punching down on marginalized groups. They emphasized that comedy should bring people together rather than divide them.
Lisa Ann Walter shared her experiences with typecasting on "Abbott Elementary," where her character curses and may be misunderstood by younger viewers, but the show aims to shed light on important issues like the school-to-prison pipeline without being preachy or offensive.
The group also highlighted the different skills they have learned for their roles, some of which proved challenging. For instance, Kate Hudson mentioned her mastery of cigarette rolling for "Almost Famous," only to find herself later battling an unwanted smoking habit. Nathan Lane spoke about learning American Sign Language for "Only Murders in the Building" and the struggle of becoming fluent in a short time.
As they opened up about their experiences with typecasting, they collectively expressed the frustration of being limited to specific roles based on their previous performances. Many expressed a desire to branch out and tackle more serious roles. They also acknowledged that being known for comedy often means being asked to stick to comedic performances.
The actors concluded the roundtable by discussing the importance of collaboration between actors, writers, and directors in shaping their performances and navigating sensitive subjects. They also pointed out the need to strike a balance between risk and reward when it comes to pushing boundaries in comedy.
- Los Angeles, where the Emmy Roundtable discussion took place, has proven fertile ground for many comedic actors, providing a platform for shows like "Running Wild" on Netflix.
- In the world of entertainment, California's Hollywood has been a breeding ground for groundbreaking comedies, allowing actors like Bridget Everett to portray complex characters like Sam in "Somebody Somewhere."
- Conversations surrounding culture and education have found their way into television, as evidenced in "Abbott Elementary," a show that deals with underfunded schools in Los Angeles.
- For some actors, venturing into the business realm has been important, such as Nathan Lane's learning of American Sign Language for "Only Murders in the Building," showcasing his willingness to challenge himself.
- The music industry has had its influence on the world of television, with Kate Hudson displaying her skill in cigarette rolling, a talent she developed for her role in "Almost Famous."
- The roundtable discussion highlighted the growing trend of celebrities leveraging their influence to address sensitive issues, such as Lisa Ann Walter's character in "Abbott Elementary" touching upon the school-to-prison pipeline.
