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Comedy Actresses Roundtable: Debra Messing, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rachel Brosnahan | Close Up With THR

The Hollywood Reporter・47 minutes read

Actresses share stories of dealing with weight comments, using humor to navigate challenges, and advocating for gender equality in the industry. The importance of social justice, fair compensation, and using platforms to influence societal conversations is emphasized, alongside the impact of movements like #MeToo and Time's Up.

Insights

  • The actresses shared personal experiences of dealing with weight comments, emphasizing the importance of humor and comedy as coping mechanisms in navigating difficult situations.
  • The conversation highlighted the impact of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements on promoting discussions about pay equality, transparency in salaries, and the need for men to support women in achieving fair compensation, ultimately shifting societal norms towards true gender equality.

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Recent questions

  • How do actresses navigate weight comments?

    Actresses discussed handling weight comments with humor and grace, emphasizing the importance of taking the high road. They shared experiences of using comedy to navigate difficult situations, highlighting the power of humor in dealing with criticism.

  • What social issues does "SMILF" address?

    Frankie Shaw discussed how her show "SMILF" addresses relevant social issues, showcasing the importance of comedy as a form of relief. The show delves into various societal issues, using humor to shed light on important topics and provide a platform for discussion.

  • What is the theme of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"?

    The show "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" focuses on women discovering their voices, resonating amidst turmoil and hope. The character Midge is highlighted, along with the relevance of the period setting in showcasing the journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

  • How has the #MeToo movement impacted the industry?

    The #MeToo movement has prompted a reevaluation of past experiences of harassment and unequal treatment in the industry. It has empowered women to speak up against harassment, encouraging a shift in societal norms towards true gender equality and the recognition of worth and value.

  • Why is pay equality important in the industry?

    Conversations about pay equality have become more comfortable due to movements like #MeToo, leading to increased transparency in discussing salaries. Actresses have discovered disparities in pay compared to male co-stars, sparking discussions about fair compensation and the importance of being valued for one's work rather than gender.

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Summary

00:00

Actresses Share Audition Stories and Strategies

  • Participants: Molly Shannon, Tracee Ellis Ross, Frankie Shaw, Debra Messing, Rachel Brosnahan, Alison Brie, Drew Barrymore, Laci Rose
  • Molly Shannon's Cape Fear audition involved a scene where she questioned sticking her own finger in her mouth.
  • Debra Messing's first sitcom audition post-NYU led to a critique about her makeup and age.
  • A casting director suggested Debra Messing's "girls" were too low and offered a smaller bra.
  • A casting director at an audition for House of Lies asked for more skin, giving her tank top to the actress.
  • A casting director traded shirts with an actress who didn't know how to do her hair and makeup.
  • Tracee Ellis Ross played sports and was once told she gained weight before an audition.
  • Tracee Ellis Ross responded to a weight comment in a restaurant by asserting she was not pregnant.
  • The actresses discussed dealing with weight comments and the importance of taking the high road.
  • The actresses shared experiences of using humor and comedy as a way to navigate difficult situations.
  • Frankie Shaw discussed how her show "SMILF" addresses relevant social issues and the importance of comedy as a form of relief.

17:17

Empowering Women Through Comedy and Advocacy

  • The speaker expresses love for a man and confirms the presence of shrimp in egg rolls.
  • The theme of women discovering their voices is highlighted, resonating amidst turmoil and hope.
  • The show "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" is discussed, focusing on the character Midge and the relevance of the period setting.
  • Comedy, especially with heart, is emphasized as a powerful storytelling tool.
  • The importance of humor and intelligence in storytelling is underscored.
  • The distinction between being funny and having a comedic sense of humor is explored.
  • The discussion shifts to separating artists from their art, particularly in light of controversial beliefs and actions.
  • The impact of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements on perspectives and actions is discussed.
  • The speaker reflects on the collective empowerment and camaraderie among women in the industry.
  • The importance of using platforms for social justice and equality, as well as the role of actors in influencing societal conversations, is highlighted.

34:15

"MeToo movement sparks pay equality discussions"

  • Conversations about pay equality have become more comfortable due to the MeToo movement.
  • Men who support women are becoming more aware of the need for pay equality.
  • Transparency in discussing salaries is increasing, especially among women in the industry.
  • Some actresses have discovered they were paid less than male co-stars, leading to discussions about fair compensation.
  • The focus is on being valued for one's work rather than gender.
  • Molly Ringwald shared a personal experience of standing up against inappropriate demands on set.
  • The importance of recognizing and addressing instances of sexual harassment in the industry is highlighted.
  • The #MeToo movement has prompted reevaluation of past experiences of harassment and unequal treatment.
  • Women are encouraged to speak up and not fear repercussions for asserting their worth.
  • The need for a shift in societal norms to achieve true gender equality is emphasized.

49:51

"Challenges of Communication and Representation in Media"

  • Many women find it challenging to express themselves perfectly due to societal pressures and the imperfections of communication.
  • Engaging in uncomfortable conversations with women of diverse backgrounds is crucial for understanding differing experiences and perspectives.
  • Debra Messing discusses her role in the show "Divorce," highlighting the importance of representing real struggles in marriage on screen.
  • Various actresses and TV shows are praised for their unique portrayals and storytelling techniques, such as "Insecure" and "Atlanta," showcasing complex characters and non-linear narratives.
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