logo
Carrie Coon breaks down that ‘Gilded Age' finale, her ‘White Lotus' monologue and more

Carrie Coon breaks down that ‘Gilded Age' finale, her ‘White Lotus' monologue and more

Even hardcore fans of HBO's 'The Gilded Age' may have been surprised how far Bertha Russell, portrayed by now three-time Emmy nominee Carrie Coon, went this season in her quest to climb the heights of 1880s New York society. After forcing her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) to marry a British duke to solidify the family's social standing, she insulted her angel of a son, Larry (Harry Richardson), after pooh-poohing his own engagement. In fact, the Russell family matriarch left enough hurt feelings and resentment in her path that when asked if Bertha has become the show's biggest villain Coon gleefully exclaims, 'I hope so!'
In the season finale, Bertha's shepherding of the Newport Ball supersedes attending to her husband, George (Morgan Spector), still recovering from an assassination attempt. Her choices culminate in a bombshell that Coon sort of saw coming. She believed creator Julian Fellowes and his writing team were setting it up all season.
'Bertha has not stopped and taken stock of the impact of her choices, and therefore it feels out of the blue,' Coon says of the third season's deliciously melodramatic confrontation between the usually closely allied spouses. 'But anybody that's had that conversation in a breakup knows that those things are never out of the blue.
'She's very persuasive or coercive, depending on how you feel about her. She feels as though she's blindsided by it when the audience knows very well that this controversy has been building. That's just dramatic irony. That's just good tension.'
She clarifies, 'I don't know what will happen to George and Bertha. I know that Bertha is relentless, and she won't give up. But what I love too is that George has had a near-death experience, which is very jarring, and he is starting to question his own life, his own choices. And I think it's actually quite complicated that he's struggling so mightily, even though we know historically their marriage has been very solid, very honest, very sexy.'
Just a few months ago, Coon was an integral part of another pop culture sensation, Mike White's 'The White Lotus.' Her performance as Laurie, a divorced New York lawyer attempting to reconnect with lifelong friends Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) and Kate (Leslie Bibb), saw her rewarded with an Emmy nod for supporting actress in a drama. Out of curiosity, what would Laurie think of 'The Gilded Age' if she turned it on every Sunday when she returned to New York?
Without hesitation Coon replies, 'Oh, I think she would appreciate the fact that the story was being served to her in such a way that she didn't have to overthink it because her brain is so exhausted. But I suspect that actually Laurie's watching things like 'Naked and Afraid.' I think she just goes home and turns on mindless reality TV, which is very far from me. She's watching 'Real Housewives.' She's watching a bunch of s—. Whoa. Wait. I say that lovingly!'
During the last dinner the trio of friends share at the fictional Thai resort, the relationship among Laurie, Kate and Jaclyn comes to a climax. Laurie confesses she's been sad the entire week of their stay, but despite their differences and competitiveness, the fact they can still sit together around a pool after all these years means something to her. Filmed at the end of an often-grueling shoot where temperatures at times topped 120 degrees and dehydration was a serious concern, Coon says the scene had added resonance because she and her co-stars 'had gone through it.'
'The audiences see six days of resort life, but we are living six to seven months of resort life together as roommates,' Coon says. 'So we had a lot to draw on in that scene by the time we got to it. And of course, the most extreme part is that we were shooting it inside of what's effectively a greenhouse. That little dining area is so hot. You can't run the air conditioners. We were just soaking. You didn't see the pile of tissues next to my chair. Not because we're crying, but because we are absolutely soaking wet. It's a very different challenge in terms of acting.'
Many characters this season resonated with viewers, but Coon says she was moved by how many think pieces were written about these particular women and their friendship. In her opinion, they were the 'sneaky heart of the season' because White understood their relationship so well.
'I was very proud of us,' Coon admits. 'And any attention that speech is getting, I share with Michelle and Leslie because the only reason it lands is ultimately because of the friendship, not because of me specifically as a performer.'
She says there is nothing better than being recognized by your peers, but 'The Leftovers' standout thinks her recognition is also partially because she happens to be on shows people are watching.
'I have so many friends nominated this year,' Coon beams. 'Not only people on my show but Julianne [Nicholson]. I'm working with Bella Ramsey right now. So proud of them. It's always fun to see your friends be celebrated as well. And the longer you're in this business, the more people and the more fun it gets to be the third time around.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Abbott Elementary' star Janelle James on her Emmy nomination and the evolution of Principal Ava: ‘She's become more of a real person'
‘Abbott Elementary' star Janelle James on her Emmy nomination and the evolution of Principal Ava: ‘She's become more of a real person'

Yahoo

time26 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

‘Abbott Elementary' star Janelle James on her Emmy nomination and the evolution of Principal Ava: ‘She's become more of a real person'

Few TV characters steal scenes quite like Principal Ava Coleman and few actors do it quite like Janelle James. The actress is back in the Emmy race for the fourth year in a row for her role on ABC's Abbott Elementary, where her portrayal of the self-assured school principal has become a standout. What started as comic relief has grown into something more layered, as the recent seasons have given James space to reveal new sides of Ava. Below, James discussed the evolution of her character, connecting with fans and what this latest nomination means to her. Gold Derby: What does the nomination mean to you personally and professionally? More from Gold Derby Gotham Film Awards open submissions for Dec. 1 ceremony Kathy Bates could make Emmy history as sole nominee for 'Matlock' Janelle James: Personally, this is something that was never in my life view. I never have been like, "Oh, one day I'm going to win an Emmy." So personally, it's been another lesson on me continuing whatever path clears before me. I really keep myself open to possibility, to opportunity. The saying is, you stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. It's just a culmination of all the skills that I have been working on and sacrificing for and doing, not with an end goal in mind, but because I enjoy it. Was there an episode or scene this season you're most proud of? I feel like a lot of people will agree that this was an Ava season. Thanks to the writers and Quinta [Brunson, the show creator and star] for trusting me with this material. I was so excited to stretch in a way that Ava hasn't been able to before. There's always been nuggets of wisdom from Ava and solemn moments and serious moments, but she's basically been a joke machine to a great response. That's a skill that I'm very proud of being able to land those jokes and make this character so dynamic by saying a little. But then in this past season, to show different flavors of her in a way that she hadn't before, giving her more to work with has been amazing. How has your character evolved over the seasons? I feel like she was more of a ham in the earlier seasons. She brought this documentary crew in. She was like, this is my show. I'm going to look in the camera and wink and smile, and every entrance is like ta-da. She's become more of a real person now. I made a conscious decision to not do camera looks as often. In previous seasons, she's the most aware that a camera is on her and it's less so now. How has working together over multiple seasons impacted your bond with the cast? I always say I came into this show with masters of their craft. I think when you do that for any profession, you toss yourself into something where everyone else is an expert, you either sink or swim. It made me swim and rise to their level. To see Quinta being such a boss and taking on this huge responsibility of a show to be responsible for not only the show, but all of us and then to jump in front of the camera and be Janine has been inspirational. Do you have similarities to Ava in real life? How do you relate to her? I am also a Black woman who is very confident, fashionable and funny. I use humor a lot to cover, to placate, to soothe people to diffuse. That's how I've used this skill that I'm sure has come from my own trauma. A lot of funny people, we've just figured out how to turn those things into jokes. I relate to her in that way. Besides , what shows are you loving right now? I love and had just finished watching Bad Sisters on Apple TV+. Sharon Horgan is the creator and she's the main sister on that show and it's such great writing. This is somebody I want to work with. I'm going to just say that out loud. I loved her previous shows, especially Catastrophe that she did with Rob Delaney. But this show, I love the five female leads. I think it's the most accurate and devastating portrayal of emotional abuse I've ever seen. That villain, if I see this actor on the street, he is getting a load of it. Because just like everyone who sees me thinks that I am Ava Coleman, I think this guy, he did such a great job, that I think this guy is the villain that he portrayed. It's such a great show. What has been your favorite encounter from fans? I love when young ladies, in their early 20s, particularly Black women, come up to me and say that they see themselves in me. That is gratifying. This type of character is very lacking for Black women — someone who doesn't have it all together, someone who's portraying these layers. And teachers. I've had really good teachers in my life. Something I've always known innately is how important teachers are. It's almost sad to me when teachers come up and say, thank you for representing us, because it feels like you shouldn't need a TV show to drive that home. What do you mean you don't know how hard it is to have 30 kids in a room? You got your two kids at home and you're disheveled and tired. And then not only to wrangle them, but to teach them and then shape them into the adults that will be around you in the world. Why do you need a TV show to do that? But honored to help spread the message along. Best of Gold Derby 'Australian Survivor vs. The World' premiere date and cast photos: 'King' George Mladenov, Cirie Fields, Parvati Shallow … 'Five new life forms from distant planets': Everything to know about 'Alien: Earth' as new trailer drops Everything to know about 'The Pitt' Season 2, including the departure of Tracy Ifeachor's Dr. Collins Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword

Bill Maher admits cancel culture fears — despite the cultural ‘vibe shift' after 2024 election
Bill Maher admits cancel culture fears — despite the cultural ‘vibe shift' after 2024 election

New York Post

time2 hours ago

  • New York Post

Bill Maher admits cancel culture fears — despite the cultural ‘vibe shift' after 2024 election

Liberal comedian Bill Maher admitted he fears getting canceled for the remarks he's made in private on Monday's episode of his 'Club Random' podcast. During a conversation about free speech with actress Drew Barrymore, Maher said it had become less 'dangerous' to speak out on controversial issues as there had been a cultural 'vibe shift' against woke-ism over the past two years. But he confessed he still feared that his everyday conversations in public could be used against him to end his career. 'We did have a vibe change because the Democrats lost so badly in 2024. The blush is off the rose on left-wing censorship and 'Oh my God, you can't say that.' Stop telling me what I can do. What I can say. What I can think. Who my heroes are supposed to be. Just get the f— off me. That is what's viscerally going on with me when I have issues with the left,' Maher said. Barrymore praised him for his boldness and asked him if there was anything that still 'scares' him. 'Oh, what scares me is… at any moment, you can like say something that, really in private conversation, wouldn't upset anybody. Yes. But these snitches and b—-es will be able to use it to attack and end you, which they did once on 'Politically Incorrect,'' he said. 4 Bill Maher admitted he fears getting canceled for the remarks he's made in private on Monday's episode of his 'Club Random' podcast. YouTube/Club Random Podcast 'When I go out… it's unlikely anything is going to happen that would end my career, but it is possible.'' Maher explained how he carried this 'paranoia' with him constantly. Although it wasn't as severe as other problems people face, he said it wasn't insignificant. 'I'm always… and now it's like a running joke because you know, 'Did anything bad happen?' Like that sort of paranoia. No. Is it as bad as things other people go through? No. But living with that paranoia is not nothing,' he lamented. 4 During a conversation Drew Barrymore, Maher said it had become less 'dangerous' to speak out on controversial issues as there had been a cultural 'vibe shift' against woke-ism over the past two years. YouTube/Club Random Podcast 4 Barrymore praised him for his boldness and asked him if there was anything that still 'scares' him. YouTube/Club Random Podcast 'I don't feel guilty saying that's a complaint I have about life. Everybody has their complaints. That's one of mine. Is it as bad as starving? No. But it's not nothing. It kind of sucks that you can't pull into the driveway without having a peaceable night at dinner without thinking, 'Did anything bad happen?'' The 'Real Time' host previously opened up about his worries about getting canceled in a 2023 CNN interview. 'It just makes me laugh when people say to me, 'You know, you're uncancellable.' Are you kidding? In two seconds, I could get canceled. Anybody could,' he told the news outlet. 4 The comedian's 'Real Time with Bill Maher' continues to air on HBO. FOX News Maher faced backlash for controversial remarks following 9/11, and ABC canceled 'Politically Incorrect' the following year amid declining advertiser support. Days after the terrorist attack, Maher insisted it was 'cowardly' for the U.S. to use cruise missiles overseas, while the terrorists who flew planes into the World Trade Center were 'not cowardly.' The liberal comedian faced intense backlash from viewers and advertisers at the time and ABC pulled the plug on his show the following year. In 2003, he launched 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' which continues to air on HBO.

Yes, the ‘Alien' timeline is confusing. Before you dig into  the franchise's first TV series, here's some clarity
Yes, the ‘Alien' timeline is confusing. Before you dig into  the franchise's first TV series, here's some clarity

CNN

time2 hours ago

  • CNN

Yes, the ‘Alien' timeline is confusing. Before you dig into the franchise's first TV series, here's some clarity

In space, no one can hear you scream, but they can sure hear you scratching your head as you try to make sense of the sprawling 'Alien' universe. While Ridley Scott's 1979 haunted-house-in-the-cosmos horror story 'Alien' may have kicked things off — and reinvented science fiction as we know it in the process — that film is now but a midpoint in the multi-chaptered timeline that tells the Xenomorph's story. Noah Hawley, the Emmy-winning mastermind behind TV's 'Fargo' anthology series, is set to unveil 'Alien: Earth,' the latest entry in the franchise and its first foray into television, on Tuesday. The films span decades in real time and centuries in the 'Alien' universe, but Hawley isn't too worried about how the series seamlessly – or not – fits into the world's timeline. 'We haven't literally calendared it out,' he said at a press event for the series this spring. And while we know a fair amount about the aliens themselves, the decision to bring the action to Earth for the first time opened up 'a grey area that we can play in,' he said, since not much is known about Earth in the world of 'Alien.' 'It was gift to get a franchise this big with very little mythology to it.' Nonetheless, the show's premiere provides the perfect moment to map out the slimy, menacing world of Ellen Ripley and company in their epic battle against one of the galaxy's fiercest creatures. Below is a list of the franchise's films and new TV show, in order of when they happen in the chronology of the 'Alien' universe. Note: Since there are debates about what even IS 'canon' to this world, for purposes of brevity and simplicity, this list omits projects that cross over with the 'Predator' franchise, namely 2004's under-appreciated 'Alien vs. Predator' and its sequel three years later. It's pretty mind-boggling to think that anything from the crazy and threatening world of 'Alien' could take place in this century, but that's just what happens in this sort-of prequel from original 'Alien' director Ridley Scott. The movie essentially offers a possible glimpse into the very beginnings of various species depicted in the original 1979 film, including humans. Anyone looking for a neat way for this movie to fit into the events established by 'Alien' won't be very satisfied. This film and its 'Covenant' sequel below raise many more questions than answers, and are largely part of why Hawley has previously said he is choosing not to focus on the stories presented in them as part of his new project. The prequel confusion continues in this followup to 'Prometheus' that takes place 11 years later and follows in the footsteps of the classic sequel 'Aliens,' following a crew who field a distress call and land on a mysterious planet with disastrous results. Other than a chilling performance from Michael Fassbender as the android David. Hawley set out to present the titular creatures 'within a larger ecosystem,' as he described it to members of the press, and also place them in a shocking place they've never before been seen – right here, on Earth. The show takes place two years before the events depicted in the original 'Alien' and features competing global corporations – which include Weyland-Yutani, the unscrupulous 'company' cited in the very first film – and a hierarchy of human and humanoid beings who vie for control after a spaceship crash-lands on Earth holding incredibly valuable, and dangerous, cargo. Like Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) herself, this is the mother of it all. Following the fateful encounter of the Nostromo's crew – a ragtag group of space truckers – with the razor-toothed, face-hugging, chest-bursting, acid-for-blood Xenomorph, 'Alien' provided the blueprint for not only the others films to follow in this franchise, but in all other sci-fi and creature feature titles that came next. An installment meant to revitalize the franchise after a period of dormancy, 'Romulus' takes place between the first two films in the franchise, while Ripley is stranded in hypersleep after the harrowing events of the first movie. This James Cameron-directed entry famously broke the mold by ramping up the horror and action while also fashioning a compelling human drama, resulting in an acting Oscar nomination for Weaver, a rare feat for a genre film. The movie takes place over a half-century after 'Alien,' with Ripley learning that her escape pod went undetected and all those she knew back home on Earth have since died of old age. Things only get worse from there. The only entry to take place immediately following the events of the previous installment, 'Alien 3' starts when Ripley's latest escape vessel crashes into a prison planet – with a dangerous critter aboard. Ripley can't catch a break with her escape pods, and the end of this film features an astonishing demise to one of cinema's greatest heroines. A zany entry that gets a little better with each watch, this futuristic vision (from Jean-Pierre Jeunet of 'Amélie' fame) brings Ripley back as a clone whose DNA is fused with the Xenomorph. While we get to see the aliens swim in this one (impressive!), the story takes place so far in the future that – similar to the prequels – Hawley said he didn't concern himself with it while constructing the new series. 'Alien: Earth' premieres Tuesday on FX and streams on Hulu.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store