DeepSummary
The podcast episode features an interview with actress Elisabeth Moss, where she discusses her early experiences as a ballet dancer and the lessons she learned during that formative period. She shares stories about her first crush, heartbreak, and navigating the competitive world of ballet as a young adolescent. Moss also reflects on her transition from ballet to acting, and her experiences working on iconic shows like Mad Men, The Handmaid's Tale, and her new series The Veil.
Moss reveals that she was initially drawn to acting over ballet because she couldn't envision the limited career span of a professional dancer. She recounts the audition process for Mad Men and how it stood out among other pilot scripts at the time. The hosts and Moss engage in a thoughtful discussion about her approach to acting, particularly her preference for staying present and not fully immersing herself in dark, method-style performances.
The conversation delves into Moss's role as Offred in The Handmaid's Tale, including her decision to start directing episodes and the joys of portraying such a complex character. Moss also shares insights into her new show, The Veil, and the appeal of playing a rare female lead in an action-spy thriller.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Elisabeth Moss had a unique upbringing as a ballet dancer, which shaped her discipline, work ethic, and perspective on life from a young age.
- Moss transitioned from ballet to acting in her mid-teens, drawn to the longevity and creative opportunities of the latter.
- Despite being cast in dark, intense roles like Offred in The Handmaid's Tale, Moss maintains a light-hearted approach to acting and does not fully immerse herself in method-style performances.
- Moss values the ability to stay present and grounded while portraying complex characters, even taking on directorial roles to maintain that perspective.
- Her new show, The Veil, allows Moss to play a rare female lead in an action-spy thriller, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
- Throughout her career, Moss has been drawn to projects that explore substance and make statements about the human condition, particularly the experiences of women.
- Moss emphasizes the importance of enjoying the present moment and appreciating life's possibilities, especially during formative years like adolescence.
- Despite her success and acclaim, Moss maintains a grounded, humble, and approachable demeanor, connecting with her fans and appreciating the journey that led her to where she is today.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I forgot about that. Yes, but I read the first two, and I just calling my producing partner and being like, God damn it. Like, there's just not. There's just not. This is better than anything else that we're reading. Like, I don't know what to tell you. Like, this is. This is the best thing that we're reading right now.“ by Elisabeth Moss
- “I cannot think of a time and I have a name that you can make all kinds of jokes with. All kinds of them. I cannot think of a time that I was ever remotely amused by one.“ by Elisabeth Moss
- “I think I would encourage myself to enjoy my life and enjoy where I was is the classic answer, which I've given before and I've heard other guests give, as well as telling your twelve year old self, you're going to be okay or it's going to be okay. But I was thinking about I was thinking last night about, why do you say that? And I think the reason why you say that is because you feel like at that time, you weren't enjoying what was going on enough, or you weren't relishing it enough or being in the moment enough for enjoying being young and all of the possibilities that are in front of you.“ by Elisabeth Moss
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Episode Information
Podcrushed
Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
5/1/24
The inimitable, outrageously talented Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men, Handmaid's Tale) is here and we're NOT OK! Elisabeth shares about her years training as a ballet dancer, the tough lessons she learned from early adolescent manipulation, why she wished she'd been cast on Gossip Girl, and why she refuses to ever go method. We get into all things Handmaid's Tale and her exciting new project, The Veil. Tune in to find out how Penn made Elisabeth blush...by comparing her to a baby?
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