Julianna Margulies Defends Playing A Lesbian On The Morning Show

Julianna Margulies Defends Playing A Lesbian On The Morning Show

Julianna Margulies opens up about playing Laura on The Morning Show, explaining her choice to portray a lesbian in the AppleTV+ series.

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Julianna Margulies Defends Playing A Lesbian On The Morning Show

Julianna Margulies opens up about playing Laura on The Morning Show, defending her choice to portray a lesbian character. Premiering on Apple TV+ in September, The Morning Show season 2 continues after the explosive events of season 1, as the show’s central morning news program recovers from the tumultuous exit of Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) and the big shift that follows. The new season, which sees Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon returning, also takes place in the recent past and covers the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with Aniston, Witherspoon, Carell, and the always entertaining Billy Crudup as Cory Ellison, The Morning Show season 2 boasts an impressive supporting and guest cast. In its sophomore installment, the drama has welcomed Hasan Minhaj, Holland Taylor, Patrick Fabian, Will Arnett, Kathy Najimy, and Russian Doll breakout Greta Lee. But of all its new additions, thus far the character of Laura Peterson has the closest ties to Alex Levy (Aniston) and Bradley Jackson (Witherspoon). A veteran anchor at UBA, Laura is asked to give guidance to the relative newcomer Bradley. And near the end of episode 3, the two share a surprising kiss.

During an interview on the Just for Variety podcast, Margulies was asked if she felt any hesitation about playing a gay character given the ongoing discussions about representation in media and pop culture. In her response, the ER alum said that the question itself was based on assumptions that were not necessarily accurate. She then went on to explain why she felt comfortable accepting the role. Margulies’ quote is below.

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You know, no, because they asked me to do it. And, I’ve played a gay character before, and who’s to say I haven’t had my own gay experiences? It’s like, you know, we’re making assumptions, then. I felt like they were going with what they felt was the best choice for them. And the best choice to fit in between these two very powerful lead women on that show. But I know there was some trepidation of, y’know, will lesbian actresses be angry? And I can tell you, I would never ever be angry if a lesbian played a straight woman. And I don’t think there’s, you know, I haven’t seen the discrimination towards lesbians to play gay women. So I don’t know if it’s the same kind of conundrum. But maybe, maybe it is, and if so, I apologize.

As noted in her reply, Margulies has played a lesbian in the past. She was part of the 2000 indie dramedy What’s Cooking?, playing the romantic partner to Kyra Sedgwick’s character. It’s not the first time, in recent months, that an actor has discussed receiving pushback for playing a gay character. During an interview at Telluride Film Festival (via IndieWire) in September 2021, Benedict Cumberbatch discussed playing gay characters. The actor noted that he is very sensitive to issues of representation. Making a similar point to Margulies’, Cumberbatch ultimately said: “Do we have to explain all our private moments in our sexual history? I don’t think so.”

The Morning Show season 2 has so far taken a turn towards the soapy, as its struggling news program seems like the most important thing in the world for those involved in it. Laura has emerged as a relatable figure in the midst of all that madness and gleeful hyperbole. While not everyone will agree that Margulies is a good fit for Laura, she clearly feels strongly that she’s right for the role.

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Link Source : https://screenrant.com/morning-show-julianna-margulies-casting-lesbian-role-defense/

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