How Do Actors Navigate Modern TV?
Key points
Actors face ongoing challenges in TV, from casting limitations to industry changes. Allison Tolman discusses her career, the value of persistent effort, and the need for more inclusive storytelling, while reflecting on Catherine O'Hara's impactful legacy.
Key takeaway
In an era of evolving television formats and industry challenges, actors like Allison Tolman exemplify resilience and adaptability. Tolman's journey from Fargo to leading Saint Denis Medical highlights the persistent hustle required in acting, even after breakout success. She emphasizes the importance of carving one's own path in an industry still grappling with limited imagination in casting, advocating for more thoughtful character descriptions and diverse roles. The conversation also honors the late Catherine O'Hara, whose legacy underscores the enduring power of authentic, humanizing performances. Ultimately, the discussion reveals that success in TV demands continuous effort, empathy, and a commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences seeking comfort and connection.
Hello and welcome to another episode of Obsessed, the Podcast.
I'm Kevin Fallon, your pop culture guide. Today, I'm joined by Allison Tolman, star of Saint Denis Medical on NBC, one of the funniest shows on TV. But first, I want to discuss Catherine O'Hara, who recently passed away, leaving an amazing legacy. Her work, from Home Alone to Schitt's Creek, showcased a unique blend of comedy and warmth that resonated deeply with audiences. I interviewed her in spring 2020, during the height of Covid, and she showed incredible empathy, discussing family and the emotional finale of Schitt's Creek. Her humanity and talent made her performances timeless.
Now, let's talk to Allison Tolman.
We first met over ten years ago on the set of Fargo in 2013 or 2014. Since then, she has become the lead of Saint Denis Medical, a comfort show that launched on November 12 of last year, shortly after the election. The show offers 18 episodes per season, providing a unifying and funny escape. Tolman plays a head nurse, inspired by real-life healthcare professionals, and the show humanizes medical workers amid real-world strikes for better pay and conditions. She notes that while shows like The Pit focus on dramatic medical procedures, Saint Denis Medical emphasizes humor and heart, with episodes wrapping up nicely.
Tolman reflects on her career post-Fargo, surprised that the hustle never stops, even after success. She still auditions for roles but often relies on her body of work. She advocates for more imaginative casting, criticizing shortcuts like body descriptors in scripts. Tolman desires to play diverse roles, such as a "dumb slut," to break typecasting. She is currently watching Silo and rewatching Mad Men, pondering how shows from different eras resonate today.
In closing,
Tolman's journey highlights the ongoing challenges in TV, from casting biases to the need for persistent effort. Her work, along with legends like Catherine O'Hara, reminds us of the power of authentic storytelling. Thank you for listening. Share your favorite performances and shows with us, and subscribe for more episodes.
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