Similar to the emotional rollercoaster portrayed in their respective shows, six prominent TV actresses – Kristen Bell (from “Nobody Wants This”), Hannah Einbinder (from “Hacks”), Kathryn Hahn (from both “Agatha All Along” and “The Studio”), Natasha Lyonne (from “Poker Face”), Jessica Williams (from “Shrinking”), and Michelle Williams (from “Dying for Sex”) – share their personal and professional struggles, discuss the strength found in on-screen nudity, and even delve into the use of emojis, including the controversial eggplant, during THR’s annual Comedy Actress Emmy Roundtable discussion held in early May.
Have you ever come across something particularly funny or surprising online about yourself? It turns out that your co-star, Harrison Ford, likened you to the character Yoda!
Jessica Williams: That was quite surprising! He’s not fond of discussing Star Wars, so I was taken aback and exclaimed, “Did he just say that?” However, “feisty” was a term I heard frequently.
NATASHA LYONNE Did you say Oliver Stone said that?
J. WILLIAMS Harrison Ford.
LYONNE That makes more sense. (Laughter.)
Hey Natasha, I came across something amusing regarding you. It seemed to be a quote by Maya Rudolph that described you as, “She’s got a golden heart, but without the profession.”
LYONNE However, I do take cash for my services, which Maya is well aware of. At times, she may not be a pimp in the traditional sense, but rather a heart of gold. (Laughter.) Initially, I was going to compare her to someone who checks net worth as soon as they see it due to curiosity. Yet, I’m doubtful about its accuracy. Or I glance at it and think, “This doesn’t seem right,” so then I have to contact Maya to discuss potential new opportunities.
J. WILLIAMS Normally I see, like, “Jessica’s feet.” Just photos of my feet.
KATHRYN HAHN WikiFeet!
J. WILLIAMS Nobody’s asked about my net worth yet.
HAHN Well, I’ve spent a lot more money than I should have if that’s my net worth. Like, it’s gone!
When you come across a description similar to Kristen Bell or Michelle Williams in a casting call, do you have an idea of how you might fit that role?
KRISTEN BELL Whether or not you’ll get it? 50-50 … (Laughter.)
… do you have a sense of what it means?
Initially, in the series “Hacks”, my character was often perceived as a ‘disorganized, young adult with a sharp tongue’. Nowadays, I’m unsure how she’d be described, but that was the common expectation for my portrayal during those times.
Characters: If the narrative involves a character similar to Kristen Bell, we’re looking at a youthful, eccentric mother figure in family-oriented stories. Alternatively, it could be an older individual who exhibits a touch of whimsy when it comes to dating. The recurring theme here seems to be the character’s quirkiness.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS I don’t know what I look like out there.
LYONNE Is that how you stay sane?
M. WILLIAMS I don’t know. I try not to take on what somebody might say I am or am not.
Hey there! It’s been mentioned that once upon a time, your partner Dax Shepard offered some guidance on discovering your unique path – your ‘lane’, if you will.
BELL But she’s here!
I’ll let you explain.
JOHN I’ll admit, I feel a bit awkward to share this, but that’s why I gathered everyone here. (Laughter) Back in the early stages of my career, when I didn’t land roles that I aspired for and those that were expected of me, I would think, “Another missed opportunity.” or “It’s Michelle Williams again.” “Yes, it will be Michelle.” “This time, it’s Emily.” “Perfect. Those girls are great.” My spouse once told me, “Stop trying to drive in other people’s lanes. You aren’t meant to be Michelle Williams, but you have your own lane on the highway, and you can accelerate in it.” Michelle, as a master of her craft, was the example I used because she seems like a goddess in this field.
M. WILLIAMS Awww.
SPEAKER He advised against focusing on a specific goal, suggesting instead an internal approach. It wasn’t until I truly understood this – “Ah, I’ll simply do what I enjoy and hope others will appreciate it” – that things began to click.
J. WILLIAMS It can be challenging to focus on your own lane with numerous talented and humorous individuals around, as many actresses often dominate conversations ahead of you.
CLARITY To make things crystal-clear, my desire to be Michelle hasn’t vanished; it remains. However, I’ve developed a fondness for being Kristen as well.
HAHN Gosh, I don’t think I have a lane. It’s such chaos.
LYONNE I don’t think of you as chaotic at all …
J. WILLIAMS You’re so singular. I mean, I’m obsessed with you. I’m trying to be cool …
HAHN Oh God.
J. WILLIAMS It’s so interesting how we all see ourselves.
Kristen, when you were selected for the role of Anna in Frozen years ago, I think you advocated for your character to reflect a certain quality that you felt was important for you to see portrayed at the age of 11. Could you explain what that meant to you?
SPEAKER For a long time, I’ve dreamt of joining Disney animation, and the script was captivating, but it seemed familiar. It was like an enchanting recipe that consistently delivers success. So, I made an effort because I didn’t want to portray the princess with perfect posture. I adored Sleeping Beauty or Snow White as a child, but I couldn’t fully relate. I envisioned a princess who wore her crown casually, spoke rapidly, wore her emotions openly on her sleeve, blurted out awkward things, then corrected herself, and showed intense affection for everyone.
LYONNE Does that mean a little broken or a little insecure while still taking over the world?
BELL Indeed, I’m insecure, not due to any profound past wounds, but rather a common type of insecurity we all experience. It’s like wondering if I fit in, or if I should make more of an effort. It encompasses the struggles I faced and continue to face.
For everyone here, could you share what specific changes or aspects you’ve advocated for, as they were moments or situations that you felt were essential for you to witness or experience during your lifetime?
LYONNE (To Einbinder) Well, buddy …
I’ll grab it, and (indicating Lyonne) I’ll sit next to my beloved role model who is openly LGBTQ+ here… [Lyonne was famous for playing a character in the 1999 movie ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’, where her character’s parents sent her to a camp to try to change her lesbianism]
LYONNE I skated in on that one, but I’m into it.
EINBINDER However, what Hacks has accomplished for bisexual representation is breathed life and authenticity into this character. It’s evident that when writers draw from their personal experiences, the result is more genuine and tangible. As a queer actor portraying a queer role, I can certainly infuse it with my unique perspective. Consequently, in this season, there’s a polyamory storyline that isn’t used for comic relief.
LYONNE Wasn’t called [for the role].
CONTAINER Oh my goodness, what a wonderful dream! Indeed, there were numerous groundbreaking queer movies and TV shows before Hacks, but it’s heartwarming to hear from people who feel that this series offers a nuanced and non-stereotypical portrayal of bisexuality.
LYONNE (to Einbinder) Does the inclusion of this peculiar element seem more like something you’ve gradually built up to, or has it been an inherent part all along?
EINBINDER It’s been there all along. Many of our writers draw from their personal experiences when crafting stories. Each storyteller has a skilled comedy writer to capture those lived experiences accurately. This creates a wonderful harmony, as my queer perspective allows me to contribute unique ideas, such as, “Perhaps one person is talking while the other is showering.” (Laughter)
Anyone else find themselves pushing for things you needed to see?
HAHN Much of it feels aspirational to me – something I express through others that I personally find difficult to embody in my own life. As a young actor in theater, I would often think, “This is where I’m truly being honest.” It allows me to explore areas that I might not be ready to confront in my personal life.
BELL You’re not required to deal with the aftermath immediately. To put it casually, I don’t aim to sound too profound like, “It’s in the pause between action and decision that I truly feel alive…” I remember hearing someone say something similar once, for real.
J. WILLIAMS To answer that question, I’m like a 6-foot-tall Black lady who’s a size 14 …
LYONNE Prove it! (Laughter.)
J. WILLIAMS Hello! (Starts to rise.) As a child, I seemed to pick up fragments of people – Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Maya Rudolph. These icons, but it wasn’t entirely accurate because I couldn’t quite recognize myself in them.
Or
J. WILLIAMS Hey there! (Starts to rise.) During my upbringing, I gathered bits and pieces of people – Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Maya Rudolph. These extraordinary women, but it wasn’t quite fitting because I didn’t really see myself in them.
PARAPHRASING: The phrase “copy from the best” inspired me to eat a raw egg yolk for breakfast, just like Nadia in Russian Doll (season 1) when she was hungover – this was a nod to Rocky. Gena Rowlands is the artist I’ve shamelessly taken inspiration from the most. What saddens me about our creative community is that we rarely take moments to genuinely appreciate each other’s performances. With so many shows nowadays, it’s fortunate if you manage to watch one or two. Everything seems disposable, with everyone quickly moving on to the next – and if a show becomes successful, it’s all about awards and outfits.
BELL I recommend expressing your compliments spontaneously. A strategy I’ve adopted lately is sending voice messages whenever I appreciate something. For instance, if I admire someone’s performance in a TV show that we both watch, I might say something like, “Hahn, you really knock it out of the park in this series.” I used to hold back for a long time, but now I find it more fulfilling to express my thoughts openly. So, if I admire someone’s role, expect a voice message from me.
HAHN It’s so awesome.
J. WILLIAMS On set, I’ve experienced similar feelings. In the past, I delved into sketch and improv, and I encountered a lot of harshness and cliques within comedy, as well as some scene partners who would exploit me for jokes, which was incredibly disheartening. Now that I’m older, I recognize how many unkind comedy mentors there were, truly horrible individuals. Therefore, when I’m working, particularly in comedy, I find myself saying, “No, I’m here. Let’s cooperate and build upon each other’s ideas.
BELL Comedy is supposed to make you happy.
LYONNE Hey, baby, ever heard of Lenny Bruce? (Laughter.)
BELL I just think we have an obligation to cheer each other on.
One delightful aspect of growing older is leaving behind the misconception that women must compete with one another. As I venture into working more collaboratively, I find myself thinking, “Wow, I could work alongside any one of you!” It’s a relief to no longer feel trapped in the game of ‘me against them.’
J. WILLIAMS It’s incredibly challenging if you’re African-American. The entertainment industry is overwhelmingly white, particularly in comedy, creating a significant scarcity of Black roles. And if you’re purely Black and not mixed, the disparity becomes even more extreme. That’s why I strive to fill my life abundantly because we haven’t reached that point for people of color yet. The industry often pits us against each other in various ways, and you can witness this happening frequently: There’s one person of color who’s ‘in the spotlight,’ and they are cast in almost every role you see. It’s unfair.
In what ways might your decisions vary now compared to earlier in your careers? Could family life or personal circumstances play a role in these differences?
ALICE It seems I’m discovering as an adult that it’s inappropriate to share personal experiences like, “This morning was chaotic,” when trying to separate such matters. Isn’t this something that comes with growing up and gaining maturity?
HAHN Yes, it seems as if the sense of urgency or chaos tends to decrease with age. I often think of a space shuttle launching with various attachments, and as it ascends, the unnecessary items begin to detach. For me, this represents menopause. However, it’s intriguing because I portrayed a witch on Agatha All Along, which felt incredibly fitting at that specific stage in my life. It was the quirky sidekick roles, then the pregnant character, followed by the sexually active pregnant character, and now I play the witch.
LYONNE A classic arc. (Laughter.)
HAHN I’m curious to see what’s next.
KRISTEN My viewpoint varies somewhat, but I value having some part of each day with my loved ones. It’s deeply ingrained in who I am, and I might express it by saying, I enjoy acting, yet I adore being Kristen. If given the choice, I would give up this profession instantly. However, I understand myself well enough, and about 12 years ago, when my eldest was born, I pondered, “What if I simply tried to see if I had the power to say, I won’t shoot outside of L.A. anymore?” No matter how talented the director or captivating the script, I wouldn’t be moved enough. I have no interest in replicating the Revenant 2 on any other location. It wouldn’t satisfy me. So, I decided, “Don’t send me anything unless it’s being filmed in L.A. or if it’s early enough in development that I can demand, ‘We must shoot in L.A.’ ” And I’ve been incredibly fortunate. When I arrive on set, I will undoubtedly separate my personal life and concentrate solely on the task at hand, leaving any baggage behind unless it’s positive and uplifting. But when the day ends, I’m not here for additional takes just for us. If we have what we need, I must return home to reconnect with my family because if I don’t, I won’t be able to perform tomorrow.
HAHN Spending time away from my children on a few projects left me with an “Ughhh” feeling due to missing significant milestones, like my son getting his driver’s license while I was far away.
BELL A crucial aspect of female discussions is frequently overlooked: we focus on praising our careers and the efforts required to succeed, but seldom discuss the underlying factors that make this possible. For me, it’s about learning when to say no to many things because they simply won’t work for my mental well-being. It’s essential to prioritize personal life, social connections, and family, as these elements enrich our lives and help us understand what it means to be human. Without a balanced lifestyle, we may struggle to portray authentic human emotions on camera.
J. WILLIAMS Additionally, there are cycles or phases. For instance, at times, one needs to put in extra effort. There’s a phase for hard work because we’re all at various stages in our careers…
HAHN A hundred percent.
J. WILLIAMS I plan to remain here for alternatives, but as of now, I don’t have children. I haven’t reached that phase in my life just yet.
EINBINDER I want to go to grad school at some point.
J. WILLIAMS Hell yeah. What do you want to study?
EINBINDER Perhaps environmental science.
J. WILLIAMS I want to finish school.
EINBINDER I just think, like, you’ve got to go outside. You’ve got to live your life.
Michelle, you mentioned that ‘Dying for Sex’ wasn’t exactly the path you envisioned for yourself. You expressed surprise like, “I’m a mom with all these children, why would I do a show about that?!” What were your concerns or apprehensions at that time?
M. WILLIAMS The main reason I receive these roles is due to Bell’s unwillingness to work on the East Coast. (Laughter) However, it’s not about fear for me, it truly isn’t. Instead, it’s about overcoming fear. I’m in a game of self-restraint, wondering how long I can hold out and how patient I can be until something suitable comes along that aligns with my criteria: Is this necessary to be expressed? Is it necessary right now? And is it necessary for me to express it? You have to wait a considerable amount of time if you’re not skillful enough to create your own material, which I am not.
LYONNE I highly doubt it, I’ve known you a long time …
M. WILLIAMS Upon learning about the book “Dying for Sex“, it wasn’t my initial choice, but I instantly knew that it was a project I wanted to be involved with. However, if I had designed it myself, it might not have turned out this way.
I’m guessing you were extremely thankful for having an intimacy coordinator during that scene. You mentioned that you arrived, whether it was on the first day or the first week, and were trying to convincingly portray six orgasms…
BELL (Feigns horror) Did you fake those?! (Laughter.)
LYONNE She would never! (To Michelle) Is it a full McGilliCutty on the outside?
M. WILLIAMS No, you don’t see [me naked].
LYONNE I mean, I’m never nude. I’ve tried, nobody wants it.
EINBINDER Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. (Laughter.)
M. WILLIAMS What’s truly essential is having a family who offers unwavering support, as I am dedicated and capable of handling this line of work. However, if you’re in a partnership or have children, it’s crucial to have their complete backing to pursue such endeavors. This is because when you’re absent, your family members need to take on some responsibilities temporarily, which requires them to understand and support what you’re doing. Fortunately, I now have a platform that allows me this freedom.
Did I read that it was your eldest daughter who said, “Go do this project”?
I’M THRILLED THAT IT ALL BLOOMED AFTER MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS! (Laughter.) She hails from a different era than ours, which means she didn’t have to wage battles for the freedom to be bold, expansive, and unapologetically messy. She simply exists as she is.
“I recall a discussion I had with my 13-year-old son, during which I asked him not to search for information about me online.”
HAHN: Indeed, I’ve had my fair share of bare-all roles. (Everyone erupts in applause.) Thank you all so much. I rarely receive this level of appreciation. However, it’s something I was fully aware of going into these projects, and the kind of work I do is typically not suitable for general viewing unless it’s a major comedy. We don’t discuss my profession at home. They tease me mercilessly when they’re around. It’s exactly what teenagers should be doing. My son once told me, when he was 15, that he left a big party where a group of kids were watching “Step Brothers,” and he said to me, “Mom, I just walked away.” And I replied, “I completely understand.
ALTERNATIVE You’re quite the powerhouse on stage, and I haven’t had the chance to view all your explicit performances yet – perhaps we could arrange for a brief glimpse at some point in the future…
HAHN Yes, I have one.
To me, you’re more like Julianne Moore soaring through an artistic setting, wearing a wig made from yarn. This, in my mind, represents a unique, third type of persona.
HAHN I think so, too.
LYONNE It’s less like, “Hey baby, come check it out.”
HAHN That’s never been my currency. It’s not for that.
BINDER This season, I’ve shown more naturalness than ever before, which I found incredibly empowering and freeing. I admire other actresses who have done the same, and I think they’re fantastic for their bravery. It has also boosted my self-confidence in my body.
LYONNE Is it about, like, feeling laid bare around something that you’re not holding back?
BINDER I believe it’s about shedding this traditional upbringing that many of us as women have experienced. The notion of not showing one’s bare chest seems to be fading away, leading us towards a world where the female body is simply accepted and normal. So, this action (covering her chest) – why do we persist in it? Frankly, I wonder why.
BELL There’s such a buildup [to these scenes], but then you do it and you didn’t die …
WRAPPER This experience makes me more at ease with myself, and I’ve arrived at a point where I can think, “Well, everyone at work has seen me without clothes, but it doesn’t change anything. Now, it’s out in the open.” I’m advising my parents, “Please don’t watch,” but otherwise, it’s quite alright.
LYONNE You’re also shooting it safely and it’s tethered to character, not to fantasy.
EINBINDER Yes, it’s justified, and it’s a female gaze.
In my experience, I’ve mostly engaged in such activities with women creators or directors, which makes it seem less like an external perspective critiquing it.
Originally, there wasn’t a platform similar to WikiFeet for cold weather advice, like “watch out for frozen nipples”. Can you tell me the name of that site?
J. WILLIAMS The nipple tracker?
Wait, what’s the nipple tracker?
LYONNE The one where they show you all the naked people in freeze frame.
M. WILLIAMS Just screengrabs of everybody …
As a gamer, I can honestly say that the dynamics have significantly shifted for us now. We’re not just playing games anymore; we’re essentially granting access to a platform where everything is exposed. It’s like, you’ve got one foot in the right direction, but the other is slightly off, and nobody wants to be part of a game with such inconsistencies. You guys are serious players, but this feels a bit lopsided.
When strangers approach you, which project or character do they typically want to talk about?
For quite some time, my character was that of Jen Barkley from “Parks and Rec,” but I didn’t appear in too many episodes. Currently, however, I am portraying Agatha, the witch.
As for myself, it’s “The Daily Show,” “Shrinking,” and “The Bear” that aren’t featuring my presence – though I appreciate the recognition! (Laughter ensues.) I often respond, “Not me, but thank you so much.” This sentiment is expressed to me quite frequently.
Generally, people tend to recall shows whose names are included in their titles, such as “Veronica Mars” or “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” The problem is that no one seems to remember the title of the current show I’m working on. Instead, they often say things like, “I watched your show!” or simply “Your show!”.
Do I know you? Are you perhaps referring to the character from the show “Hacks”? If so, that was only in season one. Generally, people are friendly. However, it’s often members of the LGBTQ+ community who respond enthusiastically, like, “Alright!
M. WILLIAMS I’m a clean split between Wendy and Lucy and Dawson’s Creek.
HI MICHELLE! I was wondering if you recall, back when we were both at Williamstown, you were performing in some play – I just can’t seem to recollect the title.
M. WILLIAMS The Cherry Orchard?
Have you ever come across Chekhov? (Laughs.) While you were starring in Dawson’s Creek, I was struck by the way you managed to maintain your connection with all aspects of acting – it wasn’t like a black-and-white distinction for you. It felt inspiring to me, desiring that ability to remain curious and versatile across various paths of artistic exploration and performance.
M. WILLIAMS It’s truly wonderful when no one seems concerned with your actions. (Laughter) It’s so liberating when there’s little to no scrutiny, allowing you to explore freely and discover more about yourself, your abilities, interests, curiosities, and future aspirations.
How about you, Natasha? What’s the project that fans approach you about most?
The show that resonates most deeply with me when fans discuss it is “Russian Doll” by Lyonne. It’s as if we share a special bond, making it a topic we don’t need to force. While “Poker Face” is enjoyable to chat about, it’s more like reminiscing over the exciting guest stars. However, what I’m really thrilled about at the moment is the movie I’m co-writing with Brit Marling, who’s incredibly talented. This upcoming film, titled “Uncanny Valley,” will be set in the realm of immersive video games and heavily utilize AI.
HAHN Oh, I heard!
LYONNE Yes, indeed! I’m incredibly proud of owning the rights to our work and shaping the path in areas we genuinely value. It’s exciting because if things don’t work out, I can always return to acting. However, I truly respect individuals like Greta Gerwig or Jordan Peele who have successfully focused on one project at a time. In my dreams, I hope for that same opportunity to focus solely on this venture and see where it takes me.
EINBINDER Want to go to grad school together?
LYONNE No, I’m busy. (Laughter.) But I don’t understand, what’s it for again?
EINBINDER Just the wonder and excitement of learning. Yeah.
LYONNE We need a subject, Hannah.
EINBINDER OK, environmental science. Or we could do art history. I’m open.
Ending on a lighter but hopefully revealing note: What’s the most used emoji on your phone?
HAHN I’m not a deft emoji user. I do a lot of XOXOs, sometimes a K slips in and I send it anyway.
M. WILLIAMS It’s likely that anyone receiving a message from me containing an emoji would understand that my phone has been taken and I need help.
Let me just put it out there: Emoticons can be quite enjoyable. They often express feelings and ideas better than words alone. There’s one I tend to use excessively, but I’d rather not…
HAHN Eggplant! (Laughter.)
BELL If you text me, “Let’s connect at Any Time midday,” my response will be an eggplant emoji, which is a fun way of saying that I understand and agree to the meeting. It also conveys a sense of enthusiasm on my part.
I frequently create double flamed works, yet I’m unsure of the reason behind it. I enjoy crafting a complete narrative within these pieces, even incorporating a bento box design. It saddens me that they are usually overlooked, so I aim to showcase them more prominently.
BELL The flamenco dancer is also lively when she’s somersaulting. This indicates that she’s eager and enthusiastic.
I just stumbled upon this fascinating tale in the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine, dated June 4th! If you’d like to keep up with such captivating content, consider subscribing here.
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2025-06-05 16:27