Drama Actress Roundtable 2025: Kathy Bates, Helen Mirren, and More Reflect on Bad Advice, Comebacks & Identity
Hollywood’s Top Drama Actresses Talk Comebacks, Confidence, and Career Challenges in 2025 THR Roundtable
In a compelling and heartfelt discussion, six powerhouse performers gathered for The Hollywood Reporter’s Drama Actress Roundtable, sharing raw insights into the ups and downs of life in the entertainment industry.
Kathy Bates (Matlock), Cristin Milioti (The Penguin, Black Mirror), Helen Mirren (1922, Mobland), Niecy Nash-Betts (Grotesquerie), Parker Posey (The White Lotus), and Keri Russell (The Diplomat) brought their signature candor and charisma to the table, reflecting on personal growth, bad advice, and navigating Hollywood as women in drama.
Comebacks and Career Milestones
For Parker Posey, her recent viral success in The White Lotus reignited public and industry interest:
“The memes, the excitement of my friends and family, it’s been so lovely,” she said. “They’re glad to see you happy and appreciated and getting fulfilling, funny work.”
Kathy Bates echoed a similar sentiment, revealing that before landing her role in Matlock, she had considered stepping away:
“I thought about selling my house and moving to France. I needed real stimulation.”
Their stories highlight the emotional complexity and unpredictability of sustaining a long-term acting career.
When Bad Advice Strikes
One recurring topic was bad career advice — and the actresses didn’t hold back.
Niecy Nash-Betts shared a deeply personal moment:
“People told me not to marry a woman,” she recalled, referencing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. “They said I’d never work again. Now we’re planning another vow renewal — just to say, ‘In your face.’”
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Helen Mirren added her own experience of early pressure:
“I was told to get a nose job in my 20s or I’d never get work.” She didn’t, and went on to become one of the most respected names in global cinema.
Rewriting the Narrative
Cristin Milioti spoke on the evolution of female roles:
“A decade ago, I played a lot of dream girls — someone’s fantasy. Now, I feel like I’m finally taking off a pair of tight pants. I feel freer.”
Keri Russell, who gained fame through Felicity in her early 20s, admitted she still struggles with certain aspects of acting:
“There’s still nervousness and embarrassment. But this era of TV suits me.”
And in a poignant moment, Helen Mirren revealed a long-running theme in her interviews — often citing Kurt Cobain. When asked why, she clarified:
“It’s not about Cobain. It’s about dying young.”
Where to Watch
The full Emmy Roundtables are airing on IFC Fridays at 9 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET, and are available to stream via AMC+. Complete episodes and videos are also posted every Sunday on THR.com and YouTube through June 22.
