Lena Hall Shines in Your Friends and Neighbors: A Bold Voice, a Subtle Performance, and a Complex Role
Tony Award-winner Lena Hall brings raw emotional depth and vocal power to her role in Your Friends and Neighbors, Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed series created by Jonathan Tropper. Playing Ali, the sister of Jon Hamm’s character Coop, Hall delivers not only a compelling portrayal of mental health struggles but also several live musical performances that have become a standout element of the show.
Jon Hamm’s Caution — and Lena Hall’s Confidence
During the filming of the season finale, Hall performed a live cover of Hole’s “Doll Parts” during a rehearsal. It was the first time Jon Hamm had seen her perform live on set, and his concern was immediate.
“He was like, ‘Hey, you don’t have to go full-out every time; you can save it,’” Hall recalls. “But this is what I do. This high emotional stuff — I don’t save anything. What am I doing this for if not to leave it all out there?”
Hall’s commitment to performing at full intensity in every take underscores her passion and professionalism — and her belief in the character she portrays.
A Sensitive Portrayal of Bipolar Disorder
Ali, Hall’s character, is a talented yet struggling singer-songwriter living with bipolar disorder. Rather than lean into extremes, Hall approached the role with nuance:
“A lot of people hear the word ‘bipolar’ and think it’s the defining trait. But for Ali, I saw her expressive nature through music and her dry humor as her true identity.”
She focused on the way people mask inner turmoil behind everyday normalcy, emphasizing subtle emotional cues over dramatic outbursts. It’s a layered, empathetic portrayal that avoids stereotypes.
Fighting to Be a Great Singer on Screen
One of the few creative debates Hall had with showrunner Jonathan Tropper was about Ali’s vocal ability.
“He said, ‘Could Ali maybe not be such a good singer?’ I said, ‘No.’ I know tons of brilliant singers who aren’t famous. Just because she’s not a star doesn’t mean she can’t sing beautifully.”
This creative decision adds emotional weight to the character — a woman overflowing with talent but stuck in life’s struggles. Hall sings live on set in every episode, performing covers by Radiohead, Hole, Aimee Mann, and even her own original song, “Two More Days.”
In April, she released a five-song EP featuring Ali’s songs from the show, extending the character’s musical story beyond the screen.
A Cliffhanger Ending and What’s Next
The first season of Your Friends and Neighbors ended with Coop clearing his name but continuing his descent into white-collar crime. While Ali remained uninvolved in the illegal activities, her emotional connection to Coop hints at deeper involvement in Season 2, which is currently in production.
“She’s fun. She says what she wants — real verbal diarrhea — but it’s the voice of reason,” Hall says. “It’s funny that the ‘broken’ character is actually the most normal.”
Hall looks forward to exploring more of Ali’s resilience, vulnerability, and unpredictable path, both musically and personally.
Where to Watch
Your Friends and Neighbors is now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, and with Season 2 already filming, fans can expect more stunning performances and emotionally charged storytelling from Lena Hall.
