Michelle Randolph Got Real About How She Made Her ‘Super Unlikable’ Characters In Landman And 1923 Lovable

by

Michelle Randolph has been consistently working on Taylor Sheridan’s shows, appearing in the Yellowstone prequel 1923 and the oil drama Landman (which has been renewed for a third season). While her characters, Elizabeth Strafford and Ainsley Norris, haven’t always been the most popular with viewers, Randolph has found ways to make them relatable and endearing.

The 28-year-old actress has faced some criticism for the characters she plays, particularly Ainsley, who many viewers feel deserves a better storyline. Although fans aren’t always thrilled with her portrayal, the actress understands and empathizes with her teenage character. In a recent interview with Demi Moore for Landman magazine, she openly discussed why Ainsley (and Elizabeth) come across as unlikeable, and how she’s worked to make them more relatable.

It seems like she was overprotected growing up, and that’s understandable. However, if she doesn’t start becoming more independent soon, it will be on her. She hasn’t really had a chance to develop independence yet. Interestingly, looking back at roles I’ve played in Taylor Sheridan’s shows—like in ‘1923’ and as Landman—the characters were actually quite unlikeable when I first read the scripts.

Viewers of the show Landman haven’t been fans of Ainsley, criticizing her actions, style, and competitive relationship with her brother, Cooper. As a third season approaches, it’s unclear how her character will change. It’s also uncertain how long the series will last and what Ainsley will be like as she grows older. However, the actor who plays her father, Randolph, believes Ainsley has a lot of potential and is supportive of her character.

Although her characters might not seem immediately appealing, Randolph has skillfully developed them to become more relatable. She focused on exploring their inner lives and revealing their true selves, and with the character of Ainsley, she had a specific goal in mind. As she explained:

I might be biased, but I worried people wouldn’t like these characters. I really focused on making them relatable and helping the audience understand where I was coming from. That’s why Ainsley’s kindness is so crucial – without it, she’d just seem like a spoiled, unpleasant teenager with no positive traits.

Paramount+ offers plans starting at $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. You can choose between the Essential plan at $7.99/month and the ad-free Premium plan for $12.99/month. Enjoy popular shows like Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 and Landman. See the deal here.

I understand her perspective completely. I’d love to see Ainsley grow and become more considerate of her brother, and also start thinking more deeply about things. However, I do admire how kind she is to almost everyone, especially compared to how she treats Cooper.

I’ve always been a fan of Elizabeth, especially in the 1923 series. And Randolph’s character in Yellowstone definitely had a rough time, constantly facing danger. Throughout the first two seasons, she showed incredible strength and her love for Jack was very apparent. I really didn’t have any issues with her character.

Michelle Randolph’s ability to portray such distinct characters in two Taylor Sheridan series demonstrates her impressive acting range. She has a knack for finding the relatable qualities in her characters, even when they aren’t immediately obvious to viewers.

I’m really looking forward to seeing how Ainsley’s character develops in Landman, with new episodes available every Sunday on Paramount+.

Read More

2025-12-31 01:38