As I delve deeper into this captivating narrative, it becomes increasingly evident that Keri Russell’s life is a vibrant tapestry of extraordinary experiences. From the intimate emotional release in a black cab to the exhilarating Arctic adventure with Rebecca Solnit, her journey seems to be filled with moments that ignite a “lightning bug” within her mind.
As a film enthusiast, I find myself in a lively gathering with Keri Russell, the radiant star of “The Diplomat.” We’re both unwinding after a long day, with Keri on her fourth glass of wine and me on my second. Debora Cahn, the brilliant mind behind our show, is also here, sipping on her third glass. French fries, once crisp and hot, now lay scattered across the table in cold remnants. Empty glasses are strewn about, and there’s an abundance of ice everywhere – it seems as if we could start a small snowball fight anytime!
In just a few weeks, “The Diplomat’s” second season will debut on Netflix around Halloween, only days before the presidential election. As Russell and Cahn relax in an old French bistro on the Upper West Side during late afternoon hours, they are reminded of the time they encountered Kamala Harris (alongside President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill) at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a couple of years prior to when she ran for the Democratic presidential nomination.
At 48 years old, Russell becomes giddy as she recalls that evening, her hands playfully fluttering to her face in a humorous display of excitement. Cahn then mentions, “Someone shared a picture of us with Biden and Jill, and I adore having it, but I exclaimed, ‘Could we also have the Kamala photo?'” Both of them burst into laughter.
After dedicating four years to “The West Wing”, six years to “Grey’s Anatomy”, and two more on “Homeland” before embarking on the development of “The Diplomat” with Netflix in 2019, Cahn explains, “During a dinner conversation, we were joking around, exchanging pleasantries, and I mentioned that I was working on a TV series about how challenging it can be for highly intelligent and seasoned individuals to tackle complex problems and face criticism as a result. This struck a chord with her, and she responded by saying, ‘Give me a call!'” (Cahn mimics the vice president holding her hand to her ear as if it were a phone and says in a playful tone, “Call me!”)
Russell cackles and echoes, “She’s like, ‘Call me!’ in a funny and very aware way.”
Cahn goes on, expressing, “I made a statement similar to, ‘Why do the people dislike those who are most experienced, the most intelligent —'”. At this point, Russell interrupts with, “And she exclaimed —”. Simultaneously, they mimic a phone by putting their hands near their ears and say, “Call me!” in unison.
They’re slightly intoxicated, seated next to each other, passing a glass filled with ice back and forth to add it to their drinks – one is Sancerre, the other rosé – a practice they developed together during the filming of “The Diplomat” in London. This series revolves around a character who is messy, foul-mouthed, fashion-phobic yet attractive and highly intelligent. Despite initially aiming for an assignment in Kabul, this career ambassador was re-routed to a vacant post as the U.S. Ambassador to the U.K., which had been empty since Trump’s term. An international crisis is brewing between Britain, Iran, Russia, and the United States, and the American president requires diplomatic personnel on the ground, but he also wishes to evaluate the new ambassador’s abilities: Perhaps she could be his next vice president, as his current one, portrayed by Allison Janney in Season 2, is facing a scandal that may lead to her removal. (Cahn penned both Season 1 and Season 2 before Harris became a candidate, so when Harris took over for Biden, Cahn jokingly remarked to him, “Are you a psychic witch?”)
Currently, they’ve sent the server off to get some additional ice. “It’s quite awkward,” Russell remarks, “that we have to ask for ice.
“No,” Cahn says, “I refuse to be embarrassed.”
“I am embarrassed,” Russell says.
“Don’t call it tacky,” Cahn orders Russell.
“I’m gonna call it tacky,” Russell says.
When asked if she will endorse Harris, she hesitates, stating, “If granted a wish, I’d prefer to become invisible – that’s my nature. I’d gladly give away all the wealth in the world for this invisibility. A person like George Clooney, at his age, he should live life to the fullest.
And Taylor Swift?
Oh, what a splendid swing, and such a grand one at that,” Russell remarks, taking a gulp of her chilled wine. Her nails are a deep shade of eggplant, slightly chipped, and she dons a pair of thick black-framed reading glasses that in an advertisement might give the illusion of intellectualism to a model, but on Russell, they only enhance the beauty of a truly intelligent, well-read woman. “Swift is doing everything right,” Russell states, “and everyone should support her. However, I prefer to remain secluded in my sanctuary. Yet, if asked, I will certainly offer my thoughts. After all, I’ve listened to every Ezra Klein podcast about her, you know what I mean?” (Many of Russell’s stories depict her in her Brooklyn kitchen, cooking and tuned into NPR.) “I may not have a significant impact one way or the other; I don’t use social media. But the influential figures should hold their ground.
I bring up the fact that she’s the lead in a political series where the protagonist could potentially be Vice President to a president similar to Biden, and this is only five days before the election. She responds by saying, “If someone asks me point-blank, I won’t lie.” Then she expresses her belief that Kamala Harris will emerge victorious.
For nearly three decades, Russell has accomplished an extraordinary feat, starring as the lead actress in three high-profile television series – “Felicity”, “The Americans” and now “The Diplomat”. This journey mirrors her personal growth, much like the marks on a doorframe in countless American households. However, in her early years, Russell yearned for anonymity. She had little interest in the personal lives of actors she admired; instead, she preferred to forget them between roles, allowing herself to fully immerse in their characters. She didn’t care about their relationships or scandals (questioning if our artists can’t be flawed and imperfect); she desired this obscurity for herself. Consequently, each new show she releases leaves audiences astonished by her remarkable transformation into a completely different character – a transformation that, in the case of “Felicity” and “The Americans”, has added depth to our cultural self-perception.
The first season of “The Diplomat” achieved worldwide success primarily due to Russell’s stellar performance. Following its debut on April 2023, it broke Netflix records as their most-watched series during its initial two weeks. It also reached the Top 10 in 87 countries and accumulated a staggering 174 million hours viewed within its first month. To add to this success, Russell garnered an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Kate Wyler, followed by nods from the Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and SAG awards. It’s evident that the second season of “The Diplomat” will further cement Russell as one of the greatest dramatic TV actresses, mirroring how Julia Louis-Dreyfus was recognized in the comedy sphere after her achievements in “Seinfeld.
Here’s one way to rephrase the given text in natural and easy-to-read language:
Russell’s partner, Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who worked alongside her in “The Americans” from 2013 to 2018, remarks that Russell isn’t typically excited about acting. He explains that she has a genuine unease, not so much dislike; the term ‘dislike’ is too strong. Instead, he believes she feels uncomfortable with exposing herself every day in this way, finding it both demanding and challenging. However, Rhys adds, Russell adores intellectual stimulation and cherishes words – books are her deepest passion. Words and stories are her true love.
The passion for exceptional writing may not have been fully developed when, at fifteen, Russell joined her dance program friends for an audition on “The Mickey Mouse Club” revival in Colorado. She landed the role and starred on the Disney Channel for two summers in Orlando before relocating to Los Angeles at seventeen. Although she managed to secure minor roles in L.A. that sustained her, it wasn’t until her audition for “Felicity” in 1997, at age twenty-one, that she understood the true essence of acting: “I finally grasped what I was supposed to do with ‘Felicity’: ‘Ah, now I get it! This is a compelling story. I can see how it’s like a book, and I’m captivated by the story itself.’ Previously, I was just going along with it because it was there.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the unforgettable moment when I first met Keri Russell. I recall saying, “She entered the room, and it was almost absurd.” The character I had penned was a shy wallflower who had never had a boyfriend, timidly approaching a boy to ask for a yearbook signature. But there stood Keri Russell, not just beautiful with her hair, smile, and eyes that could make anyone’s heart flutter – she was beyond what the job description called for.
Russell is still that same magnetic person: warm, thoughtful and funny — and very anxious. Today, on a late summer day, she’s sitting at a picnic table in an out-of-the-way corner of Brooklyn Heights, wearing an oversize gray canvas jacket zipped all the way up, and drinking both a coffee from a take-out cup and a can of beer, though it’s only 10:30 on a Monday morning. The beer is, in part, because she’s uncomfortable doing these interviews that are a part of the job of being an actor. As Rhys said, she’s shy (he also calls her “wary”) to the point where even Zoom calls stress her out. Rhys says that if the doorbell rings, Russell will check the monitor and say, no matter who it is, “Oh, I’m not opening that door.”
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t stand the feeling of being in the spotlight. Let me tell you, it’s absolutely dreadful! Last week alone, I had to endure not one, but two photoshoots. To cope, I found myself needing a drink – a beer, no less. And then, the thought struck me: ‘Oh my goodness, they’re going to be watching me.’ It’s a nightmare I never want to relive.
During her portrayal of Felicity from 1998 to 2002, although she identified as a “nervous performer,” she found a sense of comfort. She expresses that the unique aspect of the show, along with a touch of being a diplomat, allowed her to don large, loose sweaters and minimal makeup. Watching the stunning guest stars who had to wear feminine clothing made her realize how it added to their nervousness. She takes a sip of beer as she recalls this. “I appreciate the beauty in women too, and I enjoy dressing up and wearing makeup when necessary. But there’s more to being a girl than that. Some girls might get trapped in that, but for me, it was a blessing to be able to wear big baggy sweaters and simply focus on being funny or intelligent. This reduced my nervousness.
As a dedicated film enthusiast, I found myself deeply immersed in the captivating world of “The Americans,” a role that came after a decade of guest appearances on TV and a handful of films, alongside my commitment to raising a beautiful family. In this series, I embodied the character of Elizabeth Jennings, a mesmerizing Soviet spy disguised as an American housewife, who was just as capable of executing a lethal move as she was of unscrewing a bottle cap. Married to a similarly ruthless partner, Philip Jennings, with whom she shared two blissfully ignorant American children, her on-screen life bore a striking resemblance to my own reality. At that time, I was already a mother to a son, River, now 17, and a daughter, Willa, 12, from my previous marriage to Brooklyn contractor Shane Deary. We parted ways in 2013, and it was during the filming of “The Americans” first season that I met my current partner, Matthew Rhys. Our shared love blossomed that same year, and our son, Sam, now 8, was born between the fourth and fifth seasons of the show.
Russell admits he was deeply in love with Matthew,” he confesses. “Our affection was intense, as we’d engage in secret spy work under the cover of darkness, donning disguises and wigs. It was truly an exciting, passionate phase. Such fun, oh my goodness!
Russell hadn’t anticipated accepting the position as Ambassador Kate Wyler in “The Diplomat,” set to film in London during spring 2022, due to her and Rhys’s arrangement that enabled their “circus life.” One parent needed to be at home with the kids when the other was working. By late 2021, Rhys was in L.A., shooting “Perry Mason,” but Russell had a virtual meeting with Cahn during Christmas, while she was preparing dinner for three sets of grandparents.
For her part, Cahn couldn’t see Russell in the role of Kate when Netflix suggested her. “I was like, ‘Elizabeth from “The Americans”?’” Cahn says. “Like, sophisticated and gorgeous …?” Cahn does a cartoonish imitation of Elizabeth, with her beautiful long hair and her high-wattage sex appeal. “When somebody brought Keri up, I was like, ‘Kate is a neurotic, itchy character with, like, some form of eczema in a spot that you can’t really see. This is not gonna work out.”
“And then you met me,” Russell says, “and you’re like, ‘Oh, God!’”
Cahn expresses, “In our brief phone conversation of 38 seconds, it was as if I gasped, ‘Good heavens! It’s her!’ She was so amusing that I couldn’t stop laughing. Her comedic delivery was reminiscent of a stand-up act. And the hairstyle and her ability to cook for a large crowd were striking.
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s vice president of scripted series, who has been a sounding board for Cahn since the beginning, says that Russell was the only person who could play the part of Kate — “It was like, ‘We have to have her.’” Howe calls Russell “a comedic genius,” and though “The Diplomat” is a drama about high-stakes international politics, it’s also a subtle screwball comedy — “a comedy on accident,” Russell calls it — especially when it comes to Kate’s marriage to Hal, played by Rufus Sewell, a character who was also an ambassador in the Middle East until he pissed too many people off by making backdoor deals that were deadly for the few in order to save the many. Kate and Hal are on the verge of divorce at the start of Season 1 — mainly because of Kate’s disgust for what she sees as Hal’s brand of diplomatic immorality — though it’s hard to imagine how they could function without each other.
In the story “The Diplomat,” it’s the open, nonjudgmental relationship between the characters that particularly captivated Russell. They support each other unconditionally, standing by one another through thick and thin. When speaking about it, Russell expresses his wish for it to be a mature relationship. He acknowledges that people can make mistakes, but relationships like theirs are capable of overcoming such errors as they are stronger than just those imperfections.
However, the filming took place in London, while Russell had three children attending school in Brooklyn and a partner residing thousands of miles distant – and she seldom agrees to anything.
In early 2022, she annually embarks on a solo journey to Big Sur. During these solitary getaways, Russell indulges in numerous walks and maintains silence with others. On this particular trip, a certain novel titled “The Diplomat” occupied her thoughts persistently. Eventually, she found herself pondering, “How can I make this work?!” As she walked amidst the trees, taking in the fresh air, she reached a decision: “No, I’ve got to take action.
At the time, a stirring was taking place within her. Aware that her vitality and innovative spirit would transition soon, she felt prepared to grasp opportunities head-on at age 46. This readiness was sparked by an evening spent at Gloria Steinem’s residence for her 88th birthday celebration. Alongside 17 other women, including Roxane Gay, they engaged in discussions about divorce, relationships, and various life stages of women. Following their conversation, Steinem confided to Russell, “At my age now, all that matters less. Instead, I feel like the 9-year-old girl who yearns to climb trees again.
That notion struck a chord. “I mean, who doesn’t want to want?” Russell says. “But it all relates back to that Gloria thing — how incredible that, at this age, she wants to climb trees.”
So Russell called Rhys and said she was going to do “The Diplomat.”
She informed him that she had prepared the birthday cupcakes. She had handled the doctor’s appointments, the sleepless nights due to fear, and the laundry pile-up. She had been present through it all, giving back rubs. But now, she yearned for a break – three months, or ideally a whole year! It was someone else’s turn to take over, she said, to shoulder the responsibility. And he did, even though it was tough. You see, Matthew was busy with his work at that time as well, and I’m sure that added to the difficulty, since he was trying to juggle his travels back and forth. Yet, she reminded him, “It’s called being a mom.
Due to the triumph of “The Diplomat,” Russell is now able to spend more time at home as the production will be divided between the U.K. and New York City starting this month. This way, she and Cahn can be nearer to their loved ones since both cities will be involved in the play’s staging.
Reflecting on the topic, I ponder if little Sam, just six years old during our debut season, might harbor resentment upon my departure. Intriguingly, only the future can reveal whether this young fan might take matters into his own hands during my slumber.
Cahn adored working on “The West Wing,” but her ultimate dream was to create a series like it, focusing on foreign policy and offering a global perspective. Eventually, this opportunity came when she started writing for “Homeland,” which fulfilled her aspirations. However, when she discussed the show with others, they’d express liking it but feeling the need to step away from it because it was “overwhelming.
One day, as Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin delivered their lines under the cover of night in Kabul, Cahn found herself contemplating how similar dialogues might unfold in “The Crown.” She noticed the contrast between the vivid landscapes and bright skies in “The Crown” compared to the gritty backdrop of Kabul. Despite this, she recognized that she could still address her burning post-Trump questions, such as “How will we navigate the world when so much of our global influence has been lost due to the dismantling of treaties and alliances?” However, she decided to approach these topics in a more lighthearted manner. And thus, “The Diplomat” was conceived.
The show’s storyline is intricate and challenging to follow, but this is done deliberately. As Cahn puts it, “It’s somewhat like the layers in phyllo dough when it comes to exposition. You receive a small amount at first, then a bit more, and a bit more still – which mirrors how we all acquire knowledge about complex topics.
Russell expresses her confusion about understanding the storyline with a chuckle. “Goodness gracious, I find myself at times utterly lost!” she exclaims, mimicking the act of flipping through an invisible script. “For instance,
Howe points out that Cahn assumes the audience is intelligent and well-versed enough to grasp the intricacies of the plot required for enjoying the performance. Moreover, not explicitly explaining every action taken by these influential characters contributes to our perception and admiration of them as truly exceptional individuals.
In the latest season of “The Diplomat”, there’s a moment where Kate and Hal are in their bedroom. Hal is standing over Kate as she tends to a serious wound from a car bomb explosion that happened at the end of Season 1, just a few feet away from him. Removing a stubborn bandage from his stomach causes him pain. Looking up at him, Kate reassures him it’s finished. With relief, he relaxes, and she swiftly removes the bandage with an expression that seems almost joyful.
This is a side of Russell that comes out occasionally in real life.
Sewell remarks, ‘This is her most cherished instant,’ he says. ‘The one I affectionately refer to as Keri the Fraggle.’ He imitates a tiny Muppet’s voice, making a piercing sound reminiscent of an alien creature: ‘Raw-raw-raw!’
As a movie buff, I’ve often pondered about Russell’s somewhat sinister side that seems to surface occasionally. When I probed Rhys about this, he nodded in agreement and shared his concerns, saying, “Absolutely. I witness it with growing alarm, particularly at home.
He expresses his opinion about it: “Keri is tough-as-nails, so when I look at that situation, I believe she’s essentially telling him to toughen up, which is typical of her. If the positions were reversed and it was him having to confront her with a difficult challenge, she wouldn’t bat an eye, let alone flinch. So I think she’s always challenging him to prove his courage.
At the picnic table in Brooklyn, Russell shares, “I didn’t attend RADA, it was Matthew who went there. Similarly, I didn’t study drama at Yale. I’m not fluent in seven languages and I don’t pretend to be a chameleon, taking on different roles like a ‘Today, I’m portraying a German drug addict.’ Instead, I need a story that resonates deeply with me, one that feels authentic, so I know how to approach it.
In truth, Russell displays the versatility of an actress capable of portraying a German drug addict – she showcased this in “The Americans” with her convincing portrayal of Elizabeth Jennings, a character who could seamlessly transform into a wide array of personas, from a stunning airhead to a caregiver to an American housewife, and even deceive the FBI agent residing next door.
She firmly believes that it was necessary to cheat because they had an abundance of elaborate costumes, wigs, hairstyles, and makeup, which essentially took care of much of the appearance work for her.
Rhys isn’t convinced: “To be honest, she claims she can play any role due to Elizabeth’s strong and dogmatic character, but Keri can pull off any part, according to her. He further mentioned, ‘She frequently expresses her self-doubt as an actress, which gets under my skin. I believe she harbors insecurities about her acting skills, perhaps stemming from the fact that she didn’t attend college. Yet, I find myself exasperated trying to convince her otherwise.’
In all honesty, Russell isn’t tossing and turning at night about her acting skills, as she’s following her heart – living an exciting life. There exists a video recording made by her grandfather, who was questioning her when she was seven years old to try out a loaned camcorder. He inquired, “What do you aspire to be when you grow up? Do you wish to become an actress?” To which she replied, “Not at all! I want to journey across the world and capture numerous images.
At the bistro, with her glass almost drained, she declared, “That’s exactly what I’m after – the thrill of it all, the excitement from the whole experience. And that’s precisely what I’ve managed to achieve.
Cahn says, “Acting is the tax you pay,” and Russell nods.
She shares tales of her most cherished experiences with a sense of wonder: One memory is attending Gloria Steinem’s birthday celebration. Another unforgettable moment took place in 2023, when she was fortunate enough to dine with Hillary Clinton at Ambassador Jane Hartley’s residence in London. This extraordinary event brought together twenty influential women who were shining in their respective fields. At the head of the table sat Clinton, answering a flurry of insightful questions. Russell describes the evening as “wild, fast, enlightening, amazing, and exhilarating.” Upon returning home, she wept in a taxi cab. She expressed her feelings by saying, “It was like experiencing what it must have felt like to attend an all-girls school. Can you relate?” She further explained, “That night I couldn’t sleep; it was as if a firefly were dancing within my mind.” Later, she made a point to write thank-you notes to each of the women she dined with.
She additionally discusses a 2015 expedition to the Arctic Circle, led by Sierra Club director Darren Aronofsky, which included author Rebecca Solnit assisting her in pitching her tent. For seven days, they camped, relieved themselves in open pits, and navigated a river under almost constant daylight until there was only ice. Later, she attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where she encountered Kamala Harris.
Cahn exclaims, ‘Check out what we get to accomplish!’ She’s the one who provides us with all the direction – everyone does! And she consistently arrives early, fully prepared and eager to be completely involved and lively. There’s no air of self-importance about it; rather, there’s a feeling of ‘We’re here, we’re doing this, it might be absurd, it might not matter much. But perhaps something worthwhile will emerge on the other side.’
The server arrives and asks, “Can I bring you some more ice?” To which Russell replies, “Sure.” Later, Cahn comments, “You’re kind,” and Russell simply agrees, “Indeed.
“Do you want me to tell you how it ends?” Russell says with that devilish glint in her eyes.
Currently, we’re in Brooklyn, chatting about the second season of “The Diplomat.” I’ve seen five out of the six episodes, planning to catch the remaining one tonight. However, Russell is bursting with anticipation for the finale that she just can’t keep quiet!
She exclaimed, “I can’t, or else Deb might stick a knife into my eye!” This conveys the same meaning while using slightly different wording.
But she wants to tell me: She loves the show, her fellow actors (one of whom, Ato Essandoh, says he’d “take a bullet for her”), the story. This adventure of “The Diplomat” clearly makes her feel like there’s a lightning bug in her brain.
Additionally, this situation serves as a trial of my strength – can I resist her temptations or will I succumb and allow Keri Russell to unwittingly lead us both into a small, mischievous escapade?
I say, “Go ahead — tell me,” and she does.
Styling by Alex Badia; Senior Market Editor, Accessories: Thomas Waller; Fashion Market Editor: Emily Mercer; Fashion Assistants: Kimberly Infante and Ari Stark; Makeup by Tina Turnbow using Testament Beauty; Hair: Brian Magallones/Oribe/TraceyMattingly.com; Manicure: Maki Sakamoto/The Wall Group; Look 1 (cover): Dress: Fendi at Bergdorf Goodman; Earrings: Chopard L´Heure du Diamant Collection; Look 2 (horizontal black flowing dress): Dress: Schiaparelli; Shoes: Jimmy Choo; Tights: Calzedonia; Earrings: Dena Kemp; Necklace: Harwell Godfrey;; Look 3 (diamond bracelet): Dress: Fendi at Bergdorf Goodman; Bracelets: Rahaminov Diamonds Cuff, Melissa Kaye Lenox Tennis bracelet; Look 4 (gold dress, diamond necklace): Jason Wu Collection at Bergdorf Goodman; Necklace: Chopard Haute Joaillerie Collection; Earrings: Chopard L´Heure du Diamant Collection; Bracelet: Rahaminov Diamonds; Ring: Givenchy; Look 5 (motion blur): Dress: Balenciaga at Bergdorf Goodman
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2024-10-16 18:20