Natasha Rothwell and Sterling K. Brown Spill Secrets on ‘White Lotus’ and Doomsday Prep!

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Natasha Rothwell is seeking a friend for the end of the world.

As a cherished and passionate figure on social media platforms, this year saw me reaching new professional heights with my comeback in HBO’s “The White Lotus.” I step back into the shoes of Belinda Lindsey, a masseuse attempting to leave behind the unfulfilled vows from Jennifer Coolidge’s capricious heiress in Season 1. In reality, I’ve shared with Sterling K. Brown that I’ve been delving into secret doomsday bunkers, considering the current tumultuous state of global politics.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but be thrilled about Brown’s latest role. Known for his three Emmy wins, including for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” and “This Is Us,” Brown is once again collaborating with creator Dan Fogelman, this time on the popular Hulu series “Paradise.” In this gripping tale, I find myself immersed in the story of a Secret Service agent who’s made his home in a colossal bunker beneath Colorado’s mountains, following a global catastrophe. His mission? To unravel the mystery behind the U.S. president’s murder and locate any signs of his missing wife, all while searching aboveground. It promises to be an exhilarating journey!

As a devotee, I find a shared resilience in their journey, having faced an industry marred by disparities and uncertain prospects for on-screen and off-camera employment. Yet, there’s a wealth of delight in their shared reminiscences, particularly their initial encounter on Issa Rae’s groundbreaking HBO series “Insecure.” They also establish clear boundaries, with Rothwell acknowledging that Brown’s attraction to mature women can sometimes stir tension — even within her own family.

Sterling K. Brown: Your demeanor is graceful and polished, yet it caught me off guard how you transformed into such an uninhibited character on “Insecure”. I didn’t realize you began on the show as a writer.

Natasha Rothwell: Yes, that’s correct. One day, I was summoned to the office, and I thought perhaps I had been overusing humor that wasn’t quite appropriate. I even messaged [Issa Rae], saying, “I think I’ve really goofed up.” However, it turned out they wanted me to portray my character Kelli, and upon hearing this, I couldn’t help but break into tears.

Indeed, your captivating charm is unparalleled! I must confess, watching you was as riveting as a page-turner novel. Your performance in “Army Wives” was so compelling that it came close to causing a rift in my parents’ longstanding bond; my mother found herself utterly engrossed by your acting skills.

Brown: Give me the story.

I was thinking, “If Sterling shows up and destroys our 47-year long marriage, I will certainly feel angry.

I have a strong connection with a particular group, and that includes older Black women. However, let’s discuss “The White Lotus.” Although it might seem unusual given our racial differences, it’s worth exploring.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I found myself in the unique position of being associated with HBO, primarily due to my role in “Insecure.” However, 2020 was no ordinary year; it was the peak of COVID-19, a time before the widespread availability of vaccines. The industry was asking, “Who is brave enough to step outside during these uncertain times?”

One such brave soul was Mike White, whose work I had long admired from shows like “Chuck & Buck” and “Freaks and Geeks.” I seized the opportunity to meet him, and it led to a collaboration that resulted in a compelling project.

However, let me discuss the topic “Paradise”. Does the future of mankind worry you as much as it does me? Perusing through my internet search history might reveal a few companies that specialize in building underground shelters.

Our house features a bunker, a common addition to mid-century modern homes due to their post-World War II construction. To ensure our children’s safety, we have secured it. This shelter comfortably accommodates approximately 30 individuals.

Rothwell: You have my number, right? 

Brown: I got you. 

Your series has a striking resemblance to current events, as if we’re on the brink of a catastrophe that could lead to human extinction.

This version maintains the original’s emphasis while using more straightforward language and a smoother flow for easier reading.

Dan Fogelman created it, similar to “This Is Us.” He told me he was writing something with my voice in mind, and suggested, “Give it a read.” If I liked it, that was good; if not, no problem. I replied, “I’m on board.” He assumed I said “I’m on board” because all Black people just casually say it. He asked what it meant, and I clarified, “I’ve agreed to do it, idiot.

Rothwell: Did he loosely pitch this to you or did you get eyes on the page? 

Fogelman follows a unique approach with his work, as he shared in our “This Is Us” podcast: He initially writes the first draft himself, and then presents it to the studio. They either approve or disapprove of it. His stance is straightforward – he doesn’t want suggestions at this stage. Instead, he wants to know if they like his idea or not. If they don’t, he’s ready to move on to something else.

You: Was it surprising to find such a stark contrast between “Paradise” and “This Is Us,” both being created by the same person? Did you suspect he possessed such diverse artistic abilities, or was it unexpected?

I knew he was versatile enough; he’s a brilliant writer. He has written films like “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” and “Life Itself”; this man is incredibly multifaceted. Just like me, he craves opportunities to demonstrate his wide range of talents.

This morning, I was exchanging messages with Mr. James Marsden. I inquired about his interactions with you and he shared a small incident that highlighted your selfless nature. He mentioned how on numerous occasions, you willingly stepped down from being the lead, indicating that for you, success isn’t defined by rankings but by the quality of work. This, I believe, is a testament to your character. In essence, I am echoing his sentiments back to you. To me, it suggests that you value substance over superficial achievements.

Following the completion of Season 1 of “The White Lotus”, I had a heart-to-heart talk with Mike White, and I found myself getting emotional. Just like you, Mike, we both have diverse talents – actors contain multitudes. However, my journey in the industry started with comedy writing for “Saturday Night Live”. It’s been challenging to make the industry recognize my full potential. They often tend to stereotype me as “the funny, overweight Black woman”, confining me to specific roles and limiting my creative space. When Mike offered me the role of Belinda, it felt like he had unlocked a cage I had long sensed around me. Now, I can envision the liberation of expressing all aspects of myself when I come across a character that resonates with me on a deeper level. As a writer, this role has given me a sense of authorship I hadn’t felt in a while. In essence, I had accepted a position as the 12th person on the call sheet in my real life – do you understand what I mean?

For me, acting is like a form of controlled multiple personality disorder. There are numerous personalities within me, and each character I play allows me to express one part of myself.

When I’m writing, I find that a fitting quote is “Writing is difficult, but it’s wonderful to have completed something.” The act can be challenging – it feels like I’m exorcising personal aspects, as I pour myself into the characters. It’s also about maintaining control, ensuring the story isn’t just self-indulgent, but instead, delves deeper into the themes I’m investigating.

Movie Lover Me: I can’t help but wonder, does the thrill of performing lie solely in donning various roles, and finding oneself in distant locations, detached from everyone else?

During my tenure on the Hulu series “How to Die Alone,” I traveled to Thailand. There, I had a sense of relief, thinking, “I don’t have anything to worry about. If there’s an issue with catering, I couldn’t care less.” For Season 3 of “Lotus,” my role is primarily focused on safeguarding Belinda. I am ensuring her safety.

We’re quite fortunate. I’m curious about your experience working, since many of our friends in the same line of work aren’t as fortunate at this moment. There’s been a downturn. Can you share how the contraction is affecting your community?

Rothwell expresses that the contraction isn’t merely an observation, but a tangible, felt experience. The show “How to Die Alone” had only one season. He notices his friends who work as caterers, costume designers, makeup artists. His concern is for their survival during this significant contraction. Recently, he returned from the TED conference in Vancouver and finds it alarming to consider the challenges artists face in safeguarding their work amidst advancing AI technology. The fear is that AI won’t just produce replicas of talents honed over decades of rigorous study and apprenticeship.

It seems we’re quite resilient. I often reflect on the fact that our field is barely a century old. When I began, there was something called pilot season, filled with network dramas and serials. There were 22 to 24 episodes produced back then. Now, we’re working on six or eight. A lot has moved away from Los Angeles as well.

Rothwell: There was a game show shooting near us in Thailand. 

During my stay in Australia, I shared the hotel with a total of seven other productions that were also based there.

Rothwell: There’s a little bit of “Molly, you in danger, girl” about it all.

Discussing Belinda’s predicament from the last “White Lotus,” she finds herself in a tricky ethical dilemma due to her past with a man, whose true identity she knows and who was not kind to his spouse. If you were to encounter him, he might make an immoral proposition to you. So, what would Natasha suggest Belinda do? Should she accept the money and flee?

It seems to me that Belinda spotted a chance to obtain something she genuinely felt she was entitled to. She’s the moral compass of the series. I’m concerned for her, as I truly believe in the concept of karma and the money could be tainted.

That storyline was my pitch.

Brown: Was it really?

Rothwell: The concept was mine. Let me explain why Mike White is fantastic. Initially, Belinda’s son, Zion, was in charge. I expressed my desire to give Belinda control during this critical moment. Could she assume the lead role in the negotiations somehow? How could we portray her asserting herself while also demonstrating that she and her son were both invested? By displaying this shift, we show that she realizes her power over a white man – a type of man she’s often deferred to in the past.

Both versions convey the same idea, but the second version provides a more detailed explanation and smoother flow of thought.

Brown: Is she breaking bad?

Rothwell isn’t certain if she’s acting unethically, but she seems to see a potential advantage. Moreover, I deeply understand her situation because I recall the time when money worries didn’t consume me every moment of the day. When I was financially struggling, I kept a check in my wallet representing the amount of my student loans, just as a reminder that one day I would be able to settle it.

Was it the money Belinda received that ultimately made her reconsider or decline the offer to go into business with Pornchai (portrayed by Dom Hetrakul)?

That really frustrates me. People say things like, “You abandoned Pornchai by the roadside.” But she only spent one night with him. She was involved in a one-time encounter. She had no obligation towards him. Instead of betraying herself once more, Belinda made a change due to shifting circumstances.

In your case, there seems to be an abundance of vulnerability and selflessness in the way you perform. I’m curious, since it appears that these traits are so common for many people, how do you manage to access them, when it’s quite common for our initial instinct to be fear and a focus on self-preservation?

The protagonist has been missing his closest companion and collaborator for three long years, leaving him feeling incomplete. He’s single-handedly raising two kids, aware that this wasn’t the plan initially. When the possibility arises that his family might be restored, he…

Rothwell: He took a moment when he was in the shower with Sarah Shahi, and I feel it’s important to share… [Rothwell subtly reveals her leg suggestively]

I’m talking about Peloton. It’s amazing to me that people find a 49-year-old like me appealing. Makes me feel great!

Production: BAUIE+RAD; Production Design: Francisco Vargas

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2025-06-08 18:18