Amanda Seyfried Breaks Typecasting as a Cop in ‘Long Bright River’
Ah, the age-old battle of typecasting in Hollywood—the industry’s favorite game of “let’s put actors in boxes.” Amanda Seyfried, once known for her roles in charming flicks like Mean Girls and Mamma Mia!, has shaken off the shackles of her past and stepped into the formidable shoes of a cop in Peacock’s gripping new series, Long Bright River. In a candid conversation with Deadline, Seyfried admitted that she never envisioned herself in such a role, attributing her self-imposed limitations to the industry’s myopic view of her capabilities. After a transformative nudge from Broadway director Leigh Silverman, who urged her to “get on my front foot,” Seyfried finally saw the rich tapestry of characters available to her—characters who are not just pretty faces, but complex individuals with authority and depth.
Long Bright River, adapted from Liz Moore’s novel, features Seyfried as Mickey Fitzpatrick, a gritty Philadelphia police officer tackling the brutal realities of crime and addiction in a neighborhood rife with challenges. This role is not merely a career milestone; it’s a powerful commentary on the opioid crisis, shedding light on the struggles faced by those in Kensington. Seyfried eloquently expressed her newfound understanding of addiction and the societal failures surrounding recovery, emphasizing the need for compassion rather than horror in storytelling.
Nikki Toscano, the show’s visionary showrunner, echoed Seyfried’s sentiments, calling for a collective effort to break free from the molds that the industry eagerly places on actors and creators alike. As Long Bright River prepares to make waves in the international television landscape, it’s clear that Seyfried is not just playing a cop; she’s redefining what it means to be an actress in a world that often sees women as one-dimensional.
In a landscape where labels are all too common, Seyfried’s journey is a refreshing reminder that talent knows no bounds—now, let’s hope the industry catches up. Class dismissed. Try not to let this newfound wisdom go to waste.
Sources: Celebrity Storm
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