Janet Varney – Country Comfort

By starrymag | March 31, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the new series “Country Comfort?”

A) It’s an amazing team of people. Caryn Lucas, the show’s creator, is a terrific writer. She wrote, among many other things, Miss Congeniality, which is a great example of terrific, funny writing for strong female characters.

 

Q) How was Summer originally described to you?

A) Thinking back on the audition, I believe she was described in the realm of “former beauty pageant contestant-turned-financial advisor, with big hair and a big brain.”

 

Q) Was there anything you added to this role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) That’s probably a better question for the writing team, but they did express to me that perhaps I brought a warmth to the character that they were worried maybe wouldn’t be there otherwise?

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this show?

A) Sure! I knew Eddie [Cibrian] was terrific and, of course, Katharine [McPhee] is insanely talented in multiple ways. And I was a fan of Eric Balfour, who’s just a delightful human being. I didn’t know the kids and they all blew my mind when I began working with them.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming?

A) Well, for one thing, I love working with great younger folks like the ones in “Country Comfort.” There’s so much joy, energy and silliness on a set with kids. It makes a fun job even more fun. Even when we were shooting during COVID (with a meticulously careful protocol), work was a wonderful place to come. I love, love, love our crew.

 

Q) Which episodes hold a special place in your heart and why?

A) Oh, probably episode 8, when Summer tries so hard to impress Beau by singing Leann Rimes’ “How Do I Live,” not realizing that Bailey (Katharine McPhee) is actually the one doing the singing. It was a great opportunity for me to sing horribly and to be really vulnerable with Eddie’s character (Beau).

 

Q) You are a part of social media, what kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to “Country Comfort?”

A) It’s been delightful! A lot of talk about how this is the kind of show people really want right now— lots of laughs and a lot of heart.

 

Q) What do you think it is about this show that will make it a fast fan favorite for Netflix?

A) The cast is just so great and the chemistry is real. I don’t think a show like this can work if there isn’t authenticity behind it, however crazy the jokes, however loud the audience laughter. It rings so false if it’s not grounded in good stuff.

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) Well, I always have my podcast, The JV Club, where I talk to celebs about their awkward teenagehood, which has been around for nine (gasp!) years, and my other podcast Voyage to the Stars, an improvised space comedy. And I’m working on something special with Nickelodeon that should be announced soon!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) Thank you for allowing me to be a corny goofball for a living. I will never, EVER take you for granted.