Lisa Edelstein – 9-1-1: Lone Star

By starrymag | January 25, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) Tell us a little bit about your role as Gwyneth Morgan this season on “9-1-1: Lone Star.”

 

A) Gwyneth is Owen’s (Rob Lowe) ex-wife. She’s a powerhouse attorney, living in Soho and running her own firm. She and Owen met young and married young. They had TK and a fairly successful marriage until the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded. The stress and trauma of that day slowly pulled them apart until neither of them could see staying married to the other. But there was no real animosity between them, beyond what a divorce lawyer will encourage. So, when TK got shot she had no issues flying to Austin to help nurse him back to health. Then, the pandemic hit…Then, Owen’s chemotherapy made him sick…and the rest is (fictional) history.

 

Q) How did you prepare for this role?

 

A) I watched the whole first season, trying to see what the mood of the show was. Beyond that, I just focused on keeping Gwyneth strong and grounded and never falling for Owen’s batting eyelashes. She needed to be a match for him. and we needed to quickly feel like these were two people with a great deal of history. Luckily, Rob and I do have at least a little bit of history, so we both leaned on that when I arrived at work in my underwear and pasties and we were suddenly pretending to have just had sex, ha! What a weird job.

 

Q) In what ways do you relate to Gwyneth and in what ways are you different from her?

 

A) Gwyneth is a bit more cautious than I am, so her staying in Austin is a big deal. She’s protective of her feelings, unsure what this is and whether she can or should open up to it.

 

Q) As you had previously worked with Rob Lowe on “The West Wing,” what was it like getting to work with him again in such vastly different roles?

 

A) It has a real ease to it. Rob is hilarious.

 

Q) What are some themes we will see explored this season on “9-1-1: Lone Star?”

 

A) Family, definitely family.

 

Q) What was one of your favorite moments getting to work on the show this season?

 

A) We have a game night with some of the other characters coming up. It was lively!

 

Q) What do you think it is about “9-1-1: Lone Star” that continues to make it such a fan favorite series?

 

A) I think it’s disaster porn. People like seeing disasters that get resolved every twelve minutes. Especially right now, as we have had one big slow-rolling disaster for almost a year.

 

Q) Last year you were part of QCode’s narrative podcast Borrasca, which I absolutely loved! How did you get the opportunity to play the role of therapist Leah Dixon?

 

A) I love that you listened to that! I love the format of a radio play and wanted to try it out. It was early days of the COVID disaster, and I had a terrible sinus infection. I still cringe about how casual we all were about my coughing fits. That would NEVER happen now. Luckily, it ended well: I did not have COVID, no one got sick because of me and I thought the show was a great success.

 

Q) What has been one of your favorite roles to play to date?

 

A) This always changes with time – hopefully, because my favorite role might still be in the future! Certainly, playing George’s girlfriend on “Seinfeld” was a huge job for me, even though it was only a few episodes. I was new in town and it got my career going for real. Rhonda on “Relativity,” the first ever out lesbian character on network TV – with a make-out scene, Cindy the transgender woman on “Ally McBeal” (which thankfully today would be cast with an actual transgender woman), Laurie on “The West Wing,” which I got because I played Bobbie Bergstrom on “Sports Night” (which I got because I was in the live “ER” episode). Playing Cuddy on “House” certainly changed everything in my life; being on a show that huge which was written so well and shot extremely lovingly on film. And, of course, Abby on “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce!” Playing a romantic lead on a dramedy starting at 48-years-old was miraculous when looked at through the lens of this business when I started in 1991. But times have changed and I’m so happy about that. That show was definitely a dream come true (and still available on Netflix!)

 

Q) Aside from your current role, are there any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?

 

A) “The Kominsky Method,” Season Three, will be dropping sometime this year, hopefully soon. Although, Netflix scheduling works in mysterious ways. Phoebe isn’t on her best behavior this season, poor gal! Kathleen Turner joins the cast – what a blast to work with her! Paul Reiser is back in the best worst bald cap ever. Sarah Baker is always hilarious to work with, as are all the kids in Michael’s acting class. And, of course, the great (and sweet) Michael Douglas. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes out!

 

Q) What would you like to share with your fans and supporters?

 

A) I have a very dedicated group of fans/supporters who have carried the torch for quite a while now! I always appreciate their gifs and videos and generalized cheerleading. It’s a sweet group. Thank you! I hope everyone is taking good care of themselves during these trying times and taking care of their neighbors, too, by wearing masks. Stay safe!! Lots of love to all.