Margo Martindale – The Millers

Q) What are the recent projects that we will be getting to see you in soon?

A) I have two movies that will be coming out to the festival circuit. One was directed by John Krasinski with Richard Jenkins. It also stars John, Anna Kendrick and Sharlto Copley. That movie is called The Hollars and then I did a beautiful little short film called The Emissary directed by Rudy Dobrev. I believe it premieres at the Los Angeles Opera and then it will go to all of the short festivals. It’s really a beautiful film.

Q) With all of the many projects you work on, how do you balance them all?

A) It’s my joy to act. It’s a privilege to be able to do what I love. It’s easy to make time for it.

Q) Performing for a live audience is old hat to you. What have been some of the more memorable moments from live filming your show “The Millers?”

A) We crack each other up and it is a joyous experience. We’re really having an incredibly fun time. We have got to get the people to know when the show airs because we moved to this Monday night slot at 8:30pmET after “2 Broke Girls.” It’s a tough spot, but we’re doing really great shows. I’m really proud of it.

Q) Sean Hayes has been a wonderful helm to the show. What have you learned from him being so hands on as a producer?

A) I’m watching from what he is doing and I’m learning from what he does. He has great ease and great reality in the way he does comedy. I find him pretty genius at it. And I’m going to steal everything that I can!

Q) The cast themselves have such great comedy dynamics, too! Will Arnett is a master craftsman.

A) Will is a master craftsman! He teaches me something every week.

Q) The entire cast has this great natural chemistry. How has it been clicking with them and working with them for these past two seasons?

A) It was an instant chemistry. I think that was our biggest plus, the whole group. Even with Sean coming on this year, it didn’t feel like it was hard to assimilate him. He fits right in and it has lifted the show to another level. I’m just having a wonderful time.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role of Carol that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) No, I’m not one of those people who goes off of the script. I’m pretty much a traditionalist. I think Greg knows exactly what he has written. I watch Greg Garcia and how he says who Carol is and I try to copy him. I think he is Carol.

Q) Are there any upcoming guest stars we can see?

A) This week Molly Shannon will be coming on and she was just a blast to work with her. Then, we have Cloris Leachman on. Boy was she was fun! She is really funny. She really made me laugh. I just have so much fun with her. She told me, “You can’t eat that.” I said, “Yes, I can.” She said, “No you can’t. You have GOT to lose some weight.” She says it like it is and I really appreciated it. She is genius! I just loved her.

Q) What makes CBS such a great fit for “The Millers?”

A) I think that it crosses America, this show. I think it is a real family comedy and I think CBS is the perfect network for this show.

Q) You have a wonderful long standing careers filled with memorable roles. Which have been some of your favorites?

A) “Justified,” with Mags Bennett of course. Then, Claudia on “The Americans,” who is still alive and kicking. The movie I did for Alexander Payne he wrote a part for me, 14e Arrondissement, which I loved. I loved Million Dollar Baby and I loved doing August: Osage County. I just loved Heaven Is For Real and it is nominated for a People’s Choice Award.

Q) What do you think it is about Heaven For Real that resonates with viewers?

A) People are yearning for hope and something deeper. I think that movie gave people hope and boy do we need that! I’m a person of faith so that movie was something I wanted to do. Randall Wallace, the director, is a friend of mine and it was a real gift to do that.

Q) You have a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition with your husband going back to New York. How did your tradition start?

A) We have had the same group of people over for I would say twenty years. We live in a fourth floor apartment in New York and our bedroom is the largest room. So, we have the bed removed and we put up banquet tables. We have a beautiful sit-down elaborate affair every year. We have anywhere from sixteen to twenty people attend and they are mostly all the same people. And if you don’t come one year, sometimes you might lose your spot! You better watch out…Nobody brings anything other than wine and dessert.

Q) Is there anything else you would really like to share with your fans?

A) I just really want people to watch “The Millers” on Monday night at 8:30pm on CBS. We’re up against “Dancing With The Stars,” “The Voice” and football. It’s tough!