Christina Hendricks on 'Good American Family' and its True Story Basis

About 'Good American Family'

• 🎭 Christina Hendricks discusses her role in the Hulu series 'Good American Family,' describing it as an intense, inspiring family drama with courtroom elements.
• 💡 The show is based on true events, which initially surprised Hendricks, making the script a compelling 'page-turner' that she wanted to be immediately involved in.
• 🌟 Hendricks aimed to play a very different role than her previous characters, expressing pride in the final product.

Research and Preparation

• ⏱️ Hendricks had a rapid turnaround, being cast just 30 hours before shooting, necessitating extensive research in a short period.
• 📺 Her research included watching ID series, YouTube interviews, the Dr. Phil show, and gathering images and scripts to understand the real-life story.
• 🗣️ She worked with a dialect coach to develop a distinctive accent for her character and collaborated with the hair, makeup, and costume teams to create the character's look.

Comparison to 'Mad Men'

• 👗 While acknowledging the iconic costumes of 'Mad Men,' Hendricks notes that 'Good American Family' has a very different aesthetic.
• 🎭 She highlights how costumes can be transformative for actors, helping them embody their characters, but emphasizes the fun in portraying a completely different person in this new role.

Cast and Themes

• 🤝 Hendricks joined the series on episode six and found the established cast, including Ellen and Mark, to be welcoming and collaborative, creating a 'well-oiled machine' atmosphere.
• 💖 The show touches on significant themes such as parenting, trust within a household, and advocating for oneself, especially for those without a strong support system.
• ⚖️ A key takeaway for Hendricks is the importance of looking at all sides of a story, understanding power dynamics in the legal system, and listening to others before making judgments.