In a candid and expansive new interview, acclaimed actress Laura Linney has opened up about her illustrious career, sharing insights into her collaborations with notable co-stars and directors, while also humorously addressing one of her most infamous film credits.
Reflecting on a Career of Diverse Roles
The Oscar-nominated star, now 62, participated in The Independent's "Life in Pictures" series, which delves into the behind-the-scenes stories and iconic roles of Hollywood figures. Linney discussed a range of her projects, from the critically acclaimed "You Can Count On Me" alongside Mark Ruffalo to the beloved holiday film "Love, Actually", revealing she received a personal letter from director Richard Curtis before being cast.
The 'Delightmare' of 'Congo'
Among the highlights of the conversation was Linney's reflection on the 1995 film "Congo", her debut lead role and the only action movie in her filmography. Based on Michael Crichton's novel and directed by Frank Marshall, the film follows an expedition encountering violent gorillas in the African jungle. Despite receiving seven Golden Raspberry Award nominations for worst in film, Linney looks back on it with affection.
"Congo's one of the great bad movies of our time!" she exclaimed. "It's a great one. It's a delightmare. That's what I call it." She added that she plans to revisit the film in her old age, saying, "I'll go back to it when I'm really old and want to feel good about myself, and be like, 'Oh God, I was young. I was sweet – look at that. And look at my arms!' I'll do that."
Insights from Collaborations and Current Projects
Linney also shared anecdotes about working with Jason Bateman on "Ozark", noting how she helped draw out his serious side, and discussed her friendships with actors like Liam Neeson and Holland Taylor. She reflected on the valuable lessons learned from collaborating three times with directing legend Clint Eastwood.
Throughout her career, Linney has earned three Oscar nominations for films such as "You Can Count On Me", "Kinsey", and "The Savages", and has won four Emmy Awards for roles in "Wil Iris", "Frasier", "John Adams", and "The Big C". She also received four Emmy nominations for her performance in the Netflix series "Ozark".
Current Endeavors in Television
Currently, Linney stars in the sitcom "American Classic", a new series about a narcissistic Broadway star, played by Kevin Kline, who returns to his hometown after a public meltdown and attempts to save his family-run theatre. The show is available for streaming on MGM+.
This interview offers a rare glimpse into the personal and professional journey of one of Hollywood's most respected actresses, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on a career spanning decades.
