Laurie Metcalf'S Dream Year: Awards, Acclaim, And Ambitious Roles

Award-Winning Moments in the Big Apple

Laurie Metcalf is living the dream! Within a whirlwind week, she bagged not one, but two significant awards live on stage in the vibrant city of New York. First, a Gotham TV Award for her comedic brilliance in Dan Levy’s hit series "Big Mistakes." Then, just days later, she scooped up a Tony for her intense portrayal of Linda Loman in the Broadway classic "Death of a Salesman." Metcalf is still captivating audiences eight times a week at the Winter Garden Theatre.

“I forgot what it’s like doing a show during Tony season,” she chuckles over Zoom, her beaming smile betraying zero complaints.

The Thrill of Starring in Original Works

For the Illinois-born actress, this year marks another peak in a decade of theatrical triumphs, with three Tonys on her shelf in just nine years. From her Emmy-winning days on "Roseanne" to recent TV success with roles in "Hacks" and the chilling "Monster" series, Metcalf always seems to be breaking new ground. "Little Bear Ridge Road," another Broadway endeavor, although short-lived, showcased her love for embodying unique characters from fresh scripts.

She notes, “I love working on a new play... being in the room with the playwright... it's thrilling.” Creating characters from scratch with the likes of Lucas Hnath and Sam Hunter never gets old for Metcalf. Her passion for digging into scripts and discovering her characters’ multi-dimensional personalities shines through.

Switching Gears on Screen

Metcalf’s versatility doesn't stop on stage. Transitioning from the solemnity of theatre to the comedic chaos of television, she brings her unique intensity and creativity to each role. Her current stint in "Big Mistakes" required an unexpected character shift that veered away from her initial vision. After conversations with Dan Levy, she embraced a new, spontaneous approach, to great acclaim.

“The way he was shooting the show was not what I had expected,” Metcalf shares. With season two around the corner, she’s all set to dive deeper, promising to challenge herself beyond her comfort zone.

A Final Bow with High Hopes

Even in guest roles like her return to "Hacks," Metcalf leaves a remarkable imprint. Playing memorable parts like Weed, she embraces the freedom to experiment, push boundaries, and, when necessary, turn the volume up. With a mix of drama, comedy, and everything in between, Laurie Metcalf continues to dazzle with her fearless dedication to her craft, always seeking to surprise and never to bore.