Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden is ready to showcase her comedic talents in the new CBS dramedy So Help Me Todd, premiering September 29 at 9 p.m. Drawing inspiration from her Tony-winning role in God of Carnage, Harden believes her experience in blending drama with humor has uniquely prepared her for this new character.
A Perfect Blend of Comedy and Drama
In an interview, Harden, 63, expressed her enthusiasm for roles that allow her to navigate both serious themes and comedy. “So Help Me Todd is blending the drama with the comedy, and that’s right up my alley,” she said. Reflecting on God of Carnage, she noted, “It was very serious, but you never stopped laughing,” highlighting the physicality of the performances, particularly her interactions with co-star James Gandolfini.
The Inspiration Behind the Character
Harden stars as Margaret Wright, a high-powered attorney in Portland, Oregon, whose controlling nature creates tension with her grown children. Her daughter, Allison (played by Madeline Wise), is a married ER doctor, while her son, Todd (Skylar Astin), is a former private detective now working for an insurance company after losing his license two years prior. The differing paths of her children add complexity to Margaret’s character, layering the comedic elements with emotional depth.
Conclusion
As So Help Me Todd prepares to debut, Marcia Gay Harden is set to deliver a performance that highlights her ability to make anger funny. With her rich background in both drama and comedy, viewers can look forward to a captivating blend of laughter and heartfelt moments in this new series.
