Marcia Gay Harden and Lisa Rinna are two names that almost anyone who follows television, drama, or reality TV is familiar with. While they come from very different worlds—Harden from award-winning roles in films and prestige TV shows, and Rinna from her long-running stint on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—the two have more in common than meets the eye. Recently, the two stars shared the screen in an unexpected crossover moment when Rinna guest-starred on CBS’s popular legal dramedy So Help Me Todd.
In this article, we’ll dive into Marcia Gay Harden’s take on Lisa Rinna’s role in the show, what it was like working with the Housewives alum, and some of the “real” secrets from behind the scenes that fans of both Rinna and So Help Me Todd may find fascinating. Let’s break it all down.
Marcia Gay Harden Talks About Lisa Rinna’s So Help Me Todd Guest Role
A Dream Came True: The Unexpected Pairing
In a recent interview, Marcia Gay Harden opened up about her experience working with Lisa Rinna on So Help Me Todd. As fans know, So Help Me Todd has become a hit with viewers for its perfect blend of quirky humor, heartfelt family drama, and intriguing legal cases. Marcia plays Margaret, a tough but lovable lawyer who has a very complicated (and hilarious) relationship with her son Todd, played by Skylar Astin. The show’s premise revolves around Todd being a private investigator who frequently helps his mom out in her law firm’s cases—usually in unconventional and hilarious ways.
Lisa Rinna’s guest appearance was a fun twist for the show, and according to Harden, it was a memorable experience. In a lighthearted conversation, Marcia couldn’t help but praise Rinna’s energy and work ethic. Rinna, who’s known for her larger-than-life personality on The Real Housewives, brought that same level of enthusiasm and flair to her role on So Help Me Todd, which added an entirely new dimension to the show’s already vibrant cast.
Rinna’s guest appearance is described as “a little bit of mischief and mystery” that perfectly fits into the show’s eclectic vibe. Marcia praised Rinna’s ability to balance her larger-than-life TV persona with her acting skills. She was particularly impressed by how Rinna embraced her character, adding an intriguing edge while also bringing her natural comedic timing to the role.
Lisa Rinna as the “Perfect Guest Star”
Harden didn’t hold back when discussing how Rinna stepped into her guest role, and she referred to her as “the perfect guest star” for the show. Rinna plays a character whose dramatic and unpredictable behavior is more than a match for Todd’s wacky investigations. Marcia mentioned that Rinna brought a certain “spark” to the set, which is exactly what the show needed to keep its momentum going as the second season ramps up.
“I loved working with her,” Marcia shared. “Lisa is one of those rare talents who knows how to bring humor and heart to whatever she’s doing. She’s just magnetic, and it was a blast having her on set.”
Marcia’s high praise for Rinna speaks volumes about the chemistry between the two. While Rinna’s real-life persona on RHOBH is a far cry from the world of So Help Me Todd, the guest appearance showed just how versatile Rinna is as an entertainer. It’s not always easy for actors to transition from reality TV to scripted roles, but Lisa Rinna seamlessly made that leap, showing her chops beyond her Housewives reputation.
What Lisa Rinna Brings to So Help Me Todd
While we won’t spoil exactly what role Lisa Rinna plays in So Help Me Todd, there are a few details that have leaked, enough to get fans excited about her appearance. Rinna plays a character involved in one of the quirky legal cases Todd and Margaret are handling. From what we know so far, her character brings a lot of drama and intrigue to the plot, fitting perfectly into the unpredictable world of the show.
Her role is said to blend perfectly into the series’ lighthearted and often absurd legal cases, and it’s clear Rinna is able to draw on her reality-TV experience to bring an additional level of excitement to the table. Whether it’s dealing with a high-stakes lawsuit or causing a little chaos in the office, Rinna’s character is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Rinna’s Ability to Switch Gears
Despite being known primarily for her role as a reality TV star on RHOBH, Lisa Rinna’s versatility as an actress is clear when you see her in a scripted role. So Help Me Todd allowed Rinna to tap into her comedic timing, a trait many fans recognize from her days on the Real Housewives franchise. But on this show, Rinna isn’t playing herself—she’s bringing a new character to life that adds even more spice to the already colorful cast.
Marcia Gay Harden also noted that Rinna has an excellent ability to seamlessly blend both the dramatic and comedic elements of her character. It’s a fine line to walk in the world of legal dramedy, but Rinna nails it. Fans can expect her to bring both flair and tension to the show, while still leaving room for moments of levity.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: What Secrets Marcia Gay Harden Knows
While Marcia Gay Harden may have been new to the world of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she’s certainly no stranger to high-profile personalities. In her interview, Harden jokingly referred to the Housewives universe as a “soap opera for adults” and shared her thoughts on the larger-than-life personalities that make the franchise such a cultural phenomenon.
It’s no surprise that Lisa Rinna, who spent years as a key player on the RHOBH series, has her share of secrets and drama behind the scenes. In fact, Marcia couldn’t help but drop a few “Housewives” tidbits during the conversation. Harden noted that she had been keen to learn about the reality show’s behind-the-scenes dynamics, and though she kept the juiciest details to herself, she did mention that the tension and competition among the Real Housewives cast members is real—but also very entertaining to watch.
One of the highlights of Marcia’s reflection on RHOBH was how the personalities on the show are so larger-than-life, yet so relatable in many ways. “I think that’s why the show works so well,” she explained. “We love to watch these women navigate their lives, with all the drama, but at the heart of it, they’re just like anyone else, trying to figure things out. It’s fascinating.”
A Crossover of Worlds
What’s even more interesting is the crossover of these two very different worlds—reality TV and scripted television. Marcia recognized that the Real Housewives franchise has had an undeniable influence on the entertainment industry, and it’s becoming more common to see Housewives stars crossing over into other areas of television, including scripted shows like So Help Me Todd.
This blurring of lines between reality TV and scripted drama has provided more opportunities for stars like Rinna to showcase their acting skills and move beyond the reality TV spotlight. Marcia noted that it’s part of a larger trend where reality TV personalities are no longer just confined to their original format; they’re branching out and showing new sides of themselves.
Conclusion: Marcia Gay Harden and Lisa Rinna Bring a Perfect Blend of Drama and Humor to So Help Me Todd
Lisa Rinna’s guest role on So Help Me Todd is just the latest example of how TV is blurring the lines between reality and scripted drama. With her larger-than-life presence and sharp wit, Rinna fits right into the quirky, high-stakes world of Todd and Margaret’s legal adventures. Marcia Gay Harden, as always, is the perfect anchor for the series, effortlessly balancing humor with heartfelt moments while welcoming Rinna’s unique energy into the mix.
The dynamic between Rinna’s unpredictable guest role and the established cast of So Help Me Todd promises to bring plenty of intrigue, laughs, and, of course, drama. As the second season of the show progresses, viewers can expect more exciting guest stars, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments.
