Get ready for a surprising twist! Laura Benanti, known for her roles as the rich and often mean characters, steps into a completely new role in the gritty crime drama Mayor of Kingstown. This time, she's a rookie prison guard and a single mother of three. Airing on Paramount+, the show follows Mike McLusky, played by Jeremy Renner, as he navigates the complex world of police, criminals, and the prison system in a Michigan town.
Benanti, a Tony-winning actress from shows like Gilded Age, Life & Beth, and Gossip Girl, shares her excitement about the change. "I don't get to play roles like this a lot," she explained in a recent interview. She embraces the challenge of playing someone so different from her usual characters and her own background, highlighting her desire to constantly grow as an artist.
The show's co-creator, Hugh Dillon, who also plays Detective Ian, reveals how the writers reshaped the series after the third season. By making some significant character choices, they opened up the world and welcomed fresh faces. Dillon emphasizes the ongoing, evolving nature of the show, focusing on the question, "What happens next?" rather than sticking to a rigid plan.
Season 3 concluded with a dramatic event: Mike's brother, Kyle, shooting his fellow cop. This led to Kyle's imprisonment, setting the stage for the fourth season. Dillon credits his co-creator, Taylor Sheridan, for the vision, and they worked backward from the ending, a process that resonated with Renner.
Dillon also shared that the inspiration for Benanti's character, Cindy, came from a real-life corrections officer he met while researching the show. He was struck by the compelling story of a single mother in this role, leading to Benanti's casting.
Benanti praises Dillon as a generous collaborator, and she believes his empathy is reflected in the writing. She feels this empathy is what sets the show apart, allowing viewers to see the inner lives of the characters and the facades they create to survive.
A fun reunion happens on the show! Benanti reunites with Edie Falco, her former Nurse Jackie co-star, who plays the prison warden. Benanti recalls being intimidated by Falco's talent during their first scene together, highlighting Falco's exceptional acting skills. In Mayor of Kingstown, they play characters with vastly different roles, adding another layer to their on-screen dynamic.
What do you think about actors stepping outside their usual roles? Do you find it refreshing, or do you prefer them to stick to what they're known for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
