Allison Janney's Political Ascendancy and Broadway Return: A Chat with the Emmy-Winning Star

In a serene setting, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of her home office and the playful antics of her foster pit bull Lilo, Allison Janney discusses her latest role as President Grace Penn in Netflix's political thriller "The Diplomat." The seven-time Emmy winner found herself unexpectedly thrust into the Oval Office, a turn that left her utterly shocked. "I had no idea until I reached the last page of the script," she confesses, "and it sent a wave of adrenaline through me - a reaction I've never experienced before." Our conversation transports us back nine years to a different setting: the after party for Craig Gillespie's biopic "I, Tonya" at the New York Film Festival. It was here that our paths crossed, and I boldly predicted she would win an Oscar for her portrayal of LaVona Golden, Tonya Harding's abusive mother. She humbly dismissed my prediction, but fate had other plans, as she went on to claim the coveted award. Fast forward to the present, and Janney finds herself in the running once more, this time for her work on "The Diplomat." With seven nominations under its belt, including nods for co-stars Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, a win would see her join an elite club of performers, including Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. When asked about this potential milestone, she responds with characteristic wit: "Sure, those hacks," she deadpans. As we delve deeper into the world of "The Diplomat," Janney reveals that the marital bliss portrayed in Season 3 is a distant memory. Grace and Hal Wyler have found themselves embroiled in a morally questionable scandal, one that threatens to tear apart their relationship and create tension between the U.S., the U.K., and even Russia. "They've done something very dark," she hints cryptically, before declining to reveal more details. The fourth season, she teases, will explore the repercussions of this dark act, promising a rollercoaster of emotions for viewers. "Going into Season 4, that could not be great for a lot of people," she warns ominously. During our conversation, Janney also discusses her upcoming Broadway return in Jon Robin Baitz's play "Other Desert Cities," which opens on October 18 and runs through January 17. She will share the stage with an esteemed cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Lily Rabe, and Joe Keery. This marks her first stage appearance since "Six Degrees of Separation" seven years ago, a fact she humorously refers to as her "seven-year itch." Reflecting on her career, Janney credits the theater for keeping her from being typecast. "All the actors I admire most have come from the stage," she says. "The same is true of my fellow 'West Wing' actors." In the pipeline is a role in Justine Triet's upcoming film "Fonda," which was shot in France in February with Odessa A'zion and Andrew Scott. "It was an unforgettable experience," she enthuses. "I can't wait to see how it unfolds." With a career spanning diverse genres, from "The Hours" to "Juno," it comes as no surprise that fans often approach her on the street to discuss their favorite roles. However, there are still two roles she has yet to tackle: a superhero and a part in a horror film. "I've always dreamed of becoming a superhero, just like Samantha Stevens from 'Bewitched,'" she reminisces. "And a horror film would be a thrilling challenge." As our conversation draws to a close, it's clear that Allison Janney is a talent who continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with her versatility and commitment to her craft.