The Hollywood Reporter's Drama Actresses Emmy Roundtable

Six actresses—Claire Danes, Carrie Coon, Kerry Washington, Rhea Seehorn, Sarah Pidgeon, and Chase Infiniti—gathered to discuss career struggles, red carpet insecurities, and the elusive feeling of ever having "made it."

Audition Struggles

"I had canker sores from the stress of waiting." — Claire Danes

Chase Infiniti described a grueling six-month audition process for One Battle After Another, which included movement auditions and chemistry reads with Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall.

Claire Danes recalled multiple auditions for Romeo + Juliet and a stressful waiting period so intense it caused her to develop canker sores.

Rhea Seehorn recounted a prolonged wait to learn she was cast in Better Call Saul, initially misunderstanding an instruction about keeping the role secret.

Kerry Washington noted that her audition process for Scandal involved multiple rounds, partly because it had been decades since a Black woman led a network drama.

Red Carpet and Public Persona

"I approach the carpet as a 'kind queen.'" — Kerry Washington, channeling advice from Glenn Close

Kerry Washington explained adopting a persona called 'Red Carpet Kerry' to manage her anxiety, inspired by advice from Glenn Close about approaching the carpet as a "kind queen."

Sarah Pidgeon expressed difficulty with being perceived, as it contrasts with her desire to transform into roles.

Claire Danes shared that she hums to disassociate during red carpet events—a habit also observed in Robert De Niro.

Career Perceptions and Lists

"I am at the top of the B-list." — Carrie Coon, on still having to fight for major roles

Carrie Coon stated she is "top of the B-list" and still must fight for major film roles, often receiving unfinanced indie scripts.

Claire Danes remarked that only a very few actors ever feel they have "made it"; most are "just working."

Kerry Washington noted that actors are on 'lists' that level up over time, and she turned to producing to create opportunities rather than wait for invitations.

Memes and Fan Interactions

"Leftovers fans often share personal grief stories with me." — Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon's favorite meme is of her sprinting away from gunshots in The White Lotus, citing pride in her physicality. She noted that Leftovers fans often share personal grief stories with her.

Kerry Washington frequently receives a meme of her character smoking a joint on 4/20.

Rhea Seehorn expressed fear of online commentary but acknowledged that her "listening face" is widely used in memes.

Other Notes

Claire Danes revealed that her death scene in Little Women was reshot because her death rattle was deemed too authentic.

Chase Infiniti emphasized learning from Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson on set, and mentoring younger actors on The Testaments.