Ali Larter Opens up about Playing Angela on ‘Landman’—And What Her Family Really Thinks
The actress shares how her kids react to Angela, plus which co-star kept her grounded all season
It’s been almost a year since the world was first introduced to Angela Norris, expertly portrayed by Ali Larter on the hit Taylor Sheridan oil drama, Landman. Fans of the show were immediately drawn in by her fiery demeanor, but over the course of the series, Larter has received her fair share of backlash. While some viewers have argued that her character is overly sexualized and objectified, the actress maintains a positive outlook on the part she gets to bring to life. Here, we share what Ali Larter had to say about it, plus which of her cast members helped her stay “grounded” during those more challenging scenes. Additionally, ahead of the show’s second season, premiering on November 16, the actress has opened up about what her family thinks of the part she plays.
Ali Larter talks her family’s reaction to Angela Norris
In a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Larter, 49, opened up about her family’s perception of the intense part she plays, a character defined by her honesty and confidence about her sexuality.
“Well it’s definitely not the easiest for my son. My heart goes out to him,” she said playfully, later mentioning that her husband and father also have a bit of a hard time with seeing her bring the part to life. “But he loves the perks of what I do, that’s for sure.” She continued, “My kids, it’s really important for me that when they’re older they understand that I’m a working mom because I love what I do. And if my daughter decides there’s something she wants to do, I want her to do that. And then you spend the quality time together, but you shouldn’t give up your dreams just because you feel like you need to stay at home with your children. “
She goes on to explain that while she greatly admires and respects people who choose that path, it wasn’t the route that felt right for her. Though her job might keep her busy and her kids might not love all aspects of her character, Larter shared that it’s “fun for the kids,” sharing that they come on set at times and see the action.
Ali Larter opens up about playing Angela Norris
In a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Larter opened up about how she truly feels about the considerable backlash Sheridan and her character Angela Norris have received, both on social media and in the press.
“There’s good press and bad press. That’s challenging. I try to keep myself at arm’s length from that and stay with the work. This is Taylor’s baby. Anytime I would take my foot off the pedal, Taylor was on step. He wants her loud and emotional, like a tornado of energy. The way he envisioned this show is that it has so many tones,” the actress said. “There are so many different parts of this show, and I think what has connected with audiences is that all these tones work together in Taylor’s vision. First season, we didn’t know if that was going to work. And as I was able to see it, I saw his vision unfold.”
“I’m also like, ‘Objectify me. C’mon.’ Nobody’s putting me in a position that I’m not comfortable being in,” she continued. “I have two children. I’ve been married for 19 years. I love playing this character. If there was something I was uncomfortable with, I wouldn’t do it. What’s more uncomfortable is that people are so uncomfortable by their sexuality.”
She also went as far as to say that she is “nothing like Angela,” but she does know “women like that.”
“I think about someone like Angela, she doesn’t think about a budget. That isn’t the way her brain works,” she continued. “It’s interesting to get to play someone who doesn’t play that numbers game. She thinks it’s coming from this endless well. It just comes up roses for Angela.”
Ali Larter spills on what Billy Bob Thornton is really like
In the same interview, Larter also shared that without her onscreen love interest, Billy Bob Thornton, she truly doesn’t think she could have survived Season 1 of the show.
“If I didn’t have the really grounded moments with Billy, it would be a different show for me,” she explained. “That would be just one side, but this character is a full rainbow. I have so many parts of myself that I can put into her. She wants to be flashy in a bikini and be all hot, and then you see her crumbling, trying to keep her family together. You see her battling and feeling like she’s getting older. Then you see her finding her calling and going to this old folks’ home and giving these people hope to live and bringing joy into their life. It’s very multi-dimensional, and that’s why it doesn’t bother me. You can do all of it. I just go to the material and find it within my work.”
Ali Larter gives an update on ‘Landman’ Season 2
With the show’s second season quickly approaching, Larter is excited for fans to see what’s next for the story and for her character. “This year, it’s like the old Levi’s,” Larter told Live With Kelly and Mark. “We know the banter that works between Tommy and Angela. We know what the audience loves, there are a lot of the family dinner scenes, and we’re kind of like two wrongs make a right. We just love to get after each other, but we really do get into the family this season.”
Don’t miss Ali Larter shine as Angela in Landman Season 2, out on November 16.
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