Austen Actors Try New Roles…and One Author Does Too!

colin in mamma mia

Colin Firth in “Mamma Mia”

Much as I love books — and reading is my very favorite pastime — I’m also a hopeless TV and movie buff. I can’t get enough of whatever the latest compelling television series might be or the newest film releases to hit the DVD racks. For years, I’ve closely followed the leads from all the major Pride & Prejudice adaptations so that I could check out their work in other acting productions.

I’ve watched Jennifer Ehle in Zero Dark Thirty, Contagion, Possession and on the short-lived TV series A Gifted Man. I even saw her in Fifty Shades of Grey and, most recently, on the “Madeline Pratt” episode of TV’s The Blacklist. I haven’t missed a Colin Firth film from Mamma Mia to The King’s Speech. (I will always adore him!) I’ve enjoyed seeing Kiera Knightley in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Bend It Like Beckham, Anna Karenina, and more. And, of course, the talented Matthew Macfadyen, who captivated me so completely in his role on MI-5 that I watched season after season, pretty much devouring them whole. I still have the Ripper Street series to watch, and I’m hoping The von Trapp Family: A Life of Music will make its way to the American cinema sometime soon…

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Emma Thompson in “Stranger Than Fiction”

But the actors and actresses who weren’t our Lizzys or our Darcys have had some major acting successes, too, and it’s been fun to see them playing roles very different from their Regency-set period pieces. Rupert Friend, who played George Wickham in the 2005 P&P film, became well-known on the hit show Homeland. Anna Chancellor, our Caroline Bingley in the 1995 P&P, guest-starred on Downton Abbey last year and was, of course, one of the main cast members in the romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral, which I’d loved. Tom Mison, who played Charles Bingley in the mini-series Lost in Austen, has been the lead in Sleepy Hollow for three seasons now, portraying my favorite Ichabod Crane to date. And Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson, who stole our hearts as the Dashwood sisters in Sense & Sensibility, have so many acting credits between them that I couldn’t begin to start counting. Winslet has been in everything from Titanic to Divergent. And Thompson starred in Stranger Than Fiction (which I thought was absolutely brilliant), Saving Mr. Banks, and she even showed up recently in Burnt.

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NBC’s Television Hit “Chicago Fire”

So, I find myself thinking frequently about the way actors and actresses take on different personas when they try out a new role, and I’ve even written about an actor in one of my “Mirabelle Harbor” novels (Dane Tyler in THE ONE THAT I WANT). But, last week, I had the opportunity to do the something a little closer to the camera…

Usually, I’m a suburban mom and a fiction writer, but on Thursday I was cast as an extra in the NBC drama Chicago Fire, and I had a blast! It was a truly fascinating experience (I wrote about it on Facebook here and re-posted to my blog as well for those who aren’t on FB). I was one of about 22 extras, divided into 2 teams, all of us playing either lawyers or paralegals in a few scenes filmed on the set of a “courthouse” in Chicago. For a day, I was doing something very different from my typical romance-writing and mom-of-a-teenager role. Not only was I pretending to be a paralegal, a profession I have only a glancing familiarity with, but I got seven hours worth of insight on the set into what the life of an actor/actress is really like. From the early wake-up call (I needed to get up at 5am in order to make to the city by check-in time), the “costume inspection” (something I’ll write more about once the episode airs early in 2016!), and the way the crew worked together to bring the scenes to life (I was lucky enough to get to participate in two of them), it was a one-day crash course into the world of a TV drama.

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Jennifer Ehle on “The Blacklist”

To be honest, while the on-camera stuff was really fun, the absolute best part of it, in my opinion, was everything that went on behind the scenes. The crew bringing in the lights and props. The cameraman adjusting his position on that moving dolly. The assistant directors monitoring everyone’s positions and coordinating the blocking. The way they all really called out words like “Reset,” “Rolling,” “Set,” “Background,” “Action,” and “Cut.” I had about a million questions, but I was only able to ask a fraction of them 🙂 . Reason enough to want to go back, right?!

The experience made me admire my favorite Austen actors all the more — whether they were performing in a production based on one of Jane’s books or on a TV show that expanded their acting portfolio to include contemporary storylines. Who are the actors/actresses you’ve seen playing in an Austen adaptation that you’ve enjoyed watching in other film/TV roles? What TV shows or movies have grabbed your attention recently? For me, it’s been NBC’s The Blacklist (and Ehle rocked in her guest role), but I’d love some new recommendations!!
____
the one that I wantMarilyn Brant’s latest novel, THE ONE THAT I WANT, is a standalone story in the “Mirabelle Harbor” series. It’s about a young widow whose best friend finally talks her into going out on the town again. Over the course of the summer, she’s stunned to find herself the object of interest of several different men: the boy who broke her heart back in high school, the college ex she’d left behind and, most surprising of all, the movie actor she’d always fantasized about but had never met in person…until now.
“An engrossing page-turner, a mix of lighthearted humor, drama and tragedy that packs a powerful punch…” ~Deb Haupt, The Reading Frenzy

38 comments

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  1. I enjoyed the recap of what our favorite JA actors are doing, and I was thrilled to read about you being filmed. How exciting, Marilyn!

    1. Thanks so much, Monica!
      The “extra” experience was a lot of fun, but it truly gave me an even greater appreciation for what our JA actors had to do to create the films/shows we so enjoy watching! They are not only talented performers, they’re extremely patient ones 🙂 .

    • Sarah on December 7, 2015 at 2:22 am
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    Congratulations on your on-set experience! I find all the behinds the scenes stuff, the how of creating stories on screen, fascinating so I really enjoyed your blog post as well.

    Did you seeJennifer Ehle in ‘Spooks: the Greater Good’? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3321300/

    1. Sarah, thank you!
      I’m so glad you enjoyed the post 😉 . Getting that peek into what was happening when the camera *wasn’t* rolling was really intriguing. And, no, I didn’t even know about the new Spooks/MI-5 release! Thank you SO much for the link and for telling me about it — I MUST watch it!!

      1. Ooh I’m very excited to watch this too! I knew it was in the works but didn’t know when it was out.

        1. I know… I can’t wait to see it, too, Mon!!
          😀

    • JerryT on December 7, 2015 at 4:13 am
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    Great summary of the many other roles that our favorite Austen characters have played!

    1. Thanks, Jerry!!
      It’s always a fun thing to get to see the new projects our favorite actors/actresses have taken on 😉 .

    • Deborah on December 7, 2015 at 5:30 am
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    It sounds like you had a great time! Looking forward to reading more about your experience. Thank you for the summary of what some of our favorite Jane Austen actors are up to. Looking forward to the next book in the Mirabelle Harbor Series.

    1. Deborah, thanks so much! *hug*
      I’ll definitely have more to share about that day of filming soon…
      As for the new Mirabelle Harbor book, thank you! If all goes as planned (fingers crossed!), it’ll be coming out in late January 😀 .
      xo

    • Maggie on December 7, 2015 at 7:55 am
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    I am sure you had a great time “on set”. What an experience. Maybe you will be in an Austen remake. It is about time for P&P agien. I love all of your actors but I have a couple. Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Wentworth in Persausion was in Silk, 39 Steps and MI5. Also the Hallmark chanel’s a Crown for Christmas. Romala Gari and Jonny Lee Miller have had some great roles in both film and TV. What a change from Mr. Knightly to Sherlock! The Kingsmen had both Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Looks like only the bes can play Austen!

    1. Oh, Maggie, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be in an Austen remake?! I think every one of us in the JA community would be fanning themselves with excitement! 😀 And I’m so glad you mentioned the handsome Rupert Penry-Jones! He was a dashing Wentworth and I loved him in “MI5” too. And you’re right about Jonny Lee Miller making such a big change in roles! My son and I watched the first few seasons of “Elementary” and really enjoyed his performance as that character. So many talented actors/actresses out there!!

        • Stephanie L on December 7, 2015 at 12:17 pm
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        I was about to say let’s not forget RPJ was in MI5 as well and such. 😉

        1. We could never forget about RPJ!! I should have included him in the post 😀 .

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on December 7, 2015 at 9:46 am
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    Love it! Now if we could just get one of your moderns to the Hallmark Channel like Teri Wilson, I would be happy. And please, let them film it in Chicago. Smiles

    1. LOL, Jen!! You’re such a sweetheart, thank you!! And I *love* the way you think… 🙂
      I was thrilled for Teri when I heard about the Hallmark production — the film based on Unleashing Mr. Darcy will be out next month! And anything that helps spread the Austen love is a good thing, IMO!
      xox

        • EvelynTost on December 8, 2015 at 6:19 pm
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        Thank you so much for all this info. And congrats on your TV role.
        Also, thanks so much for the heads up about Unleashing Mr. Darcy! I love the book and think it will be great fun as a movie! I’ll put it on my calendar to not forget to watch!!!

        1. You’re most welcome, Evelyn!! Thanks for the congrats and for taking the time to stop by!
          And — double check your own Hallmark Channel listings just to be sure — but I think the film based on Unleashing Mr. Darcy will air on January 23rd… 😉

    2. Yes, that would be so great to have a Marilyn Brant film on the big screen! 😀

      1. *Smooch,* Monica!!! 😀

    • Stephanie L on December 7, 2015 at 12:19 pm
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    I adored the Kings Speech. RPJ has been in several things including MI5 and Silk…Jeremy Northam was in An Ideal Husband, Possession and The Tudors.

    1. Stephanie,
      Wasn’t Firth’s performance in The King’s Speech just brilliant? I loved that movie. And I own a copy of Possession — Jeremy Northam is one of my favorites!! I hadn’t realized he’d been in The Tutors… Glad you mentioned that 🙂 . And I’ve heard so much about Silk but I have yet to see it. RPJ is wonderful in *everything*!! xox

  2. I loved Colin Firth in Mamma Mia! Sheer genius! (And I confess: I have “Last Summer” on my Favorite Songs playlist on Spotify…can’t get enough of that voice!) Did you see him in the action film Kingsman: The Secret Service? I loved seeing him as a dapper action hero!!

    And yes, I am a devoted Sleepy Hollow fan; our teens doubted me when it first came out, but now all four are nearly as dedicated to the series as I am. In fact, I rewatched Lost in Austen and was so shocked to see him as Bingley that I had to call in all my teens to watch him, and they laughed their *sses off.

    I know a little about extra work as one of my former students who also attended our church worked full-time in Hollywood as an extra for several years. Her most well-known TV show was as Jim’s cousin in the wedding on The Office, and she was clearly in view behind Spock’s courtroom scene in the first new Star Trek film. She’s worked with everyone from Hugh Laurie on House (the nicest guy–he hangs out and chats with the extras rather than going back to his trailer) to Angelina Jolie in Changeling. She had speaking scenes with Mary Kate Olsen and on the TV show Psych. I couldn’t begin to track everything she’s been in, but she had a great time until she became a mama; now she has a very different and beloved role. 🙂 Your extra work sounds amazing and utterly fascinating–congratulations!! 🙂 You’ll have to point out where you are when the show airs next year so that we can watch for you. 🙂

    Have a lovely week!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Susanne,
      Colin Firth brings a touch of class to every production he’s in — definitely true, IMO, for Kingsman: The Secret Service! As for Tom Mison & Sleepy Hollow, until he played that role I was pretty indifferent to the legend and to the plight of Ichabod Crane. It’s *amazing* what a good actor can do! I think he brings the perfect blend of fun and gravity to that role 😉 .
      And, wow!! Reading about your former student’s experiences as an extra in Hollywood was incredibly interesting — thank you so much for sharing it!! How wonderful that she was able to get work with so many different shows and well-known actors. So glad to hear that Hugh Laurie is a kind in person as he seems to be in interviews! As for the episode I was in, I’ll for sure let everyone know when it’s on and, if I actually make it to the screen, I’ll point out where to spot the little blue and maroon blur (my outfit, LOL) in the background! xo

    • Michelle H on December 7, 2015 at 1:55 pm
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    What a neat experience! Congrats. I hope you get to do it again and report back to us.
    Thanks for the recap, I wasn’t aware of some of the series you mentioned. We all have our faves so I’m glad to hear about things I’ve missed.
    My current fave-watch-actor is James Norton who was in ‘Death Comes To Pemberley.’ Now, I have to confess this was not my favorite Jane Austen story continuation story. Never mind that. But James Norton is gorgeous and has been in some great films and series. Belle, Mr Turner and I just love his character in the series Grantchester.

    1. Michelle, thank you!! I’m not sure if the casting people will keep my information on file or if I would need to reapply for any new roles, but I’ll absolutely let you all know if I ever go back 😉 .
      As for James Norton, he is a handsome man!! Mmmmm! I haven’t seen Grantchester and I don’t know anything about it, so I’m going to look that series up right now… Thanks so much for the recommendation!

  3. How about Ciaran Hinds in the gangster drama ROAD TO PERDITION or the remake of TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY? Or even the Edgar Rice Burroughs sci-fi epic (for all that it tanked) JOHN CARTER? And isn’t he a regular on some cop series over in the UK?

    Then there’s Amanda Root in JANE EYRE, BREAKING THE CODE, and the remake of THE FORSYTE SAGA. to say nothing of guesting in a couple of UK cop shows D.C.I. BANKS and the British version of LAW & ORDER.

    1. All fabulous additions to our growing list, Jim!!
      Thanks so much for updating us on Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root — they’re my favorite “Persuasion” couple! I’ve been meaning to see “Breaking the Code” for a while since I loved “Enigma” (which Kate Winslet was in). So glad you reminded me of it 😉 .

  4. Really cool experience for you!

    1. Thanks so much, Suzan!!
      It was a fun one 😀 .

    • Sheila L. M. on December 9, 2015 at 12:33 pm
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    I have followed a number of JA actors, Colin Firth being my favorite. I only this past year found MI-5 when my children bought me a Smart TV and I signed up for HULU and got a Netflix account. I have not watched all of it yet but love recognizing more than one actor/actress from “Period” movies, even other than JA. I have not caught a lot of Jennifer Ehle other than in one of those British Police series. I make a game with myself of trying to identify who the actor is or in which other roles I know him or her from. (The Internet is so helpful.)

    Ciaran Hinds – Phantom of the Opera. I also watch Sleepy Hollow and Elementary. Rupert Penry-Jones is another favorite. Matthew MacFadyen: Following Ripper Street, Pillars of the Earth, Little Dorrit. DaVinci’s Demons has Blake Ritson playing a bad guy role and doing it well. (He was in one version of Emma and also in a version of MP.)

    I can’t imagine even being an extra on a movie set. Can’t say I have any desire to do that. But will have to check your appearance out when that episode is released. I have seen ads for Chicago Fire but have not watched it. There are a lot of good shows but I do try to limit the ones I watch as I would rather be reading JAFF. Since I don’t watch the show I am hoping a reminder comes up when you are to appear.

    There are just too many movies and TV shows to mention here for all of us but it was fun trying to remember the few I was able to pull up in my old brain.

    1. Sheila,
      Ohhh, thank you for your kind words and all of these new details about shows and actors!
      I *love* that version of Phantom of the Opera!! Ciaran Hinds is always wonderful, and what an incredible cast they had on that film! I haven’t seen DaVinci’s Demons but I heard about it. I’ll have to give that series a try sometime 😉 .
      As for Chicago Fire, I’ll definitely post when I know for sure the air date of Episode 12, which was the one I got to work on. Based on the return date of the show in January, it’s looking as though Ep 12 will most likely be on January 19th — sooner than I thought!!
      *hugs*

  5. You’re a tv star now! 😉 That is awesome. I love to spot Austen actors in other various roles. I haven’t been watching much tv lately but I do know Tobias Menzies was the creepy William Eliot in Persuasion and is now the way-uber-creepier Jack Randall in Outlander.

    1. LOL, Monica!! I wish… 🙂 Still the same geeky author, as always!
      I thought of you when I read through the cast list of “Chicago Fire” for this season — Taylor Kinney, who played Mason Lockwood on “The Vampire Diaries” is one of the leads, and Steven R. McQueen, who played Jeremy Gilbert, just joined the show this fall! (I did not see either of them on the set last week, though…)
      As for Tobias Menzies, isn’t he an incredible actor? I knew he was good, but his BJR performance is amazing. VERY creepy, I agree (!!), but stellar 😀 . xox

    • Dung on December 15, 2015 at 7:25 pm
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    I love seeing what the actors and actresses are up to especially the projects they are working on. It’s fun to see them work together again on various projects… In the movie “What a Girl Wants” Colin Firth (Darcy) and
    Anna Chancellor (Caroline Bingley) was playing his love interest. It took me a while to realize that she was Caroline in the 1995 version of P&P.

      • Sheila L. M. on December 15, 2015 at 11:24 pm
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      And she had a role in MI5 which has other JA actors…BBC and I am binge watching it from the beginning.

      1. LOVE MI-5! It’s well worth binge watching 🙂 !!

    1. Dung,
      I’m so glad you reminded me of “What a Girl Wants”!! That was such a cute film…and I’d forgotten that Firth and Chancellor were both in it!! It’s been at least a decade since I’ve seen it. You’ve inspired me to want to grab a copy and watch it again 😉 . Thank you!

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