Cast Conversation for ‘Eternally Yours’ | Conversations at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Hi, you guys. Hello. So, I kind of want to start at the very beginning. Of course, I'm guessing some of the people in here know that this series was created by Ghosts creators Joe Port and Joe Wiseman. And Allegra, you appeared on Ghosts, so I'm going to start with you. When did this project first kind of cross your awareness? Oh, last fall, I think. Yeah, I'm also I'm not the only ghost. Well, I am the only ghost, but I'm not the only ghost alum. Rose has also been on Ghosts as well. Oh, yes, I know. Fabulous, Paula. Yeah, I think this audition came into my inbox. I want to say, what, like September of last year, I think. And I knew right away from the show creators that it was something I definitely wanted to read at the very least. And then I was completely hooked from the very first page and felt very aligned with Liz and then got really nervous because I really wanted it. Kind of like dating when you like a boy. And what was your first impression? What drew you to this project? I mean, I did a rehearsed read through for this in twenty nineteen. This was part of a podcast called Dead Pilot Society, which is run by my buddy Andrew Reich, a writer in L.A., and it's rehearsed readings of pilots that were bought by the network, but then were were passed on, were never made. And so this was a dead pilot. They had written this, the Joes, years beforehand. And and so I came in and I read Charles and had a really fun time and did it with some really fun actors. And I thought nothing more of it. And then between that and now, I think the Joes got hired to to adapt ghosts on the strength of that pilot that CBS loved. But it wasn't the right time for it. And then, of course, Ghosts was a huge hit. And then this was resurrected, this script. And then I got an email from my agent saying they want to see for this. And I came into the audition room and Joe Port said, we've been listening to your voice. Do this part for the past six years. I thought, well, I better nail it then. Gosh, no pressure. Unfortunately, I did. I was brilliant. Thank goodness. Parker, what was your audition process like? I, I live down in San Diego now. And there since covid, as you guys probably know, a lot of the auditions are happening virtually, which is for me, it's it's it's kind of terrible. I don't love it. It's convenient, but there's something special about being able to get into a room. And, you know, I think it's it's like the it's like the dating apps that Ed is, you know, very familiar with. I'm sure I'm I'm married. But, you know, it's like I think it's so quick. You can so easily swipe no to an audition tape. You know, you can say I don't like this guy, you know, pretty quickly when I'm in a room. You're kind of stuck with me. You know, you can't say I won't read this. Exactly. So anyway, this was one of the first auditions that that came in in years that was in person. And I was I was just thrilled to get to go into the room. So I drove up to L.A. with my wife and we crossed our fingers and I met with the team. And fortunately for me, Jesse's a bit of a douchebag. And I don't think they could find somebody that could that could that could fill those shoes quite as quite as good as myself. So, yeah, that was that was the process. I met with them once and they said, I guess he's good enough. It's been amazing ever since. Rose, what was the process for you having been on Ghosts and Connected to the Joes already? You know, I was so excited and I heard from the casting lady that when my tape came in, I made a self tape. I was working on a show. Honestly, I was working on Hacks and I was really tired. But I thought, well, I already have makeup on from that show. I might as well make my tape. You know, he's just like hang the blue blanket and get in front of it and just do it. I mean, you know how it is. And so I did it. And then I really was like, wait, I'm in love with this character. She talks just like I talk. Of course, I made my husband read with me. Not not like that. Not like that. No, not like that. You know, support people. We've had to turn our people into actors and everything. So I did it. And then the casting director told me that the tape reminded the Joes, wait, we had her on in 2022. Let's make Paula come back. So that's how I got to do it. Another ghost was this tape reminded them. That's what she told me. So I was so excited to do Paula again. And then I thought, wow, I really like Montreal. It'd be a dream to work here. And then they called and said, we want to test you for the pilot. So I had my chemistry read with this one and and and sparks flew. So that there were like four, maybe four women. Yeah. And I just I just refused. I just wanted it really bad. I mean, I loved, loved, loved the script. And I just was like, I have to have Phyllis. I just must. I must play her. So it was a dream. It really is a dream come true. And I can't wait for you to see what happens. We're not allowed to tell you, but thank you, Helen. How do you go from playing a robot on Broadway to now playing a vampire? Do you ever get to play a human? I don't know. We'll see. I have no idea. I'm excited to find out. I did get to play a human in the worst part, too. So that I did get to do it once. But I. Yeah, I think I was doing at this point, I think number 500 of maybe happy ending. And I was coming already to the end of my run and had learned so much from that time. And we had then. Yeah, I did it in person tape sort of. You go into casting and in person and they they help you and are such on your team there. And then I got a test with Jaron and I was already in L.A., which I almost ruined. OK, this is a good story. Almost just absolutely destroyed her audition. We were we were reading and there was a moment that just happened within the pilot where you were running away from Ed. Yeah, it was it was like right after Max is like, I just found out vampires are real. And then my girlfriend's one. So I'm going to unbolt the door with their mind. I'm ready to leave. And he unbolts the door. And then I like ran out in the in the room. And like Helen still had part of the scene left. And I ran into this very, in my opinion, flimsy and poorly made shelf. Like Ikea shelf that was destroyed together by it was like dreams. Oh, no. And I tried to hold the screws in the shelf. And she just like kept going like a pro. And then I was like, well, obviously she'll get it because of my focus. So I was like, I did everything I could apparently to sabotage her unintentionally, of course. But I arrived with like my suitcase because I was in L.A. for for 48 hours for the Grammy Awards or the Grammy Awards. She was in L.A. for the Grammy Awards performing. I think sometimes like going into those kinds of spaces, having like other things in your life helps you take the edge off of the pressure of being in a room like this is absolutely such a huge deal. And if I really zoomed in at the time, I would have freaked myself out, I think. And I'm so grateful that I was busy and didn't have the even time to to psych myself out about it. And yeah. And like chemistry reads, I think, are so fun because if you're wrong, you're not necessarily a bad actor. You just that the chemistry just may not be right. And yeah. Yeah. Darren, what was the moment when you found out you got the role and what did you do to celebrate? Oh, my God. I was actually it was very lucky. I was at home in Dallas with my girlfriend, Natalia, who's over there, and and my parents, which is so cool because, of course, like post covid and post strike, it's obviously, as we all know, really hard for actors in this in this landscape. And I so deeply wanted to be involved in this project. I was just crossing my fingers and I was waiting. And it was the Tuesday right before everything sort of stops for the week for Thanksgiving. And the Joe's called me and they said to me, they were like, you know, you got it. And I I don't even really remember how I felt because it was so unbelievable to me that I got to be a part of this show. And they said I was the first person to read for Max, which is so crazy. And they ended up reading 500 other people, which is just like a ridiculous amount. And they searched far and wide and they were like, it was just it was meant to be you. And I think that as actors, a lot of times it's really difficult because sometimes we feel that maybe our tapes aren't being seen or heard or you just don't know what's going on behind the scenes and how people are responding to you or fighting for you. And it was just really encouraging to hear that. And I think that it affirmed that in the future for other projects, just knowing that, like, it's hard to believe, but what's meant to be yours is. And I had just recently gotten very close to some really big projects and I was so devastated that I didn't get them and I couldn't understand why. And I was just like, when is it going to be my turn? And now I know if I had gotten those other projects, these two other things, I wouldn't have gotten to do this. And I know that this is what was meant for me. And I'm so grateful to be able to to be here and have this experience. So it was a really great lesson learned. And then I think I had my sister and her fiance come over and we had dinner and I love ice cream. So we all got ice cream and, yeah, we just we hung out. And then I got to tell my my family, which I guess it was supposed to be a secret, but they didn't say anything. But I got to tell my my cousins and everybody over Thanksgiving. And I was like, I put it on the TV and I was like, oh, like this football game is on CBS. Wouldn't it be cool if I was on CBS? And all my family was like, what do you mean? Like, yeah, would be cool. They were like, so what? It'll never happen. I was like, I'm going to be on CBS. So it was it was a nice moment. That is awesome. Ed and Allegra, we've heard a little bit about the chemistry rates between the other two pairs. What was your chemistry rate like? Oh, my God. It was it was a it was amazing. So we did a couple. And then the second one in the pilot, there's that scene where back in the 1600s, you're asking me to buy you and, you know, make you more so we can be together forever. And an allegra said, all right, so I'm going to stand here. And if you just stand behind me, I'm just not like that. And she was kind of moving me around. I was like, bloody hell, we are married. From from my perspective, if I may. I, I, I tested once and then and then I thought, OK, well, now that I've tested, it's probably like right before the finish line. Right. And then I found out that they were going to test another batch of ladies. And my manager, as I found out about this later, but I'm sharing this now, my manager discovered, OK, what's different about this second test with another batch of ladies? And he found out that the director would be at this second test, which he wasn't at the first, and that they were adding an additional scene, which I didn't get to do the first time. And my manager, bless him, Lucas Casagrande, I love you. He said, you know what? It needs to be an even playing field for my client, Allegra. She didn't get to do the same scenes. She didn't get seen by the director. So I would like her to go in again now from from where I was sitting. All I got was a phone call that said, you have another test tomorrow. And I went, I've already done it. I don't want to do it again. I thought I had done it. And so and then I learned the new material and and I, I, I got ready again. And then, you know, I was nervous the first time I was really nervous the first time. And I, you know, I didn't feel like I had absolutely done everything that I wanted to do. And so that second test, I was like, I can't have any regrets. I'm going to try the things I want to try. I'm going to do the accents I want to do. And part of that meant I have an idea about how our bodies should be in space. So if I may, director, now that you're in the room. Ed, why don't you stand behind me and then you'll get this side of my neck while you bite it for the camera. And I and I was like, if I'm going to have a second opportunity, then I'm going to do it. And then my manager told me after the fact, like, this is why it was so last minute. And I'm so grateful for that. He really advocated for me. Such a fun read as well. Afterwards, I remember feeling like, oh, it's like we said goodbye in the Paramount parking lot. And I felt so like quickly bonded to you in the way that the first time it was such a I was very newly cast as well. But this time I was like, oh, yeah, yeah, I could I could I could be married to you for that. I could buy that, especially from that angle. What was very good. Did you like that? Your manager did not tell you all the information. Were you happy with how he handled that? That's a great question, Parker. I think I am. Yeah, I mean, I I think it may have gotten me in my head a little bit more if I was thinking about director versus not. Or, you know, I think he just gave me the information that I needed, which was we're going to do it again and there's a new scene. Yeah. You know. And yeah, I think he did it the right way. But that's a good question. I don't actually know how I would have felt differently. But, yeah, Rose, what was it like the moment all of you got together for the first time? God, we all I want to do is talk about this. So thank you for asking. Because there we are in Montreal and we got together for the table read. I met them all at the table read and it was like my family, my I'm going to get emotional. I just absolutely adored everyone. And of course, I was a huge fan of Parker's from Suburgatory, actually. I never missed it. And I was like, right. He's so amazing in that show. Huge fan of Ed from Mindy Project. And Jaron, I knew we knew some people in common. I wasn't lucky enough to see Jaron and Allegra's work in their other fine upload. And never have I ever. And Helen, of course, I had just seen sing on the Grammys. But I was just like, these are the most bubbly, fun, exciting group. And we just all hugged when we very first had that first table read and it felt like we'd known each other for years. I can't I can't I never tire of like marveling at how we all just came together like that. And I think that's like lightning in a bottle and you just don't have that. And I had a director years ago tell me, you're lucky if you get that in your career, if you will have a cast that you feel so special about. And I got to tell you, as a 63, almost 64 year old actress, this is a dream come true. I'm telling you. With with so many. This is day one. I know. Pace ourselves. Speaking of chemistry a little bit with so many. Sorry, with two couples that are well-established and then one that is a new couple. I want to hear from you guys, Helen and Jaron, a little bit about kind of making sure that that that pairing feels still more new than the others. And what you're kind of doing or what the challenges are and finding that rhythm. Yeah, I think that observing the difference of relationship between Charles and Liz and then within Phyllis and Jesse is is so much fodder for at least how Emma feels about relationships in general. And then it's about like being present for, I think, just Max and Emma discovering the newness of like choosing each other over and over again or sometimes having the choice taken out of their hands. What does that kind of what color does that bring into the picture? Yeah, I think that with with Phyllis and Jesse, it's actually quite you said this the other day or someone said this a warm blooded, you know, I guess lack thereof. But yeah, a warm blooded relationship where it feels like they keep choosing each other over and over again because of this difference of species, I suppose. It's hot. It's hot. It's got like sparks there. And then to have the opposite with her parents, like there's such a wall there. And yeah, well, there's there's there's it's true. And I think like to see that we are sexless. That's why they cast us. Well, we'll see. As it goes on. But it's been really fun to get to experience the newness as and have that be kind of real. It's so new for me. So I'm letting it be new for Emma as well. Yeah, I think that also for us, we've maybe and we talk about this, too, sometimes of like, OK, with this specific scene, like how much are we maybe going to be looking towards each other? Maybe there's a moment where we're both kind of like, oh, like we'll find ourselves maybe looking for each other in scenes. And I think that's something that at least I observed that at an Allegra did with Charles and Liz is because, you know, when you have your person, you sort of like look and turn to them. And Max and Emma are sort of building that, but it's not always the case. But also like they're each other's ally in this, especially because the relationship is so new. And you can see that, like the way that Jesse and Phyllis interact sometimes, like again, like like how I'm saying, there is that passion. And there's something that I think that we as actors have been able to observe from the other couples, too, as we're sort of building Max and Emma's relationship. And then a lot of it, I think I don't know. I don't want to speak for you, but I feel like the writing does a lot for us, too. We're like we're finding them in new situations and trials and tribulations that are like very unique, I think, for them that they're trying to communicate through. And we get that a little bit further through the series and like learn how they communicate. And sometimes it's a new relationship. Sometimes it doesn't go well and they have to figure it out or they're fighting. And then sometimes it's easy and it's great. Like that's what a real budding relationship is, is figuring each other out. So I think that they're they're doing that and it gives us a lot to play with. Nice. And I want to hear from you a little bit about some of the the the yo-yoing a little bit with with Liz on the show, because sometimes you're most of the time, obviously, you're at odds. But I do sometimes feel like there's little sparks of a team spirit. It's hard because we love each other a lot. So it's like trying to remember not to show that as much and not to giggle. I mean, I think personally, I don't want to watch something where especially a comedy where the couple are constantly at odds. So we're always trying to find moments where even like if we don't do it as much, like we still have a shared understanding and sense of humor. And we've seen the world together. And so I think like we're co-conspirators. And whenever like shenanigans ensue, like as Jaron said, like I feel like we're always looking at each other to be like, what fresh new bullshit is this? There's like and there's like a dry understanding between us. But yeah, I mean, I can't really spoil too much, but we have some really fun fights and then some really fun makeup bits. Not not not bits, but, you know, we we make up. There's moments of warmth and there's moments of like coolness. And yeah, you speak to this. I'm getting flustered. No, you keep talking about bits. Just an English word. I know I get it. I get it. It's fine. Bits and bobs. I think the the way that I look at them right now is co-workers that are yoked together like two ox and and they are pulling in different directions. But they've got this shared yoke. Right. And but they are what they know how to do is trudge together. Yes. Right. And they know how to organize together. They can run a tight ship. They can they can be co-workers, CEO and CFO or something. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. Corporate speak business things. But but I do think that it's a joy when we do have shared history that we remember him. I remember him. Yeah. Napoleon. Boy, do we. Yeah. And and and there's this shared humor. And then the thing that we do have in common that I think we feel very similarly about is a love for our daughter. Yes. And that is very grounding and very easy to tap into. And I think for for any parents that might be pulling in different directions, they can often be brought back to their center because of their child. You know. But yes, it's it's a joy to watch how the scripts carry this relationship. Yeah. Through a journey. Two steps forward, two steps back. Yeah. But also seeing how their relationship grows is also, I think, inspiring to Charles and Liz, even though Charles would never admit it. No. I think it's like, oh, OK, you can you can refine something in your cold, dead body. Cold, dead marriage. But I love for your daughter. You meant also your love for your step nephew son thing that Jesse is. Yeah. Yeah. Roommate. Love for a roommate. Deep love for a roommate. Can ground a couple in shared values. Amen. You you guys saw one or two, right? Oh, yeah. OK, good. I was about to. OK, sorry. I was forgetting what I'm allowed to spoil. OK, very good. How much are you guys able to improv over the course of filming? Well, Parker's the master, I think him and Rose are constantly riffing. I feel like I honestly have had a hard time sometimes staying in character and not ruining the takes because sometimes I just can't keep it together. It's so funny. Yeah, we have we have we have a good time. I mean, I think I'm I'm probably more than the others constantly being told to like, you know, bring it, bring it down, bring it back. Let's go back to the script. Let's stick with the script. You know, but it's it's a it's a it's a fun balance. I mean, the scripts are so, so tight and beautifully. They're so good. Yeah. And they they write to each of us so well already. I mean, when we read the scripts, we're just we're constantly blown away. So no improvisation is needed. No, I don't feel like it's not needed. That being said, I do love to keep things fresh and organic. And I think it's I think that Jesse can kind of get away with with some of those shenanigans. So I like to pull from the rain as much as as much as I can. We also have writers on set who are so open and collaborative. And the Joes are as well to like, oh, maybe we can like with this old work and they give us all. And, you know, it is great. Sometimes you'll do like a few takes as scripted and then you can have maybe more fun in the next take. And even if most of it is just self-indulgent nonsense, which it is with me. If there's just one moment that suddenly feels fresh and surprising and that makes its way into the edit, it gives the whole thing a lift. Helen, who's the most likely to break? Might be me. It might be me. Yeah, you are quite a giggler. Especially when I start going and then there's a bit then all things remind me of that bit later. There's no surviving that day. But you also giggle a little. I thought she was going to say me for sure. I wouldn't blame you for that at all. I don't know. We're having a good time. It's so I don't know, maybe cheesy, but like I just genuinely am delighted by everyone's choices. And sometimes I just like can't keep it together because I think it's really funny. I just I enjoy the work that we're doing and like Sue me. I don't know. And to be honest, though, I've commended you. We've talked about this. You know, we do a funny scene and you're like, oh, man, I don't want to. I don't want to break or whatever. But when he breaks to me, it's a sign that he's he's so present. You know, I'm trying something new and goofy and trying to make him laugh. And he's not in his head thinking about his choices. You know, he's he's there and he's present and he's he's reacting to what I'm throwing at him. And if it's, you know, my nipples jiggling back, whatever, you know, whatever it is. We're going to end it. Thanks for coming. It's in the character description. Honestly, it's it's it's you'll see his his pecs pop. Spoiler. Spoiler. I'm not allowed to say that. But it was I'm like watching his do the Terry Crews peck pop is hilarious. Especially his rhythm. Yeah, like. I know I know we're getting a Jeff Hiller guest appearance that's out there and I've seen it. Are there any other guest stars that are already lined up that you're super excited about? And fine, if you can't. They really don't tell us much. I don't I'm thinking of a friend of yours, Rose. Friend of mine that we can't say there's definitely someone that's very exciting. Wait, am I really Phyllis in real life? I can't remember anything. I don't remember. Everyone's been fantastic, though. Oh, yes, yes, yes. Oh, my gosh. I love that person. I love that person. Well done. Well, I love that person. The answer is no comment. That's a perfect tease, right? They're really, really fun people. I think sometimes revealing them might reveal some story things. But we've been so lucky in who has said yes. And they've come and played with us. And I think they've all had a really fun time. And they've been in our weird green room, which you've decorated. And I put a record player in and we dance around to ABBA. And yeah, it's fun. And I should also say real quick, just because you guys are actors and you'll appreciate this, I think. I've had young actors text me asking. They have an audition for Eternally Yours. They're super excited. Can you give me some notes or thoughts on how I should do this take or do this audition? And then it ends up going to a famous actor who's completely different from this kid. And it's like no matter what he did, it was never meant for him. And I think that's important to remember also. Sometimes it's just you do the best you can, but they're going to give it to him. But doing that tape, I've always encouraged people that that's laying groundwork. Because they will remember for something else. And he did say, but casting has been super thrilled with the tapes. They're going to keep me in mind. That sounded so discouraging. That wasn't the intent. Back to your nipples. Just give up. Back to the makeup bits. Really quickly before we wrap up, I'm curious about the process of getting the fangs into your mouth and then kind of finding the right amount of fang. Because I imagine there was a lot of trial and error. Mine were too long at first. There's a lisp that happens. It's like a retainer lisp, you can imagine. They have to kind of fill your mouth with some sort of clay, sandy. It's like an orthodontic mold. Literally if you were getting a retainer for Invisalign or whatever. But once it's made, it's so small and it just pops in and out. It's so, so easy. But yours were a little long and weird. Mine were long and needed to be shaved down. Which felt kind of embarrassing, even though it wasn't my fault. I didn't do anything wrong. I was like, look at my teeth shaved. You had to have teeth reduction surgery. I did teeth reduction. I felt like I was 13. It's a nice problem to have. Your back. My back. Oh, gosh. My teeth. The thing about the speaking is true. Because they're realizing, oh, wait a minute. We can't give them a monologue with the teeth in. Because we have top and bottom. And it really does sound goofy. So if you want to sound cool, give it a couple words. One or two. I had to say, this isn't happening. It was really difficult with the S's. It's kind of endearing to me. I feel like that's the tone of Eternally Yours. Is looking super scary and spooky and cool with these things. It's kind of the tone. It's a family sitcom. You don't want it to be too scary. Yeah. We're not doing too much gore. We're not doing too much. They've definitely tried to like trial and error of how much comedy, how much horror. And what's right in the middle. I think they nailed it. What do you guys think? Well, make sure that you all tune in Thursdays at 830 on CBS to watch Eternally Yours. It's been an honor to be here with you guys. Thank you so much for this amazing cast. Thank you all for being here. Thank you for coming. Thank you, guys. ♪♪