Lucy Punch thinks she lacks many mothering skills, but she is adamant about one thing: she makes every day fun and silly for her two sons, aged seven and three. The comic actor, who lives with her children and her mystery husband in Los Angeles, conjures up joy even amid turmoil; during wildfires perilously close to her home, she was determined to keep the atmosphere light and entertaining. "Returning home after being evacuated, one of them acted as though he’d been on holiday because he’d had such a brilliant time," she recalls, humorously imitating their family scenario. Punch adds, "Meanwhile, we’d been looking at our phones, going ‘F**ing hell, help,’ and crying. It’s such a small window when you’re a kid, so I’m just trying to make it magical until they’re confronted with teenagerdom and the reality of life."
Punch’s association with motherhood has soared largely due to her role as Amanda, the alpha mum with devilish charm, in the hit BBC One comedy series Motherland. This character was notorious, loved by viewers for her condescending superiority. Playing the character, Punch skillfully walked the tightrope of relatable and ruthless. Now, she is set to shine even brighter with Amandaland, Amanda's spin-off, which marks her biggest career moment yet. "I haven’t thought about it too much, otherwise I’d have freaked out a bit. I’m used to playing a supporting character, and I like it. It’s less pressured," she admits during our meeting at a London restaurant.
Punch exudes vivacity and charm, seamlessly drawing people to her. With lively gestures recounting her acting experiences, she muses about her typecasting. "Maybe it’s the beady eyes," she jokes, reflecting on being seen primarily as characters with sinister undertones. That said, she acknowledges how the Motherland writing team's foresight helped her character's transition, allowing Amanda to reveal her softer side. Her character battles personal challenges of divorce, job loss, and the need for connection—all themes Punch can nod to as relatable yet exaggerated realities.
Meanwhile, actress Paget Brewster, best recalled as FBI agent Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds, is facing her own trials. Recently, Brewster announced she would undergo surgery to fix her fractured elbow after slipping on ice. Sharing her ordeal on social media, she expressed gratitude toward the medical team. "So I slipped on ice and fractured my elbow pretty badly on Tuesday," Brewster tweeted, thanking the Michigan ER staff and voicing her hopes for recovery. "Thank you to everyone at Corewell Grand Rapids Michigan ER. Surgery soon in LA. I’m on heavy pain meds watching @BachelorABC love you guys!" Brewster has been a powerful presence on television, having joined the Criminal Minds cast back in 2007 and making waves as one of the lead characters.
On the topic of iconic names, filmmaker Coralie Fargeat is currently basking in the glow of accolades for her latest work, The Substance*. Nominated for several awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, Fargeat challenges gender norms and strays away from the expectations of traditional narrative norms. "I embrace my singularity as strength, not flaw," she states, providing insight about her filmmaking philosophy. A fiercely passionate entity, Fargeat admits she enjoys creating visually visceral experiences, but insists on wholly embracing her experiences without compromise. "I never censor myself," she asserts, emphasizing the film's reflections on beauty standards and societal expectations.
And lastly, Lorraine Nicholson, the daughter of legendary actor Jack Nicholson, recently opened up about the impact actress Lara Flynn Boyle had on their family dynamic during her early childhood. Reflecting on her father’s relationship with Boyle, Lorraine recalled the joy she brought to Jack's otherwise “mausoleum-level quiet” home. "She came down the outdoor staircase to join us by the pool... Lara taught me so much about femininity, adolescences' confusion, and freedom," she recalls. The warmth Boyle created added vibrancy to her childhood moments, where they engaged in activities like white-water rafting.
These narratives paint a picture of high-profile careers intertwined with personal challenges. From Lucy Punch’s comedic spin on motherhood to Paget Brewster’s courageous bounce back after injury, and Coralie Fargeat’s fiery feminist vision within the film industry, to Lorraine Nicholson’s nostalgic reflections, these women reveal the many facets of their identities. The essence of what they offer the world, not only as entertainers but also as relatable individuals, makes their journeys resonate.
Whether through humor, drama, or insightful reflections, these celebrity voices shine brightly, reminding us of the humanity behind the glamour. Their stories not only entertain but also inspire, inviting us to view our everyday lives with the same zest they display on screen.