After being a guest on The Good Wife, then The Good Fight, how did you react when you learned that you were going to have your own series?
Carrie Preston. I had played Elsbeth sporadically until now, as she had appeared in 19 episodes, spread over fourteen years. I was very honored to be given this trust, but also very nervous. I actually didn’t realize how much pressure I had until the show was renewed for season 2! It was only then that I realized we had done a good job.
Behind her innocent appearance, Elsbeth hides a secret…
Quite. Elsbeth has come to New York to make sure the police stay legal, but she must also secretly investigate Captain Wagner, who is played by the talented Wendell Pierce. This will create a real dilemma for her, because she is torn between this new job that she loves, and her affection for Wagner.
Elsbeth, a feminine Columbo? Carrie Preston responds!
Do you agree with the comparison between Elsbeth and Columbo?
Robert and Michelle King, who are the creators of the series, presented Elsbeth to me from the start as a female Columbo. I didn’t know what that meant, because I had never watched the series with Peter Falk. They wanted her to be underestimated as well as the inspector. They first built the character this way, then chose the same structure as Columbo for the episodes (we know the identity of the killer from the start, editor’s note). So I’m taking up the torch, if I can put it that way!
-Like Elsbeth, have you ever been underestimated by your interlocutors?
I think this has happened to most women, especially those in a male-dominated profession. This is especially the case in Hollywood, where women have to go a long way to gain respect. Although there has been progress, we can do even better. Among actresses, there is also the feeling that you have lost value when you reach a certain age. An opportunity like the one I was given, at this time in my life and career, doesn’t come around very often. I realize how lucky I am.
Carrie Preston: “What I have in common with Elsbeth is…”
Did you find anything in common with Elsbeth?
I wish I was as brilliant as her! I think what we have in common is multitasking. Like her, I can do several things at the same time. When it comes to clothes, I’m not as eccentric as her. Since I live in New York, I have the dark outfit which is almost obligatory (laughter), but I like to wear color whenever I get the chance.
