LAUGHTER WITH HEART
Julia Louis-dreyfus is always striving for hope and optimism
The coronavirus may have prevented audiences from seeking out Pixar’s Onward when it opened in theatres last month, but now that the film is available to stream on Disney+, Julia Louis-dreyfus hopes the heartwarming adventure provides a salve for these troubled times.
“It goes without saying that this is a very challenging moment for the human species, so I hope when audiences watch this film, whether it’s young children or adults themselves, they take away a feeling of hope and joy and optimism that may make their day a little bit better,” Louis-dreyfus says.
Onward, the 22nd film from Pixar, tells the story of two teenage elf brothers (voiced by Chris Pratt and Tom Holland) on a journey to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him.
Louis-dreyfus voices the boys’ mother, with Octavia Spencer and Ali Wong also lending their vocal talents to the film.
The breast cancer survivor says she is using self-isolation as the impetus to begin work on her next series of Apple+ projects.
Q Onward has a sweet spirit to it with its world of elves, fairies and wizards. What resonated with you about it?
A It clicked with me from a parental point of view. I was very touched that Dan (Scanlon, the writer-director) chose to share this personal experience in his life in such a way that was uplifting. I also liked the ferociousness of the story. It really is about lifting others up, and in so doing you lift yourself up.
Q This year marks the 25th anniversary of Toy Story, the film that started it all for Pixar. What’s it like for you to play a part in that animation legacy?
A I admire what Pixar has been doing for so many years. You know, it’s hard to do anything really well for any period of time. So to maintain this level of excellence for so long is remarkable. I’m thrilled to be a very small part of that storytelling adventure.
Q Time for a controversial question. What’s your favourite Pixar movie?
A I think they’re all fantastic, and needless to say I love Onward very, very much. But I will say when my kids were little, a big movie in our house was the first Toy Story. That resonated for me just because you have the joy of not only appreciating the film yourself, but you get to watch it with your children and see them be absolutely transported. That was something I won’t forget.
Q People might know you as Elaine Benes on Seinfeld or as Christine Campbell from The New Adventures of Old Christine or as Selina Meyer on Veep. But before all of those, who gave you your first big shot?
A I had two big breaks. The first was in Chicago doing theatre (at the Practical Theatre Company). Frankly, that was a big break for me as a young girl. After that, my big national break was being cast on Saturday Night Live.
Q You joined SNL in 1982 and Seinfeld in 1989. Was there a moment you felt you’d made it?
A You know, there really hasn’t been that moment. I’m still looking for that moment. As an actor and a creative person, I always feel a pressure to find the next thing that’s fulfilling and exciting. So I’ve never felt like I could sit back and relax. To be quite honest, I always feel as if I’ve got something to prove.
Q. Since everyone is home right now, what films would you recommend they watch from isolation?
A Go back to the classics. That’s what my husband and I have been doing. All the President’s Men is an interesting one to watch. If there are certain classic films you’ve never seen, it’s worth trying to pull those out now and watch them. On the Waterfront, 12 Angry Men, films like those.
Q Is there a moment from your time on Seinfeld that stands out as a favourite?
A I honestly can’t answer that question. We made that show for nine years straight. I would say my most favourite moments happened off-screen when we were rehearsing and laughing and enjoying the material, maybe even more than the audience did. We really did have a ball making that show.
Q You’ve won eight Emmys and nine Screen Actors Guild Awards. There are many more accolades in addition to those. What would your young self think of where you ended up?
A The young Julia would probably say it’s B.S. that this is what happened. The young Julia would question the older Julia telling her this is how it turns out. The young Julia was really just interested in being able to have a grilled cheese and a bowl of tomato soup (laughs).
Q What’s the best advice you ever got?
A Have fun at all costs.