Ali Larter is unfazed by the criticism surrounding her character in the Taylor Sheridan series, “Landman.” Portraying Angela, the captivating wife of Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Tommy, Larter finds herself at the center of backlash regarding the sexualization of her character and that of her onscreen daughter, Ainsley, played by Michelle Randolph. Despite the scrutiny, Larter maintains that she is comfortable in her role and trusts Sheridan’s vision for the story.
In her conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the 49-year-old actress stated, “Nobody’s putting me in a position that I’m not comfortable being in,” emphasizing her confidence in portraying Angela. Larter explained her efforts to separate herself from online reactions, acknowledging that both good and bad press comes with the territory but noting that her primary focus is on the work itself.
Larter, reflecting on the character’s attributes, mentioned, “If there was something I was uncomfortable with, I wouldn’t do it.” Her perspective resonates with Randolph’s, who had previously expressed that being comfortable with one’s sexuality is an aspect to be celebrated. Randolph noted that watching audience reactions has been interesting for her as she has been immersed in her character for so long.
Larter and Randolph’s experiences on-set showcase their commitment to their roles and the empowerment they draw from them. With “Landman” now streaming on Paramount+, the show continues to highlight the complexities of sexuality and character dynamics, inviting viewers to engage with these themes.
This strong and confident portrayal serves as inspiration to many, showcasing the importance of authenticity and embracing one’s identity in the face of criticism.