NEW YORK — Rhea Seehorn reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, contemplating whether she has been underestimated throughout her career. The 53-year-old actress pauses during a breakfast meeting at the Crosby Bar in SoHo, considering the idea before attributing it to humility rather than self-regard. “If I were to take ownership of that statement, it implies that I always thought I was better than what people were saying,” she shares thoughtfully.
Seehorn’s path in Hollywood began twenty years ago with a role in the short-lived ABC sitcom “I’m With Her.” Following that, she landed bit parts and worked on various pilots. It wasn’t until her role as Kim Wexler in “Better Call Saul,” created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, that Seehorn truly showcased her considerable talents. The series, which premiered in 2015, transformed her character from a potential love interest into a complex and layered figure deeply connected to the show’s main character, Jimmy McGill, played by Bob Odenkirk.
Holly Twyford, a fellow theater veteran, emphasizes that Seehorn’s real capabilities were evident long before “Saul.” “I already had seen it,” Twyford notes, indicating that many in their D.C. theater community recognized her talent. Gilligan himself acknowledges the unexpected depth of Seehorn’s performance, noting that they only sketched out her character initially, unaware of the breadth she would eventually bring to Kim Wexler.
The acclaim surrounding “Better Call Saul,” which wrapped its six-season run in 2022, bolstered Seehorn’s reputation, earning her two Emmy nominations. Bob Odenkirk reflects on Seehorn’s experience in Hollywood, highlighting how she was often placed in comedic roles that did not reflect her true talent. He describes the industry’s tendency to pigeonhole actors as one of its significant failings.
As she prepares for her first major lead role in the upcoming Apple TV series “Pluribus,” Seehorn embraces new challenges. In “Pluribus,” she portrays Carol Sturka, a sardonic romance novelist navigating a post-epidemic world marked by an overwhelming positivity that she uniquely resists. This new character allows Seehorn to exercise her signature blend of intensity and humanity, contrasting with her previous roles.
Seehorn’s extensive theater background began in Virginia, where she studied art and discovered her passion for acting through regional productions. Despite challenging circumstances, such as the tragic loss of her father, she persevered in pursuing her craft, ultimately achieving significant recognition in her field.
As Seehorn transitions into this next chapter, she expresses gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way while remaining grounded. “You cannot make that the headline — that Rhea thinks she was underestimated,” she whimsically cautions, indicating her reluctance to embrace any notions of self-importance.
With roles in “Pluribus,” alongside upcoming projects like the highly anticipated “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” it seems that Hollywood is finally recognizing the full breadth of Rhea Seehorn’s talent. Her career trajectory illustrates a hopeful narrative of resilience, authenticity, and the ongoing quest for depth in artistic expression. As she steps into the spotlight with renewed vigor, Seehorn embodies the idea that determination and hard work can lead to well-deserved recognition and success in a competitive industry.