Before she became famous in films, Jamie Lee Curtis discovered her creative passion on a sitcom set. Now, at age 67, she has returned to that world with a new comedy on NBC that she helped create.
Curtis has received recognition throughout her long career in film, but she stated that none of her movie roles matched the joy she felt from an early television role. In an interview with NBCUniversal’s Backlot Pass, she talked about her new sitcom, “Newlyweds,” and reflected on her experience with a multi-camera sitcom earlier in her career. She recalled making several films but noted that those projects were often outside of Los Angeles.
Years ago, Curtis mentioned working on a film when she heard about a sitcom pilot for ABC. She expressed enthusiasm for the idea since she had never acted in a play and had only done films. She described that role as her favorite job, but she was disappointed when the pilot was not picked up. Afterward, she traveled to New York for a film shoot while her 1988 movie “A Fish Called Wanda” was released. Following the success and acclaim of that film, ABC changed its mind and decided to move forward with her pilot.
This pilot turned into the show “Anything but Love,” where Curtis starred alongside Richard Lewis. She stated that this was her favorite job ever and that she has told her agents every year that she wants to return to a sitcom. Curtis loves the format, which involves multiple cameras capturing scenes simultaneously in front of a live audience. She finds joy in the rehearsal process, learning jokes, and performing, which she felt she had missed out on.
“Anything but Love” aired for four seasons from 1989 to 1992, focusing on the relationship between characters Marty Gold and Hannah Miller as they navigated their romantic feelings while working together at a magazine. Unfortunately, Richard Lewis passed away in February 2024 at the age of 76.
Now, with “Newlyweds,” Curtis is back in the sitcom arena. The NBC show features real-life couple Tim Daly and Téa Leoni, telling the story of a spontaneous marriage between a free-spirited woman and a conservative professor. Curtis is not only an executive producer but also has a recurring guest role. She and her collaborator, Gail Lerner, designed the series around themes of love and the willingness to embrace change.
During the panel discussion, Lerner encouraged viewers to engage with the show and reconnect with loved ones. She mentioned the idea of finding new love, whether with a partner or hobbies, regardless of age. Curtis drew inspiration from her own quick romance with her husband, Christopher Guest, highlighting the excitement of people discovering life alongside others.
What are your thoughts on Curtis’s return to sitcoms?
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Source: Amo Media, by Amo Media