Though Julia Louis-Dreyfus will always be best known as Elaine on Seinfeld, the Emmy Award-winning actress has had a varied career in film and television since the beloved comedy series ended. Her recent projects include the indie drama, Tuesday, as well as a villainous turn in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thunderbolts*. Speaking with Variety, Louis-Dreyfus shared her thoughts on her approach to acting across genres and provided insight into her role selection process.
Most essential to Louis-Dreyfus’ approach to acting is being perceived as authentic. She describes, “It is your responsibility as an actor to bring authenticity. You can’t fake it. I mean, you can fake it, people do. But I believe your job as an actor is to bring truth.”
Louis-Dreyfus points to her recent career moves — varying from indie films to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Netflix programs — as moves based on her instincts. She explains, “It’s a gut reaction. It’s an instinct I have when I look at material. I’m drawn to material that is not derivative, not a repeat of what I’ve done before. That I feel very strongly about. I’m looking for material that will challenge me and that I’m curious about. I’m looking for material that I can’t walk away from.”
Once she decides on a project, Louis-Dreyfus attempts to find the way to connect herself to her character. She continues, “You start the same way you do any project as an actor, which is to say you find your in. You find your way into the role that speaks to you, that is truthful to you and your own experience.”
Though best known for her comedic performances, Louis-Dreyfus has shown off her dramatic abilities in several films. However, she confesses that she doesn’t see much of a difference in how to handle either type of project as an actress. She says, “I don’t really compare [comedy and drama]. If you do a comedy or a drama, and you’re approaching it correctly, the approach is very similar. Obviously, there are tonal shifts to material that are required based on the genre. But, honestly, it all comes down to coming at the material from a truthful place. “
