Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Episode: Kiernan Shipka — on Growing Up on the “Mad Men” Set and Her Self-Help Book Obsession
Release Date: November 12, 2024

Introduction to Friendship and Early Careers

Jesse Tyler Ferguson welcomes Kiernan Shipka, highlighting their long-standing friendship that began when Kiernan was just eight years old. Jesse reminisces about their early days in the entertainment industry, with Jesse navigating the success of Modern Family and Kiernan excelling on the set of Mad Men.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (02:39): "I have such deep respect for Kiernan Shipka for so many reasons...she gracefully navigated through this very complicated industry and became a very respected actor in her own right."

They discuss the contrast between their experiences—Kiernan as a child actor in a mature drama and Jesse as an adult in a comedic setting.

Life on the Mad Men Set

Kiernan shares insights into her time on Mad Men, emphasizing the challenges of growing up in a primarily adult environment. She reflects on the mental and emotional struggles of leaving the show at 14, feeling untethered without the structure of a traditional school environment.

Kiernan Shipka (09:59): "I kind of lost this anchor in my life...I was sort of, like, a little bit untethered."

Jesse and Kiernan delve into specific memories from the set, including Kiernan’s audition process and her first interactions with other young actors.

Kiernan Shipka (07:21): "I was a little miss. Little Miss Worker. That's incredible."

Navigating Fame and Social Media

The conversation shifts to Kiernan’s relationship with social media, which began in her early teens. She explains how her approach matured over time, allowing her to maintain a healthy balance between her personal life and public persona.

Kiernan Shipka (20:14): "I have a pretty healthy relationship with it...It doesn't get in with my day."

Jesse relates to the challenges of balancing fame with personal growth, sharing his own experiences at events like the Emmy Awards.

Transitioning to Adult Roles and Mental Health

Kiernan discusses her transition from Mad Men to more prominent roles, including her lead role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She highlights the pressures of stepping into more responsibility and how these experiences shaped her approach to acting and personal wellbeing.

Kiernan Shipka (23:13): "I sort of isolated myself and all the stuff that I was dealing with was really internal and it wasn't really out in the world."

Addressing mental health, Kiernan opens up about her reliance on self-help books to maintain her mental stability, showcasing her commitment to personal growth.

Kiernan Shipka (25:54): "I feel like if I don't have a self-help book in my hand, I just lose it."

Recent Projects and Creative Endeavors

Kiernan shares details about her latest projects, including the rom-com Sweethearts and the holiday film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She expresses excitement about working in comedy again, a genre she has a deep passion for from her early improv days.

Kiernan Shipka (28:36): "I'd been wanting to do comedy. I love comedy so much."

They discuss the collaborative environment on set, particularly praising her co-stars and the creative freedom in Sweethearts.

Kiernan Shipka (29:54): "It was a little family... we were living and shooting in Las Vegas, living in a hotel."

Admiration for Fellow Actors and Continued Growth

Kiernan talks about her admiration for actors like Jamie Lee Curtis and Nicolas Cage, citing their fearless approaches to acting as inspirational. She emphasizes the importance of connection in acting, distinguishing between mere performance and genuine acting.

Kiernan Shipka (36:57): "I think there's something really special about people who look at it through that lens...connecting with other people and learning from the people around you."

Jesse echoes this sentiment, highlighting the difference between performers and actors who deeply engage with their craft.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (37:05): "I think there's a difference between performers and actors."

Memorable Moments and Future Aspirations

The duo shares amusing anecdotes from their careers, including Jesse’s memorable encounter with Kristen Wiig at the Emmy Awards. They discuss future aspirations, with Jesse aiming to tackle challenging theatrical roles and Kiernan expressing interest in exploring theater beyond her current experience.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (40:08): "I'm always scared to do classical theater. I'm about to do Shakespeare in the park with some, like, Titans."

Kiernan Shipka (40:14): "I would love to go. I would love to be on stage. But one day for sure."

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode draws to a close, Jesse and Kiernan reflect on their enduring friendship and mutual support throughout their careers. They express gratitude for the opportunities they've had and the personal growth they've achieved.

Kiernan Shipka (43:37): "I think that was put in my head so much of like, oh, this could go wrong...so that happened."

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (43:50): "I'm so glad you said yes to this."

The episode concludes with Jesse extending an open invitation for future engagements, symbolizing their ongoing camaraderie.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (43:51): "Don't worry about leaving anything. Dinner's on me."

Notable Quotes

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson (02:39): "I have such deep respect for Kiernan Shipka...she gracefully navigated through this very complicated industry and became a very respected actor in her own right."

• Kiernan Shipka (09:59): "I kind of lost this anchor in my life...I was sort of, like, a little bit untethered."

• Kiernan Shipka (25:54): "I feel like if I don't have a self-help book in my hand, I just lose it."

• Kiernan Shipka (36:57): "I think there's something really special about people who look at it through that lens...connecting with other people and learning from the people around you."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson offers an intimate glimpse into Kiernan Shipka's journey from child actress on Mad Men to a versatile performer embracing new challenges in the industry. Their candid conversation delves into personal growth, mental health, and the enduring power of friendship, providing valuable insights for listeners interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of Hollywood life.