The Who What Wear Podcast: Molly Gordon on Female Friendships and Navigating Hollywood
Episode Title: The Bear's Molly Gordon on the Importance of Female Friendships—and Delusion—While Making It in Hollywood
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Hilary Kerr, Co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Who What Wear
Introduction: Welcoming Molly Gordon
Hilary Kerr opens the episode by introducing Molly Gordon, a multifaceted talent known for her roles in "The Bear," "Booksmart," "Theater Camp," and "Shiva Baby." Molly also discusses her upcoming film, "Oh High," which she co-created, wrote, produced, and stars in. The conversation promises insights into Molly's creative journey, her friendships in the industry, and her approach to style.
Behind the Scenes: Molly's Who What Wear Cover Shoot
Timestamp: [03:14]
Molly shares her experience being featured on the Who What Wear cover, highlighting her dream of participating in a boat shoot. Despite challenging weather conditions that left the crew seasick, Molly maintained her enthusiasm:
"I just was in such a great mood, and I never thought that I would get to do any of this stuff. The fashion was so beautiful, and I just felt giddy."
— Molly Gordon [04:30]
She humorously recounts the difficulties during the shoot but expresses gratitude for fulfilling her vision, including dressing a camera assistant as a captain—a nod to her own struggles with mental health.
The Power of Female Friendships in Hollywood
Timestamp: [05:01]
Molly delves into the significance of her close-knit group of female friends within the entertainment industry. She describes how these relationships provide mutual support and collaborative opportunities amidst an often isolating environment:
"...it's so, so nice to just have this group that's, like, all pushing each other forward and then also who are creating their own things and can give each other jobs."
— Molly Gordon [05:24]
This camaraderie fosters a sense of community and empowerment, allowing Molly and her friends to thrive creatively and professionally.
Balancing Multiple Creative Roles
Timestamp: [06:37]
Molly discusses her journey as a hyphenate—acting, writing, directing, and producing. She emphasizes the importance of taking control of her career by creating her own projects, especially when acting roles were scarce:
"I always just wanted to be in charge of my own kind of life in that way. I always just imagined that I would be creating my own material."
— Molly Gordon [06:37]
She reflects on the challenges of juggling multiple roles, noting that directing aligns her more closely with collaborative efforts and diminishes personal insecurities.
Insights from "The Bear"
Timestamp: [09:22]
Molly shares memorable moments from season four of "The Bear," particularly a raw and emotional scene with co-star Jeremy:
"That scene in particular was so raw. Like, you guys were so present in it was that fully, like, word for word."
— Molly Gordon [10:06]
She highlights the show's fast-paced filming environment, which has positively impacted her confidence and approach to acting.
Introducing "Oh High": A Genre-Bending Film
Timestamp: [14:12]
Molly introduces her new project, "Oh High," a film that blends comedy, suspense, and horror. She describes it as a "hilariously absurd genre-bending film" that explores the complexities of relationships and personal obsessions:
"It's about a high school reunion and we're making that for A24. This is Peaked."
— Molly Gordon [24:46]
The film delves into themes of obsession and miscommunication, using elements like witchcraft to enhance the narrative from a female gaze perspective.
Blending Genres and Embracing the Female Gaze
Timestamp: [17:31]
Molly elaborates on the creative process behind "Oh High," emphasizing the intention to balance darkness with humor and genuine friendship:
"We're just kind of on our own journey sometimes. So I think all the sex in the movie felt important to me to get to show."
— Molly Gordon [19:04]
She aims to create relatable characters who exhibit both flaws and strengths, challenging the trope of the "unlikable female" by presenting a dark yet lovable protagonist.
Personal Style and Fashion Choices
Timestamp: [30:42]
Molly discusses her personal style, which favors comfort and vintage pieces. She credits her stylist, Jared Elner, for encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and explore bold colors and shorter silhouettes:
"He's always trying to make it shorter. He's just pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and to take chances."
— Molly Gordon [32:05]
Her wardrobe includes a mix of vintage dresses, striped button-downs, and statement accessories, reflecting her unique and authentic style.
Upcoming Projects: "Small Parts" and "Peaked"
Timestamp: [23:08]
Molly introduces two new projects:
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"Small Parts": A heist story reimagining Bette Midler's "Outrageous Fortune." Molly describes it as an "accidental heist movie" centered around two out-of-work actresses engaging in chaotic and bloody adventures.
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"Peaked": Her solo directorial debut, this film focuses on two popular girls who weren't invited to their high school reunion and seek to reclaim their former glory. Molly connects it to the themes of self-discovery and the pitfalls of hiding one's true self behind popularity.
Representation and Empowerment in Filmmaking
Timestamp: [26:42]
Molly emphasizes the importance of female directors and authentic storytelling from the female perspective. She highlights the challenges facing women in the industry and the necessity of supporting original, diverse voices:
"It's on everyone to continue to choose those projects, me as an actor as well, and also for women to take up space in that way."
— Molly Gordon [26:42]
Her commitment to authentic representation extends to her work, ensuring that nuanced and relatable female characters are at the forefront of her projects.
Conclusion: Looking Forward
Molly wraps up the conversation by expressing her hope that audiences will connect deeply with "Oh High" and feel seen through its storytelling. Hilary thanks Molly for her insights and encourages listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes.
Notable Quotes
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Molly on Persistence:
"How do I stay with something? Delusion."
— Molly Gordon [08:04] -
On Directing and Collaboration:
"If I can continue to be lifted up by the people around me."
— Molly Gordon [25:06] -
On Authentic Relationships:
"Understand that this is all real life. That's, like, a very grounded part of it."
— Molly Gordon [19:27]
Final Thoughts
This episode provides a comprehensive look into Molly Gordon's professional journey, her dedication to fostering meaningful friendships, and her commitment to creating authentic and genre-defying storytelling. Her insights offer valuable inspiration for aspiring creatives navigating the complexities of Hollywood.