Work in Progress: Carrie Preston
Host: Sophia Bush | Released: May 8, 2025 | iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia Bush welcomes acclaimed actress Carrie Preston, affectionately dubbed the "Queen of Quirk" by the New York Times. The conversation delves deep into Preston's illustrious career, her iconic character Elsbeth Toscone from the series Elspeth, and her personal journey as an artist and advocate.
Early Career and Background
Carrie Preston opens up about her humble beginnings in Macon, Georgia, highlighting the lack of actors in her hometown. Inspired by her older brother's foray into community theater, she began acting at the age of eight. Preston credits her supportive parents—her mother an artist involved in expressive art therapy and her father a geotechnical engineer—for nurturing her creative spirit.
Carrie Preston [04:26]: "I started doing plays when I was 8 years old... My parents... they were like, okay, you want to be creative, we're gonna let you do that."
Development of Elsbeth Toscone
Preston discusses the evolution of Elsbeth Toscone, a character she has portrayed over 15 years across multiple shows, including The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and now Elspeth. She emphasizes the organic growth of the character, originating from a guest episode and steadily becoming a central figure.
Sophia Bush [02:21]: "I just can't wait to hear from her how she manages to balance it all."
Representation and Neurodivergence
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Elsbeth Toscone's portrayal as a neurodivergent character. Preston meticulously avoids labeling Elsbeth with specific diagnoses, ensuring the character remains a unique individual rather than a trope.
Carrie Preston [33:31]: "We are very careful to never diagnose her because I find that that would then become a definitive... and we would ultimately not live up to that because everybody is different."
Sophia highlights the universal appeal of Elsbeth, allowing viewers from various backgrounds to see themselves reflected in the character.
Sophia Bush [35:24]: "Being so incredibly specific about who Elsbeth is allows you to be universal for so many people."
Production and Team Collaboration
Preston praises the collaborative environment fostered by creators Robert and Michelle King. She shares her experience directing episodes of The Good Fight and overseeing the seamless transition to Elspeth, underscoring the trust and empowerment bestowed upon the creative team.
Carrie Preston [39:47]: "Robert and Michelle are incredibly strong leaders... they empower all of their team."
She also acknowledges the pivotal role of showrunner John Collins in shaping the world of Elspeth.
Character Details and Design
Delving into the minutiae of Elsbeth's character, Preston discusses the thoughtful details incorporated into her portrayal—from Elsbeth's signature tote bags to her choice of beverages. These elements serve as extensions of Elsbeth's personality, providing depth and relatability.
Carrie Preston [50:09]: "The closet that he builds for me... takes like almost half of the whole... thousand clothes... so delightful and so specific."
Advocacy and Personal Endeavors
Beyond acting, Preston is passionate about advocacy, particularly for LGBTQ rights and Parkinson's disease awareness. She recounts her early efforts in creating inclusive content and her personal connection to Parkinson's through a family member.
Carrie Preston [53:56]: "Stories have the power to change the world. So we as artists are responsible for changing the world a lot of the time."
Reflections and Future Plans
Preston reflects on her role in Elspeth as a milestone in her career, emphasizing the significance of portraying a seasoned, independent woman. She shares her commitment to personal growth through mindfulness and gratitude practices, highlighting her ongoing journey of self-discovery.
Carrie Preston [60:02]: "I'm constantly trying to ground down into mindfulness and finding compassion and empathy for myself and for others."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments, showcasing the mutual respect and admiration between Sophia Bush and Carrie Preston. Preston expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to bring Elsbeth Toscone to life and her excitement for future endeavors.
Sophia Bush [62:11]: "We all love the show. Thank you for all that hard work and all those crazy hours. You really bring us all a lot of joy."
Notable Quotes:
- Carrie Preston [10:04]: "I've always felt that I got to be creative in some way... even when I was younger."
- Sophia Bush [13:03]: "It's like the two butterfly wings and I feel like I'm just in the body in the center and it's so cool."
- Carrie Preston [26:19]: "How am I gonna bring myself? What am I gonna do? How does this woman think?"
- Sophia Bush [36:22]: "Being so incredibly specific about who Elsbeth is allows you to be universal for so many people."
This episode offers a profound insight into Carrie Preston's artistic process, her dedication to authentic representation, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the screen. Listeners are treated to a candid and inspiring conversation that underscores the essence of being both a masterpiece and a work in progress.