Judith Light dives into the afterlife and de-aging technology in “Before”

Exploring profound themes in “Before”

Judith Light takes us on an existential journey with her latest role in the spooky Apple TV+ series, “Before.” Playing a ghost, Light aims to spark deep questions about the afterlife among viewers. “A lot of people don’t talk about it because they feel uncomfortable, or they think it’s woo woo or silly,” she shares during a recent Zoom call. The series approaches the topic with seriousness and sensitivity, reminding us that life’s ultimate mystery deserves contemplation.

The fine line between science and belief

“Before” challenges viewers to consider what happens to our energy after we die, and whether reincarnation is a possibility—a concept embraced by many cultures and religions. “We always talk about these things in terms of science and facts,” says Light. “But there’s all this energy that you’re expending while you’re alive. When you die, what happens to that energy afterwards? What happens between lives?”

Ghostly experiences in the theater

Judith Light has spent significant time in the theater, where spectral sightings are not uncommon. Actors and crew members often feel a presence or a connection to the artists who graced those stages before them. “It’s definitely something I’m open to,” Light says, recounting numerous conversations with people who’ve had these eerie encounters.

Reuniting with Billy Crystal in “Before”

Premiering last month, Before wasn’t just an exploration of existential themes for Light. It also provided an opportunity to work with long-time friend, Billy Crystal. Their friendship began when Crystal and Robin Williams visited Light backstage after her 1999 Off-Broadway production, “Wit.” The duo drew on their real-life relationship to depict a married couple in the series—Light portrays Crystal’s deceased wife who regularly visits him from beyond the grave.

De-aging technology: a blast from the past

In a fascinating twist, the show employed de-aging technology, allowing the 75-year-old Light and the 76-year-old Crystal to play younger versions of themselves. By leveraging decades of their on-screen work, the special effects team could accurately portray them in their late 20s and early 30s. “It was astonishing to see it,” Light remarks. “It’s probably the best use of AI, other than for medical purposes, that there could be. We have to be careful about it, but this was a beautiful use of the technology.”

Weekly anticipation

Unlike the binge-watching trend, “Before” releases its episodes on a weekly basis, a choice Light appreciates. “It’s the way we used to watch television,” she notes. “There’s something special about waiting and longing for the next episode of a show you love.”

Upcoming projects

Light’s schedule remains packed over the coming months. November marks the debut of “Out of My Mind” on Disney+, an adaptation of a YA novel about a sixth grader with cerebral palsy. “I hope that it leads to more empathy,” Light says of the film.

Additionally, she will join the third season of the horror anthology, “The Terror”. Although Light remains tight-lipped about details, she reveals that it’s set in a psychiatric hospital and characterizes it as “very psychological” yet “very moving.”

The future of “Who’s the Boss?”

There has been considerable chatter about a potential reboot of the beloved sitcom, “Who’s the Boss?”, where Light starred as a career-driven woman who hires a former baseball player as her housekeeper. While efforts to revive the show on Amazon Freevee have reportedly stalled, Light remains hopeful. “I would be delighted,” she says. “But in terms of where I am and the current workload, I don’t know what my availability would be.”

Reflecting on her career, Light admits she’s learned to “never say never.” Initially, she vowed never to participate in a soap opera or sitcom, yet she ended up doing both. “Then I said I would never marry an actor. And I did just that.”

Embark on these intriguing journeys with Judith Light by catching “Before” on Apple TV+, and stay tuned for her upcoming roles in “Out of My Mind” and “The Terror.” Keep the conversation going by sharing this article on social media and engaging with us for more updates on your favorite stars.