Maya Rudolph: A summer of music, comedy, and milestones
A musical summer with Maya Rudolph
Like many of us, Maya Rudolph is embracing a “Girly Pop Summer.” The multi-talented star of ”Loot,” “Saturday Night Live” icon, and standout performer in “Big Mouth” has been immersing herself in the music of Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan.
“I remember the week I was hosting ‘SNL,’ and Charli’s ‘360’ came out. I was bumping it so hard in my room to get me ready for the monologue,” Rudolph recalls. “It gave me all my strength, and that really propelled me into the summer.”
The era of Maya Rudolph
Call it the Summer of Maya Rudolph or the Season of Maya Rudolph, but limiting it to just right now doesn’t do justice to a career that has spanned decades, from “Bridesmaids” to Beyoncé. Borrowing some parlance from Swift, we can proclaim this latest version of Maya Rudolph her most successful era yet.
In the past few months, Rudolph has become this year’s Emmy MVP, landing four nominations over three shows—the most of any performer in 2024. She launched a production company, Banana Split Projects, and signed a first-look deal with Apple TV+. And, of course, her “SNL” take on Kamala Harris (a role for which she won an Emmy in 2020) has inextricably linked her to the Democratic presidential candidate’s surging White House campaign.
“It does feel like it’s all happening at once, which is weird,” Rudolph says. “If someone was like, ‘Hey, when you turn 52, you’re going to have a moment,’ I’d be like, ‘Sorry, what?’ I did not anticipate this. It does feel like a real convergence of all good things. Everything feels different this year, for sure.”
Personal milestones and reflections
On a personal level, Rudolph recently experienced the emotional milestone of dropping her eldest child, Pearl, at college. Rudolph, who has four children with her partner, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, reflects on this significant moment. “It’s just really confusing,” she says of the emotions that come with sending your firstborn out into the world. “Why the heck do we let them go? I’m nowhere near understanding it yet. Why did they invent parenthood this way? It’s all painful. I’m OK, but I can’t lie—it’s hard. Changing diapers was so much easier!”
The mother of comedy
In her Mother’s Day musical monologue on “SNL” (inspired by Madonna’s “Vogue” and nominated for an Emmy for original music and lyrics), we got to celebrate Rudolph as the “Mother of the House of Rockefeller,” NBC’s home base, where she spent many years as a superstar. As Bowen Yang said in that bit, Rudolph was ”the first to slay the house down, boots queen.”
For those unhip to modern slang, all you need to know is that Rudolph is rightfully receiving her coronation as this generation’s comedy monarch. ”Is this what happens when you become older?” she says. “You actually get to a place where you have this status, and the only words left are for royalty? I mean, I’ll take it!”
A powerful return to SNL
That “SNL” hosting gig in May perhaps kicked off what we might refer to as the ”Mother Era” of Rudolph, as she exudes an even more powerful aura in the wake of these landmark career moments. It’s appropriate she’d find some of that energy while returning home to Studio 8H at “SNL” for its Mother’s Day episode and interacting with the show’s now mostly millennial and Gen Z cast.
“The younger generation started asking me the questions that I used to ask the people that I watched on the show,” she says, “and I realized, ‘Oh, now I’m an elder!'”
Even fellow “SNL” icon Kenan Thompson, who participated in the monologue, says Rudolph stands apart from her castmates, past or present: ”I’m just in awe of the human being that she is,” he says. “She’s a shining example for my daughters to look up towards. Like, who’s more ‘Mother’ than Maya? She is built for that role, embraced that role, and now is basking in the glory of it. It’s just so wonderful to see, especially for someone like me who kind of owes everything to her.”
An Emmy campaign to remember
After hosting “SNL,” Rudolph embarked on her most intense Emmy campaign ever. It clearly paid off—particularly with a nomination for lead comedy actress for her Apple TV+ comedy “Loot.” Besides music and lyrics, she was up for guest comedy actress for “SNL” (a category she won in 2020 and 2021). And last weekend, Netflix’s animated “Big Mouth” earned her another character voice-over win, an Emmy she also got in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
That’s right, Rudolph started the decade with zero Emmys. Now she has six. “She’s so multifaceted that watching Maya work, it’s like being with a Hall of Famer,” says “Big Mouth” co-creator and star Nick Kroll.
A long-awaited lead role
Here’s what’s especially stunning and gratifying about the “Loot” nod: Believe it or not, this is her first solo lead role. Rudolph has starred in countless series and films as part of an ensemble or duo, but the fact that she’s never been No. 1 on the call sheet might be a shock. But Rudolph is surprised that we’re surprised.
“I didn’t really get offered things like that very often,” she says. “I think it’s surprising to people because I’ve been here for so long, and they’re aware of what I do and what I’m capable of. But I’m not that surprised people didn’t offer them to me. It took a long time to even just kind of laugh at that fact, but it used to really piss me off.”
Rudolph points out that when you’re seen as funny, you tend to be pigeonholed as the wacky best friend. Why? “Because there’s lots of meat in that role, where you think, ‘That’s where the fun is.’ Who wants to be the straight guy, right?” she says. “But when you’re never the straight guy, that’s all you ever want to be. I remember, even at ‘SNL,’ sitting in Lorne Michaels’ office saying, ‘I just want to play the wife sometimes. Why can’t I be the girlfriend?’ He was like, ‘You don’t want to be the girlfriend. You want to be the crazy German art dealer neighbor!'”
But back in those earlier eras, when Rudolph was still coming up, she wanted to be the main thing. Not getting it was “really hard to swallow,” she says, noting that her multiethnic background might have confused some in the industry back in the day.
For more on Maya Rudolph’s latest projects, check out the trailers for Loot and Big Mouth.# Maya Rudolph: Embracing her unique journey in Hollywood
A journey of self-discovery and acceptance
Maya Rudolph’s career has been a fascinating blend of comedy, music, and heartfelt performances. Her journey in Hollywood is not just about her talent but also about her resilience and ability to carve out a space for herself in an industry that often struggles with diversity. Rudolph’s story is one of self-discovery and acceptance, and it resonates deeply with many who feel like they don’t fit into conventional molds.
The struggle for recognition
Rudolph’s path to stardom wasn’t straightforward. She often felt like an outsider, a sentiment she attributes to her mixed heritage. “I don’t look like most,” she reflects, noting that this was even more pronounced two decades ago. This feeling of being different inspired her to draw parallels between her characters and drag queens, who also navigate the complexities of identity and acceptance.
“The universe knows about drag now, and that’s wonderful,” she says. For Rudolph, drag represents a celebration of individuality and a rejection of societal norms. It’s a concept that has helped her embrace her unique identity and find pride in it.
The impact of mixed heritage
Growing up, Rudolph faced the challenge of identifying with a single ethnicity on official forms, often relegated to the “Other” box. This experience was isolating and daunting. “That can be very lonely,” she admits. Choosing a career in entertainment, where she stood out even more, was a bold move. Yet, it was this very uniqueness that eventually became her strength.
“I always liked fitting into the cracks,” she says. This ability to navigate different spaces and identities has been a defining feature of her career. Seeing performers like Chappell Roan in drag has only reinforced her belief in the power of embracing one’s true self.
A legacy of music and love
Rudolph’s parents, composer Richard Rudolph and singer Minnie Riperton, provided a nurturing and musical environment. However, the constant focus on her mother’s early death has been a recurring theme in interviews, something Rudolph is ready to move past. “Why the fuck are we still doing this?” she questions, expressing her frustration with the repetitive nature of these inquiries.
Rudolph is proud of her family’s legacy but wants to shift the narrative to her own achievements and experiences. “I have survived my childhood trauma,” she asserts, emphasizing her desire to focus on the present and future.
Embracing the ‘Mother Era’
Rudolph’s current phase, which she dubs her “Mother Era,” is marked by a sense of empowerment and self-assuredness. With four Emmy nominations and roles in projects like ”Loot” and “Big Mouth,” she is at the top of her game. Her portrayal of Kamala Harris on ”Saturday Night Live” has also garnered widespread acclaim.
In “Loot,” Rudolph plays Molly Wells, a billionaire ex-wife who decides to give away her fortune to charity. The character’s journey from opulence to empathy is one that only Rudolph could bring to life with such authenticity. Watch the trailer for “Loot”.
A refreshing honesty
Rudolph’s candidness is a breath of fresh air in an industry often obsessed with image. Her “zero-fucks hormones” have kicked in, allowing her to stand up for herself and prioritize her well-being. “I am a polite person, and I care about how I treat other people,” she says. “But at a certain point, you have to stand up for yourself.”
This honesty extends to her work-life balance, something her co-stars appreciate. Joel Kim Booster, who stars alongside her in “Loot,” praises her for creating a supportive and family-oriented environment on set. “It is so nice to work on a set where the person at the top loves their family,” he says.
The empathetic performer
Rudolph’s ability to infuse her characters with empathy is one of her greatest strengths. Whether it’s the billionaire Molly Wells or Connie the Hormone Monstress in “Big Mouth,” she brings a depth and humanity to her roles that resonate with audiences. Watch the trailer for “Big Mouth”.
“I feel like it’s important for me to be able to tap into the empathic part of the character,” she explains. This approach allows her to create characters that are relatable and multi-dimensional, even in the most outlandish scenarios.
A celebration of individuality
Maya Rudolph’s career is a testament to the power of embracing one’s uniqueness. Her journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming a celebrated performer is an inspiration to many. As she continues to break new ground in Hollywood, she remains a beacon of authenticity and resilience.
For those who feel like they don’t fit in, Rudolph’s story is a reminder that there is strength in individuality. Her ability to navigate different identities and create a space for herself in the industry is a powerful example of what can be achieved when you embrace who you truly are.# Maya Rudolph: A multifaceted talent ready for new adventures
Embracing the art of impressions
Maya Rudolph’s journey into the world of impressions was never part of her original plan. Known for her iconic takes on celebrities like Donatella Versace and Beyoncé, Rudolph’s approach to impressions is unique. “I think of my impressions more as characters,” she explains. This perspective has allowed her to create memorable personas, such as her beloved Beyoncé character.
The Emmy-winning Kamala Harris portrayal
In 2020, Rudolph won an Emmy for her portrayal of Kamala Harris on “SNL.” Although it hasn’t been officially announced, it’s expected that Rudolph, who resides in Los Angeles, will spend the next few months on the East Coast reprising this role. “It’s definitely going to impact my fall,” she notes, hinting at the busy schedule ahead.
The anticipation surrounding her return to ”SNL” was palpable, with messages, memes, and GIFs flooding her phone long before she received official confirmation. Rudolph reflects on the overwhelming response, saying, “It’s a huge compliment, but it was also very bizarre.”
Capturing Kamala’s playful side
Rudolph’s secret to her Kamala Harris impression lies in highlighting the politician’s playful side. Early on, when Harris was primarily known as a stern prosecutor, Rudolph saw a different aspect. “I said, ‘When I see her, I see her having fun,'” she recalls. This playful interpretation resonated with audiences and became a defining feature of her portrayal.
Drawing from her experiences in the Bay Area, Rudolph infused her impression with elements familiar to her. “All my friends were from Oakland and Berkeley. Bay Area people are my people,” she says. This connection helped her capture the essence of Harris’s character.
A significant role in a changing landscape
Rudolph acknowledges the significance of her role in portraying a Democratic presidential candidate who is a woman of mixed heritage. “I never saw it coming until she came on the scene,” she admits. This unexpected opportunity has allowed her to contribute to a changing political landscape.
Before Harris, Rudolph’s closest attempt at playing a politician on “SNL” was an experiment in impersonating Barack Obama. Although it didn’t make it to the show, the experience was memorable. “We both laughed heartily, and thank God that never made it to air,” she reminisces.
Balancing multiple projects
With her commitment to “SNL,” production on the Los Angeles-based show “Loot” has been adjusted. However, the show’s producers are confident that Season 3 will be released on time. Rudolph’s busy schedule also includes her new production company, formed with Danielle Renfrew Behrens after ending their partnership with Natasha Lyonne.
“I never really knew what having a production company was,” Rudolph admits. Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about her projects. “I feel like Natasha and I both wanted to do so many, and there’s so little time to do all the things we want to do.”
Exploring her musical side
Beyond her acting and production work, Rudolph continues to perform Prince covers with her band Princess, alongside college friend Gretchen Lieberum. However, she has been hesitant to release her own music. “Music comes from such a profoundly vulnerable place,” she explains.
Despite her reservations, Rudolph feels ready to explore this aspect of her creativity. “I feel more comfortable in my skin now to investigate what that would be,” she says. Music has always been a part of her life, and she is eager to see where this journey takes her.
Anticipating new beginnings
As Rudolph looks to the future, she senses a shift on the horizon. “I feel like I’m anticipating something new,” she shares. With her diverse talents and unwavering passion, there are undoubtedly many more exciting eras ahead for Maya Rudolph.
For more on Maya Rudolph’s work, check out the trailers for SNL and Loot. If you’re interested in her musical endeavors, explore her band Princess on Music Beep.