Connie Britton loves challenges and loves to stretch her acting wings in lots of ways. The beautiful red-haired leading lady who portrayed two iconic personalities in her television roles understands the attachment of fans to her characters. She is bonded to the unforgettable, strong, and overcoming characters of Tammy Taylor on “Friday Night Lights” and Rayna Jaymes on “Nashville,” too. She reached out in very loving ways to fans who felt that neither their hearts nor the country music drama could go on after the shocking death of her central character.
It wasn't easy for the star, either, but life must move on, and Connie Britton is convinced that “Nashville” will live on and on, too. Her new film, “Beatriz at Dinner” brings Britton into the comedic realm, with razor-sharp edges of reality. She talked about her filmmaking adventure and the future on June 6’s “Today” show.
Not an easy farewell for anyone
Connie Britton plays host to “one of the most uncomfortable dinner parties I hope anyone ever witnesses” in the film out June 9, with some claws and greed coming out between the meal courses. For the versatile actress, though, there's something comfortable about a five-year stint that makes departure feel right, so long as it's done well. Britton starred for five seasons in both fan fan-favorite shows, and fans brought both shows back.
“It was hard and sad for everybody,” insists Britton, referring to her character’s untimely death on the Music City drama. She and the writers worked carefully to create a meaningful storyline that “was the appropriate space and time” in the show’s arc.
Ongoing storylines for “Nashville” also allow for the presence, the music, and the divine oversight of Rayna Jaymes to flow through future episodes.
Loyal viewers witnessed the struggles of the suddenly single-fathered family finding their way in last week’s episode, “Back In the Saddle Again,” as the younger daughter, Daphne, portrayed by Maisy Stella, is coping with major depression". Both daughters are reaching for the strength and inspiration of their mother within themselves.
The character-driven direction taken by Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskowitz in the drama has brought every major character more “up close and personal.” Conflicts and self-discoveries run deep and will play out over seasons, not merely week by week.
Confident of the future
Connie Britton still gushes in talking about the “rich world” that surrounds the “Nashville” production, in every sense. “It can go on indefinitely,” she assures. She can also be confident of many more delicious and tasty parts to come her way. As wonderful as any television series is, it does tie down the actor or actress in taking other roles for lengthy spans. Connie has worked numerous times with Ryan Murphy, starring in “American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story” in “The People vs.
O.J. Simpson,” in which she played Faye Resnick.
Memories of being a football coach’s wife still bring a smile to Connie Britton. She playfully teased that she had just read that Kyle Chandler said that she was the reason that no “Friday Night Lights” reunion had yet come together. “It's on you, Kyle!” she said, looking into the camera. “I don't want the whole situation to be on me.” She certainly seemed willing to revisit that role.
Connie Britton describes that the timing of her departure from “Nashville” was prompted by personal and creative reasons. In addition to a thriving career, Connie is a mom to Eyob, nearly 6, and every mom wants to be able to celebrate childhood through the younger years.
Connie Britton is also deeply involved with anti-poverty through the United Nations Development Programs, for which she is an ambassador.
Life goes on for Connie Britton, who started out doing dinner theater, and life and the songs go on for “Nashville,” too.
