Linda Cardellini has a résumé that reads like an overachiever’s guide to Hollywood. There was her breakout role as Lindsay Weir on Freaks and Geeks in 1999, followed by a spot-on turn as Velma Dinkley in the live-action adaptations of Scooby-Doo in 2002 and 2004. She was Nurse Samantha Taggart on six seasons of ER, earned an Emmy nomination for playing Don Draper’s love interest Sylvia Rosen on Mad Men, and appeared in dozens of other memorable roles in everything from Legally Blonde to Brokeback Mountain to Green Book. But it’s her captivating performance as Judy Hale on Netflix’s dark comedy hit Dead to Me that Cardellini, 44, says is “the most walk-out-of-my-house-and-be-recognized role.”
While Cardellini credits the Netflix binge model for this higher profile, the cliffhanger storytelling of creator Liz Feldman and the chemistry between Cardellini and costar Christina Applegate are huge factors in why the show has become a hit with fans and critics alike.
And Judy Hale, a sensitive art teacher with a mysterious past, is a different kind of role for Cardellini—one that requires a delicate balance between dark and light. When the character befriends a widow, Jen Harding (Applegate), at an emotional support group, the two form a unique friendship. Just one problem: Judy was inadvertently involved in the death of Jen’s husband.
“Sometimes it’s terrifying,” Cardellini says of playing Judy, “because you’re thinking, How do I do this?” That’s the exciting part, though, she adds. “It’s always sort of a tightrope act between the comedy and tragedy of it.” She says balancing Judy’s moods so they don’t become caricature-like is a fun challenge—but a challenge nonetheless. “Judy’s logic just sort of befuddles everybody. She says what feels good in the moment, and that’s what gets her in trouble.”
That dynamic won’t change in season two, now streaming, though there are some new complications for Jen and Judy’s friendship. In season one, Jen went on a mission to uncover who killed her husband in a hit-and-run and eventually learned that—spoiler—it was Steve, Judy’s ex. And Judy, her new best friend, was in the car. In the finale, though, Jen may or may not have killed Steve in self-defense…which is where we pick up in season two. “Judy had a toxic relationship with Steve, which leads to a lot of complex emotions for her this season,” Cardellini says. “It’s a role reversal of sorts with Jen and Judy, and it’s intriguing being on the receiving end of it instead of serving it up to Jen.”
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Before she started filming season two of Dead to Me, Cardellini dug deeper into Judy’s psyche to break down why she keeps loving those who hurt her most. “Judy’s a person who can’t really get angry at other people,” she says. “I did some research on the idea that if you can’t get angry at other people, some people just take it out on themselves. So that’s sort of how I approach Judy. She’s so in search of love and connection, she won’t let herself be angry at other people. Meanwhile, Jen’s able to express her anger. That’s something Judy admires.”
Judy is a complicated person, to be sure, but it was important to Cardellini that the nuances of the character are there. “She’s a little screwed up, but we all are,” she says. “When I first got the role, I was like, ‘I don’t want her to be crazy.’” Feldman, she says, completely agreed. “Yes, Judy’s logic is skewed sometimes and she makes choices that aren’t the smartest for herself or others, but it’s always unintentional. That’s what mistakes are. That’s the part that eats away at you.”
Because of Judy’s many complexities, Cardellini didn’t think she herself was anything like the character when she took on the role. Now that the second season of Dead to Me is here, however, she’s found more common ground. “Judy really does see the best in people, and I try to do that too,” she says. She adds that they’re both sensitive souls, which helps her when she’s channeling Judy’s sadness and disappointment.
The two are also both resilient. “I’ve had a lot of luck in my career, but there’ve been plenty of times when I’ve wondered if I’m going to work again, when I’ve cried and thought maybe this is over. It’s about picking yourself up after somebody says, ‘I don’t like you,’ or ‘We’re not looking for that.’ It takes a lot of resilience and persistence to stay in it as long as I have, but I believe my vulnerability has worked as a strength in my career.”
And it’s led her to this: acting opposite Applegate on a show that is predominantly produced, written, and directed by women. “I’ve never been able to play that relationship on screen with another female," Cardellini says. “Christina and I have a great time playing the physicality and behavior of their friendship. It reminds me of my own friendships and how vital they are. They’re going to tell you when you’re right and when you’re wrong, but they’re going to stand by you no matter what.”
Jessica Radloff is the Glamour West Coast editor. You can follow her on Instagram at @jessicaradloff14.
