Bradley Whitford Surprised by Comfort Playing Allison Janney’s Husband on “The Diplomat”
Bradley Whitford’s role as Todd Penn in the third season of “The Diplomat” has delighted fans and surprised both him and co-star Allison Janney. Their longstanding friendship, which traces back to their time on “The West Wing,” greatly contributed to the ease with which they performed their characters’ romantic storyline.
Reunion on “The Diplomat”
Whitford joined “The Diplomat” as Janney’s onscreen husband, marking a memorable reunion for the actors. Janney expressed that their history made the collaboration feel natural. “It was really fun and easy and comfortable with Brad because of our history together,” she stated.
The Characters of Todd and Grace Penn
- Todd Penn: Played by Bradley Whitford
- Grace Penn: Played by Allison Janney
In “The Diplomat,” Grace Penn unexpectedly finds herself leading the White House when the season begins. Meanwhile, Todd contributes to her journey as the supportive partner she needs. The dynamics they share in the series significantly drew from their past performances together.
Whitford, aged 66, mentioned that the entire experience exceeded his expectations. “I would do yard work for [creator] Debora [Cahn] or Allison,” he quipped, highlighting his affection for the project. The joy he felt working on the show was palpable, making his performance more authentic.
Surprising Comfort in their Roles
Both actors found surprising comfort in navigating their characters’ romance. Whitford noted, “If there was one thing that surprised me, it was the ease of taking the history we have together and shooting it down a different road.” Janney echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how their comfort level allowed them to portray their characters with ease.
Janney, aged 65, expressed excitement about introducing Whitford to the rest of the cast. “I was just excited for everyone on Diplomat to get to meet Brad and experience everything that is Brad,” she said, highlighting his joyful demeanor and professional flair.
The Creative Team’s Praise
Debora Cahn, the show’s creator, commented that Whitford was considered the “fantasy version of Todd” during casting. Executive producer Janice Williams stated that he was the perfect addition to an already impressive ensemble cast.
“The Diplomat” season 3 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers the chance to witness the exceptional chemistry between Whitford and Janney.
