IN CONVERSATION WITH ANDREW RANNELLS
interview by JANA LETONJA
Andrew Rannells has long been one of the most versatile performers working today, equally at ease commanding a Broadway stage, delivering razor-sharp comedy, or stepping into emotionally layered dramatic roles. This season, he enters a particularly dynamic chapter, showcasing the full spectrum of his talent across television, film, and live performance. From joining the second season of Deli Boys in a scene-stealing political role to starring in the poignant HBO film Miss You, Love You, he moves seamlessly between comedy and quiet emotional depth. At the same time, he returns to his roots with a special anniversary appearance in The Book of Mormon, the role that helped define a generation of modern musical theatre, while also bringing his warmth and wit to audiences as co-host of The Great American Baking Show.
This year really showcases every side of your career—acting, hosting, singing. Does it feel like a culmination moment for you?
I wish that I could say it was plotted and planned, but really, a lot of this timing is just a coincidence, several projects coming out at the same time. I have always tried to diversify my career choices as much as possible, though. If I get to work on a TV show, I always try my best to make time for some theatrical work as well. The film jobs for me have always been a bit more elusive. But I have been extremely fortunate to be able to bounce around in different genres.
You’re joining Deli Boys in season two. What drew you to that role, and what can you tease about your character?
I was a big fan of season one, and my friend, Jenni Konner, who is the EP and show-runner of Deli Boys, asked me if I would like to join them for season two. I didn’t even have to think about it, I just said, “Absolutely!” My character, Andrew Chadwater, is an extremely ambitious DA who has his sights set on bringing down the Dars and a Mayoral campaign. He’s sort of like an unhinged version of Pete Buttigieg. Like, really unhinged.
What excited you most about stepping into an already established series like Deli Boys?
As a guest star, your job is to fold into what is already working on the show. You want to be additive, but you don’t want to stand out too much or slow their process down. This cast was incredibly welcoming. Saagar, Poorna and Asif immediately made me feel like I was part of the cast and improvising with them was so much fun. And then you throw Fred Armisen and Kumail Nanjiani in there, and it’s a real dream job.
Miss You, Love You feels tonally very different. What was your first reaction to the script?
I was so surprised and honoured that Jim Rash reached out to me about playing Jamie. I have never been offered a part like this that has so much emotional depth and such a complicated personal history. I was overwhelmed by the challenge of it, but felt like it was a role I was ready to tackle. I don’t think I could have done it justice ten years ago, and maybe I still haven’t, but I knew with Jim’s guidance we could find it. And then he told me Allison Janney would be playing Diane, and I knew my main job was going to be trying to keep up with her. She’s just fantastic and such a force on screen. I was intimidated for sure, but mostly excited to get to spend so much time with her.
The film explores grief through an unexpected connection. What do you think it says about human vulnerability?
I think we are all looking for connection, whether we want to admit it or not. These are two people who think they can manage everything on their own, and they are doing a pretty good job, but when forced to work together, they find the piece that has been missing for them is how to share their grief with someone else, to not carry it on their own. Sometimes just sharing that pain is helpful. It doesn’t mean it’s going away, but it does lighten the load a bit.
You’re also returning to The Book of Mormon for its 15th anniversary. How does it feel to revisit Elder Price after all these years?
Yes, I will be the oldest Mormon missionary in history. It feels great to come back, even briefly, to Elder Price. He has given me so much, and revisiting a role after 15 years is not something you get to do very often. I have a lot of experience that I can bring to The Book of Mormon that I didn’t have when we did it in 2011. Honestly, I was so overwhelmed that first year we did the show. So much was happening around us and to us that it was sometimes hard to stay present. I think I can ground this experience in a different way this time.
Performing alongside the current cast and original members, does it feel nostalgic or newly energising?
Both. We’ve all changed so much over the years, but we have stayed very close. It’s a rare gift that we have remained friends all this time.
You’re also co-hosting The Great American Baking Show. What did you enjoy most about stepping into that format?
It is not something I ever thought I would do, mainly because it intimidated me so much. But jumping into a well-oiled machine like this gave me some confidence that everyone around me was going to know exactly what they were doing, so I would just have to keep up. Casey Wilson has been a good friend of mine for many years, and I know that working with her is a total blast, so it was an easy yes when offered to spend six weeks with her in the gorgeous English countryside in that iconic tent. And I wanted to become friends with Paul and Prue. That was also very motivating.
How do you decide when a project feels right for you at this stage in your career?
I never thought I would be at a point where I could choose anything. Most of my career was saying yes to whatever was offered, so to be able to actually choose is incredible. I think now, at my age, I look for things that are going to be a challenge, things I have never tried or done before, and that are going to be fun to do. Fun at work is undervalued, and if you can enjoy yourself while doing what you love to do, that is always the goal. Who is involved? Do I respect them? Could I see myself spending hours and hours a day with them? I consider those things much more carefully these days.
What continues to challenge you as a performer after achieving so much across different fields?
Often, this work is all-consuming. It takes you away from your family, from your friends; you miss out on a lot when you are working, especially away from home, and that will always be a challenge. You are constantly balancing how to maintain your professional life with your personal life. I have very often failed at that, but I’m trying to be better.
Looking ahead, are there creative areas you haven’t explored yet that you’re drawn to?
I’d like to challenge myself by writing more and by having more direct input into the stories I am telling. The last few years have been all about development, both creatively and personally, so I am excited about that. Can I start something from the ground up? That’s my new goal.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography JUSTIN BETTMAN / HBO
