IN CONVERSATION WITH JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL

interview by JANA LETONJA

June Diane Raphael is a powerhouse comedic talent best known for her scene-stealing role as Brianna on the hit Grace and Frankie, where she starred opposite Jane Fonda. With a career spanning standout performances in television, film, and writing, June continues to evolve as both a performer and creator. She is currently expanding her slate with projects like Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger. Fans can also look forward to her return in Based on a True Story and The Morning Show, and her exciting new role as Elle Woods’ mother in the freshly released prequel series Elle.

Grace and Frankie became such a beloved series. What did playing Brianna mean to you?

So many viewers responded to Brianna because of how unapologetic she was about who she was. I’m so proud to have played a woman who didn’t want to have children because there are so few representations of women who are childless by choice and have full lives without motherhood. 

What has it been like to revisit your role in Based on a True Story?

Working with Jessica St. Clair was the most fun ever. She and I came up together at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and have a shared vocabulary and sense of humor so it was an absolute joy to play those insane sisters together.

You’re also returning to The Morning Show. What can fans expect this time around?

Ashley Andrews has a big turn on The Morning Show this season and fans can expect to see more of her brutal world view and where it comes from. 

DINKS sounds like an exciting new project. What can you tell us about this project?

DINKS is an improvised multi-cam filmed in front of a live audience. It was a dream come true to reunite with Marta Kauffman on this show. The experience was both terrifying and thrilling and everything that AI is not. We are waiting with bated breath to find out what Amazon has planned for the series.

You’ve also stepped into the role of Elle Woods’ mother. What can you share about joining the Elle universe?

It’s such an honor to join the world of a character that means so much to so many, me included. Elle Woods basically raised me and it’s a real trip to now play the woman who is raising her. 

How do you balance nostalgia for iconic stories with bringing something fresh to them?

Our showrunners Laura Kitrell and Caroline Dries are really responsible for giving Legally Blonde fans what they want from Elle’s story, with tons of satisfying nods to the original while also creating a show that is singularly its own thing. 

Your comedic timing is often praised. How did you develop that skill?

My own mother was very funny and would make us laugh all the time at the dinner time. So I think I developed a lot of my own comedic instincts from watching her tell stories. I also try to be brave on set and risk looking stupid. Other than that I honestly have no idea.

What has been your most challenging comedic role to date?

Such a hard question. I think working on RuPaul’s Stop That Train was challenging because I loved  the script so very much and loved everyone involved, so I just wanted to do it justice. The stakes felt very high to me.

How do you choose projects at this stage in your career?

I’m fortunate enough to be very busy right now, but I try to play women who are complicated and messy and make me laugh. I’m also trying to choose characters that I haven’t played before.

What keeps you creatively inspired after so many years in the industry? 

I love acting so much. I’m always inspired by the experience of being on a set and collaborating with actors, writers, and directors. The feeling of finding a truthful and surprising moment is incredible. There is truly nothing like that mind meld in the world. It’s truly a drug that I can’t get enough of.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography SHOW & TELL DIGITAL