For Michael Emerson, known for his unforgettable performances in Lost and Person of Interest, stepping into a new role on Elsbeth proved to be a unique challenge. The actor, who is married to actress Carrie Preston, found himself playing the adversary to his real-life wife on screen. In an exclusive interview, Emerson opened up about the experience of portraying a character who stands in stark opposition to Preston’s character. He described the dynamic as “weird and complicated,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of their on-screen relationship.
As one of the most beloved couples in Hollywood, their collaboration in a high-stakes, professional setting added a layer of intrigue to both the show and their real-life relationship. How did the couple navigate the fine line between fiction and reality? What were the challenges of working so closely while playing adversaries? In this article, we dive deep into Michael Emerson’s thoughts on this unique role and his dynamic with Carrie Preston.
A Unique Collaboration: Emerson and Preston as Professional Adversaries
For many actors, the opportunity to work with their spouse is a dream come true. But for Emerson and Preston, working together on Elsbeth took their relationship to a different level. The couple had previously starred together on various projects, but Elsbeth offered them a rare challenge: they would be playing opposing characters.
Michael Emerson describes the experience as “weird,” highlighting how difficult it was to switch from real-life affection to an on-screen rivalry. Their natural chemistry as a couple had to be channeled into a tense and antagonistic relationship, which, according to Emerson, required a significant shift in mindset.
“I’m used to being in the same corner as Carrie,” he shared in the interview. “But in Elsbeth, I had to put all of that aside and see her as my character’s opponent. It was certainly a strange experience.”
Navigating the Fine Line Between Fiction and Reality
One of the biggest hurdles for the couple was maintaining a boundary between their real-life relationship and their on-screen dynamic. In Elsbeth, Preston plays a strong-willed, determined character, while Emerson portrays someone who’s on the opposite side of the law, bringing conflict into their scenes together.
Emerson admits that it was challenging to balance the intimacy of their real relationship with the antagonistic nature of their characters. “We are, of course, in love in real life. But in the show, we have to forget about that,” he explained. This dissonance between their private and professional personas led to moments of discomfort for both, especially when they were required to engage in tense scenes.
However, the couple’s deep respect for each other’s craft made it easier to navigate these moments. “We’re both seasoned actors, so we understood that this is what the story required. But it didn’t make it any less strange.”
The Emotional Impact of Playing Adversaries
For actors, playing an adversary can be an emotionally taxing experience, even more so when the other person is someone they care deeply about. Michael Emerson confesses that portraying a villain against his wife was emotionally exhausting at times. The scenes that involved conflict or manipulation were particularly hard to perform, knowing that Preston was on the receiving end of his character’s antagonism.
“I’ve always tried to avoid playing characters that are too mean-spirited,” Emerson shared. “But in this case, it was necessary. My character had to be someone who would challenge Carrie’s character at every turn, and that was tough to do, knowing how much I love her.”
The emotional toll of these scenes wasn’t just limited to the actors. The couple’s personal relationship had moments where it too was affected by the tension on-screen. Despite their ability to separate work from personal life, there were times when the lines between the two blurred, making it hard to leave the conflict at the studio.
Why Elsbeth Was the Perfect Project for the Couple
Despite the challenges, both Emerson and Preston agree that Elsbeth was the perfect project for them to tackle as actors and as a couple. The opportunity to explore a complex and nuanced relationship between characters who were at odds was a rare experience that tested their skills in a new way.
“The best part about working together is that we know each other so well,” said Preston. “We trust each other, so even when the scenes were uncomfortable, we knew we were in it together. That trust made the experience even more rewarding.”
Emerson echoes this sentiment, saying that while the experience was challenging, it pushed both of them to expand their acting range. “It was a difficult but rewarding process,” he shared. “We got to explore a side of our relationship we hadn’t before, and it brought a new depth to our performances.”
What the Experience Taught Michael Emerson About Acting
For Michael Emerson, working alongside his wife on Elsbeth wasn’t just about navigating a complicated professional relationship—it was also a valuable lesson in acting. The experience of playing the villain in such an intimate, charged environment allowed Emerson to delve deeper into his craft. He realized that being an adversary requires more than just playing a bad guy; it’s about understanding the psychology behind the conflict and making the opposition feel real.
“I learned a lot about the psychology of adversarial relationships,” Emerson said. “It’s not enough to just be mean. You have to understand why your character is behaving that way, and what drives the conflict. That was an interesting challenge for me.”
This exploration of character psychology was one of the key elements that made Elsbeth stand out for Emerson. It wasn’t just about performing—it was about truly understanding the motivations behind his actions, making the villain feel three-dimensional rather than one-dimensional.
The Impact of Playing a Villain on a Long-Term Relationship
Interestingly, the experience of playing adversaries on-screen had a lasting impact on Emerson and Preston’s personal relationship. The couple, who has been together for many years, found that the tension in their characters’ relationship translated into greater understanding and communication in their own lives.
“Playing adversaries was a unique experience that brought us closer,” Preston revealed. “It forced us to be more aware of each other’s emotional states and to communicate more effectively. It sounds strange, but it was almost like it deepened our connection.”
For Emerson, this shared challenge helped him appreciate the strength of his real-life relationship even more. “It’s like being tested under pressure,” he said. “And when you come out of it still in love and still trusting each other, you realize just how solid your bond is.”
The Future of Their On-Screen Collaborations
As for future collaborations, both Emerson and Preston are open to working together again. Despite the complexities of portraying adversaries, they both agree that their shared experiences on Elsbeth were a valuable and rewarding part of their careers.
“We definitely enjoyed working together,” Emerson said. “It’s not something we’d turn down if the right opportunity came along. But next time, maybe we’ll play characters who are on the same side!”
Conclusion: The Power of Trust and Professionalism
Michael Emerson’s experience as an adversary to his wife, Carrie Preston, on Elsbeth was a challenging but rewarding journey. Despite the “weird and complicated” nature of their roles, the couple’s deep trust and respect for each other allowed them to tackle the difficult dynamics on-screen with professionalism and dedication. Their unique collaboration showcased their acting skills, but it also highlighted the power of communication and emotional connection in both their personal and professional lives.
FAQs
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What made Michael Emerson’s role in Elsbeth so complicated? Emerson found it challenging to play an adversary to his real-life wife, Carrie Preston. The emotional difficulty stemmed from balancing their real affection with their antagonistic on-screen relationship.
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How did Michael Emerson and Carrie Preston manage to separate work from personal life? Despite the tensions in their on-screen characters, both Emerson and Preston emphasized their trust in each other and their ability to separate professional conflicts from their personal bond.
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What was the most rewarding part of their collaboration on Elsbeth? Both Emerson and Preston agree that working together allowed them to explore a complex relationship dynamic, pushing their acting skills to new heights and strengthening their real-life connection.
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Will Michael Emerson and Carrie Preston work together again? While they faced challenges, both actors expressed openness to collaborating again in the future, perhaps on roles that aren’t adversarial.
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How did playing adversaries affect their personal relationship? Playing adversaries brought Emerson and Preston closer together, enhancing their communication and understanding of each other’s emotional states, ultimately deepening their bond.
