Jenny Slate Transforms After Dying for Sex
Just a few days after wrapping up her role in Dying for Sex, actress Jenny Slate made a bold decision by cutting off all her hair. For much of her adult life, Slate sported a consistent hairstyle, but the filming process influenced her to see her long locks in a new light. “I felt that my long hair held the sadness, and I just needed to reboot my physicality,” she reflects. Traditionally, a drastic haircut is often associated with life changes or personal upheaval, but for Slate, this transformation represents a positive shift in her life.
Upcoming Series: Dying for Sex
Dying for Sex, set to premiere on April 4, promises to be a game-changer for Slate’s career. This highly anticipated prestige limited series has the potential to redefine her trajectory in Hollywood. While Slate, 42, has established herself with memorable roles in popular productions like Parks and Recreation, Marvel’s Venom, and even voicing Harley Quinn, her role in this upcoming show is particularly significant.
Co-creator Liz Meriwether explains, “This show is a love story about many facets— a woman’s relationship with her body, her neighbor, and even her vibrator. But fundamentally, it showcases the power of friendship.”
Slate’s Journey to Dramatic Roles
Although Slate is known for her comedic talents, Dying for Sex offers her an avenue to explore deeper dramatic material. Her career began in the vibrant Brooklyn comedy scene of the late 2000s, where she gained recognition from a variety show and created the Oscar-nominated animated film Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. Her breakthrough came in 2013 with Parks and Recreation, followed by a critically acclaimed performance in Gillian Robespierre’s film Obvious Child, where she portrayed a comedian facing unexpected challenges of pregnancy.
Embracing New Opportunities
About a year prior to her latest role, Slate made a pivotal decision about her acting path. She informed her agents that she only wanted to pursue creative projects that allowed her to spread her creative wings fully. Already a mother and stepping into her 40s, Slate sought to explore new dimensions of her artistry without any regrets about her past roles.
A Unique Casting Process
After communicating her intentions to her agents, Slate quickly found herself in a casting process for Dying for Sex. Producers were in search of an actress who could bring out the emotional range needed for the character of Nikki. Rosenstock emphasized, “We required someone who could embody kindness, tenderness, and offer comedic relief.”
Slate received the scripts on a Thursday and auditioned just a few days later. The tension in the audition echoed her high school nerves. She recalls, “I hadn’t felt that nervous since competing in speech tournaments.” After her read, the producers felt confident she was the perfect fit for the project.
Addressing Controversies
Slate began filming shortly after her involvement in the contentious film It Ends With Us, which has been in the headlines due to allegations of sexual misconduct surrounding co-star Blake Lively. While she briefly offered support to Lively, Slate remains focused on her current project, emphasizing her commitment to the work she’s done on Dying for Sex.
Creating a Supportive Set Environment
Despite the emotional challenges inherent in the show’s narrative, the atmosphere on set was nurturing. To foster a light-hearted environment, producers often treated the crew to snacks, sometimes even inviting ice cream trucks. “It was amusing,” Slate comments, reflecting on the juxtaposition of ice cream trucks on a show that delves into life and cancer.
Exploring Life’s Big Questions
The series tackles profound inquiries about the meaning of life, relationships, and pleasure. As Slate’s character supports her friend through the final moments of her life, she confronts the balance between helping others and caring for herself. “She knows when to make a joke or when to sit quietly and rub your shoulders,” shares Michelle Williams, her co-star.
Looking Ahead
Under the direction of Shannon Murphy, Slate found encouragement in her ability to navigate emotional extremes, a skill she now carries into future projects. With her experience in Dying for Sex, she sets a new standard for the kind of roles she’s willing to embrace going forward, seeking those that resonate deeply with her creative aspirations.
“I’m really grateful for my past experiences,” Slate concludes, “but now I’m aiming to soar higher. I want to engage in projects that evoke the profound joy I found in being part of Dying for Sex.
This article was featured in the March 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.