Allison Janney Opens Up About Her Experience Kissing Bradley Whitford on ‘The Diplomat’
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Allison Janney recently shared insights into what it was like to share an on-screen kiss with Bradley Whitford in the upcoming Netflix series ‘The Diplomat.’ The duo have a history of working together, having previously starred in the acclaimed political drama ‘The West Wing.’ Janney, who was honored with the Distinguished Artisan Award at the 12th Annual Makeup Artists & Hairstylists Guild Awards, expressed her excitement at reuniting with Whitford for this new project.

Despite portraying husband and wife on screen, Janney described her friendship with Whitford more akin to that of a brother and sister. She spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the unexpected casting choice and how thrilled she was when showrunner Debra Cahn suggested Whitford for the role. The actress revealed that filming intimate scenes with Whitford felt a bit surreal and joked that it was “a little bit like kissing her brother.”
The chemistry between Janney and Whitford, who previously played Press Secretary C.J. Cregg and Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman on ‘The West Wing,’ adds a layer of complexity to their characters’ relationship in ‘The Diplomat.’ Janney expressed her admiration for the series, calling it “unbelievable” and praising the performances of Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell in the lead roles.
In ‘The Diplomat,’ Russell portrays U.S. Ambassador Kate Wyler, while Sewell plays her husband Hal Wyler as they navigate the high-stakes world of international diplomacy. Janney’s character, Vice President Grace Penn, is set to take on a significant role in the upcoming season, alongside Whitford, who joins the cast as her on-screen husband Todd Penn.
The highly anticipated third season of ‘The Diplomat’ promises to deliver more drama and intrigue as the characters grapple with looming threats of global conflict. Executive producer Janice Williams expressed excitement over Whitford joining the cast, describing him as the perfect addition to the ensemble. Fans can look forward to a compelling storyline that intertwines personal and political dynamics.
While the official premiere date for season 3 has yet to be announced, filming is set to conclude in March, with a release expected later in the year on Netflix. Viewers can catch up on the first two seasons of ‘The Diplomat’ on the streaming platform, along with past episodes of ‘The West Wing’ available on Max.
The reunion of Janney and Whitford on ‘The Diplomat’ marks a significant moment for fans of their previous work together and is sure to captivate audiences with their on-screen chemistry once again. As the anticipation builds for the new season, viewers can expect a blend of suspense, romance, and political intrigue that sets the stage for an engaging narrative.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Janney and Whitford in ‘The Diplomat’ showcases their enduring rapport and professional chemistry as they bring their characters to life in this compelling political thriller series. With a stellar cast and a gripping storyline, ‘The Diplomat’ promises to deliver a thrilling viewing experience for audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this high-stakes drama.
