Busy Philipps is gearing up for a summer packed with work as she prepares to star in a new CBS legal drama titled “Cupertino.” Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the opening night of the Broadway production “Proof” at New York City’s Booth Theatre, the actress provided insight into her family plans for the upcoming months.
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At 46 years old, Philipps has her hands full balancing her professional commitments while ensuring her children, Birdie, 17, and Cricket, 12, have their own plans. The children will spend much of the summer with their father, Marc Silverstein, following the couple’s separation last year after 15 years of marriage. Philipps spoke fondly of how excited the girls are to see their father but acknowledged that her summer will predominantly be consumed with film work.
“I’m working all summer on Cupertino, the new TV show that I’m doing for CBS, so the girls have to kind of be with their dad a lot,” she explained. “They’re excited about it and they’re going to be travelling, but I’m just going to be here working.” Despite the busy schedule, Philipps remains a devoted mother, ensuring her children’s summer plans are enjoyable, even if it means some separation during filming.
The upcoming series “Cupertino,” which was announced earlier this year, is set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley. The story follows a lawyer portrayed by Mike Colter who finds himself on the receiving end of unfair treatment regarding stock options from a tech start-up. Joining forces with a recently ousted attorney, played by Rachel Keller, the characters take on powerful opponents in a battle that explores the disparities between the tech elite and the everyday worker. Philipps’s role as a regular cast member is something her many fans are looking forward to.
Philipps’s children have unique names that reflect her love for inspiring figures; Birdie is named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, while Cricket, born in 2013, was chosen for its cheerful connotations. In a previous interview, Philipps recounted how her husband at the time felt “everyone likes Cricket” and considered it a fitting name for their second daughter. This close consideration of their children’s identities speaks to Philipps’s thoughtful approach to motherhood.
While navigating her acting career and raising her daughters, Philipps has often remarked on her role as a parent. At a recent event, she candidly shared her views on what it means to be a “cool mum.” “I think I’m cool, but my kids don’t think I’m cool. And I’m aware of that,” she admitted. For Philipps, there is a clear distinction between being a parent and a friend, a sentiment she believes contributes to her children’s perception of her as being uncool.
In a humorous exchange, Philipps recalled her daughter Cricket’s reaction after watching her perform in the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls.” Cricket found the experience to be rather strange and was hesitant about viewing her mother in a professional light. “This is weird,” was Cricket’s initial feedback, leading to an open discussion about the experience. Philipps laughed while recounting how her daughter expressed a preference for not watching her performances, to which she responded, “I get it. Luckily you’re not in the movie that much.”
As Summer approaches, Philipps contemplates how to juggle her escalating career with her family life. Despite the challenges ahead, the actress remains committed to her roles as a parent and a professional, ensuring her children have a summer filled with adventure while she tackles the demanding world of television production. With her new project on the horizon, it seems that Busy Philipps is indeed embarking on a bustling and fulfilling season.