Betty Gilpin Was ‘Kind of Panicking’ Before Shooting the ‘Wild’ “Office Romance” Birth Scene with Jennifer Lopez (Exclusive)

In a surprising twist for audiences, Betty Gilpin stars in a new romantic comedy, ‘Office Romance’, alongside renowned actors Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein. The film, streaming now on Netflix, presents a unique take on workplace dynamics, where romance blossoms despite a strict company policy against relationships.

Gilpin, who is known for her role in the acclaimed series ‘GLOW’, plays the character Sydney, a dedicated colleague who finds herself heavily pregnant throughout much of the film. As the narrative unfolds, her character experiences an unexpected and chaotic office birth, which Gilpin describes as “wild”. The moment culminates in a scene that features an actual prosthetic vagina, a first for the actress. She recalled feeling an initial wave of panic about the scene but found it transformative when she arrived on set and realised she would be acting alongside Jennifer Lopez, who is not only a fiercely talented performer but also a mother of two.

“This is a scene I felt quite anxious about,” Gilpin confessed in an interview, “However, having one of our greatest working mothers by my side eased those nerves. It was reassuring to see someone like Lopez, who embodies the duality of a successful career and motherhood.”

Drawing from her own experiences as a mother of two daughters, who were born in November 2020 and May 2024, Gilpin found her life experiences mirrored in Sydney’s storyline. Though she did not experience childbirth in an office setting, she resonated with the complexity of juggling work and motherhood. “It was reminiscent of the challenges a working parent faces,” she explained. “At times, you feel entirely exposed, vulnerable, with your life on display, much like giving birth.”

Gilpin emphasised the empowerment she felt during the filming of the scene, detailing how it was infused with a sense of silliness and fun. “At the end of the day, it was an enjoyable experience. I realised that this was now a part of my legacy on screen. Just moments later, I had to go home and put my real children to bed, which felt surreal,” she shared.

Additionally, the film provided Gilpin with the opportunity to experience a glamorous take on pregnancy. Her first experience of motherhood occurred during the pandemic, a time when she was confined to wearing her husband’s clothing. In stark contrast, immersing herself in the high-fashion portrayal of pregnancy while donning stylish outfits and heels was a refreshing change. She quipped, “To be fake pregnant in stilettos and chic corporate wear was like a fantasy I didn’t know I needed.”

Directed by Ol Parker, ‘Office Romance’ features a stellar cast, including Tony Hale, Amy Sedaris, and Edward James Olmos. The screenplay, co-written by Goldstein and Joe Kelly, delves into themes of love, ambition, and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships in a professional environment.

Launched on Netflix on 5 June, the film is positioned to attract viewers looking for laughter, romance, and a touch of chaos, encapsulated in the unpredictable nature of navigating both love and work. With Gilpin’s compelling performance and the charm of her co-stars, this romantic comedy promises to deliver an entertaining experience with heart.

As audiences dive into ‘Office Romance’, they can look forward to a fresh perspective on relationships and the realities of parenthood, coupled with laughter and a healthy dose of absurdity. For Gilpin, the unique birthing scene marked a bold moment in her career, blending the comedic with the relatable aspects of being a working mother.