Alanna Ubach, a notable actress celebrated for her roles across various genres, is currently experiencing a vibrant phase in her career. Known for her performances in acclaimed series such as *Hacks* and *Euphoria*, as well as films like *Ted* and *The Last of Us*, Ubach likens her extensive portfolio to “an Easter egg hunt” due to the wide array of characters she has portrayed.
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At 50, Ubach finds herself juggled between multiple roles, describing the experience akin to “a mother juggling four kids at one time”. Despite the challenges of switching between diverse genres, she insists that the warmth from her co-stars and the collaborative spirit of the crew make the effort worthwhile. “The cast, the crew, they’re just lovely,” she affirms, especially praising her creative collaborations with directors like Seth MacFarlane on *Ted* and Sam Levinson on *Euphoria*. “It’s an actor’s dream,” she said.
Her long-standing career includes iconic roles in films such as *Sister Act 2*, *Coco*, and *Legally Blonde*. Recently, Ubach reflected on her experience within the world of *Euphoria*, where she portrays Suze Howard, the mother to characters played by Maude Apatow and Sydney Sweeney. She revealed that the cast was only privy to the scenes they appeared in, which left her in suspense about the unfolding narrative. “I had absolutely no idea what was about to happen,” she shared, underlining the thrilling uncertainty that often accompanies her projects.
In addition to her role in *Euphoria*, Ubach made an appearance in the final season of *Hacks*, reuniting with Jean Smart, whom she had previously collaborated with on *The Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce* in 2014. Ubach reminisced about how Smart had stepped in under pressure when another cast member, Carrie Fisher, pulled out unexpectedly. “Jean swooped in and saved the day,” Ubach stated, clearly admiring Smart’s talent and versatility. Their chemistry was evident as Ubach described her character’s role as a significant obstacle for Smart’s character, Deborah Vance, to secure a prominent booking.
Collaborating on *Hacks* was likened to being welcomed into a warm family gathering. Ubach described the cast as interchangeable family members, sharing laughs and inside jokes, and implied a deep bond formed from their time working together. “They can basically finish each other’s sentences,” she remarked, illustrating the trust and familiarity among the ensemble.
Her experience on *Ted*, where she plays matriarch Susan Bennett, also echoed this familial atmosphere. The first scene the cast filmed together was a dinner scene, which she recalls being executed with surprising ease, as if they had rehearsed together for years. Ubach drew inspiration for her character from a memorable nun from her childhood, whose calm demeanour amidst chaos left a lasting impression. “In the midst of chaos, she’s as cool as a cucumber,” Ubach quipped, reflecting on how elements from her own life shaped her performances.
Excited about the multitude of roles resting on her resume, Ubach expressed a desire for her career to remain vibrant and inspiring. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if my career were an Easter egg hunt?” she mused, delighted by the notion that audiences might not always recognise her across her various roles. “I didn’t recognise her,” she chuckled, acknowledging how she relishes the element of surprise in her career.
Looking ahead, Ubach is eager for opportunities to work with outstanding writers. “To me, these characters that I’ve played have been just created by such brilliant writers,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for her journey thus far and a hope that she continues working for many more years. As for the much-anticipated *Legally Blonde 3*, she admits to being out of the loop about her character Serena’s potential reappearance but assures fans, “if that does happen, I’m there!”
In the meantime, Ubach is looking forward to *Elle*, the new prequel series related to *Legally Blonde*. “I think that’s so clever,” she expressed, enthusiastically mentioning how much she enjoys watching prequels, confirming her lasting connection to the franchise.
In closing, Alanna Ubach remains a dynamic and engaging presence in the entertainment industry, and her journey through various roles exemplifies resilience and talent. With her projects like *Hacks* and *Euphoria* currently available for streaming, fans can continue to enjoy her work as she undoubtedly ventures into new and exciting roles in the future.