A revealing new book sheds light on Prince’s much-celebrated guest appearance in the popular television series *New Girl*. Titled *Who’s That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl*, the book by Thea Glassman uncovers the behind-the-scenes antics of the beloved show, including a series of surprising events that led to the singer’s memorable cameo.
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According to an excerpt obtained by *The Hollywood Reporter*, the famous musician’s involvement began with an email that caught the attention of Zooey Deschanel, the show’s star. Deschanel initially received the message from Prince’s manager expressing the singer’s interest in being part of the series. Her immediate reaction was sceptical; she questioned its authenticity and promptly forwarded the email to her agent with the note, “Can you vet this? Is this real?”
Much to her astonishment, the request was genuine, setting the stage for one of the show’s standout moments. However, the road to Prince’s cameo was not without its bumps. At one point, he reconsidered his participation, leaving the production team to improvise with Fred Armisen, a cast member from *Saturday Night Live* known for his impersonations of the legendary artist, during a crucial table read.
Ultimately, Prince did show up to film the scene in question, which aired in season 3, episode 14. In this episode, Deschanel’s character, Jess, along with her friend Cece, portrayed by Hannah Simone, is invited to a lavish party at Prince’s mansion. The musician’s character takes on the role of a matchmaker, providing Jess with crucial relationship advice regarding her love interest, Nick, played by Jake Johnson.
Glassman’s account also touches on the broader significance of Prince’s cameo for the show’s trajectory. At the time, *New Girl* was facing challenges, including a decline in ratings and pressures from Fox to broaden its appeal. Showrunner Liz Meriwether found herself in a difficult position managing character arcs against a backdrop of viewer expectations. However, the addition of Prince transformed the episode into a memorable highlight, according to the book: “With Prince’s magical touch, it ended up being an episode as iconic as its guest star.”
Interestingly, it appears that a personal connection motivated Prince’s desire to join the cast. Reports indicate that he was enamoured with Hannah Simone, who portrayed Cece. During a chat on Simone’s podcast *The Mess Around*, costume designer Debra McGuire remarked that Prince’s interest stemmed from his crush on the actress. Simone herself confirmed this, sharing tales of how the musician tried persistently to create opportunities to meet her.
Reflecting on his charm, Simone described the situation humorously, likening Prince’s efforts to that of a lovestruck teenager trying to impress her at work. She further noted, “Love a Prince song. Happy to put on a Prince record. I was not interested in anything else. So, I was never in the same room with Prince. And then, yeah, he was like a teenage boy who showed up at my job, which was really funny.”
This delightful anecdote adds a layer of intrigue to an already captivating narrative surrounding Prince’s brief but impactful involvement with *New Girl*. His guest appearance has since become a defining moment for the series, underscoring the musician’s ability to elevate creative projects, as well as the whims of celebrity fascination.
As *Who’s That Girl* prepares for its release on 28 July, anticipation is building among fans of the show as well as those fascinated by Prince’s lasting impact on pop culture. With anecdotes and insights about the series from its stars and creators, the book promises to bring a fresh perspective on the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped *New Girl* into a beloved fixture of modern television.
Through the lens of this exploration, fans will have the opportunity to revisit the iconic moments that not only defined a series but also showcased the quirky intersections of celebrity and creativity. As the world remembers Prince’s musical legacy, this glimpse into his unexpected television appearance further solidifies his status as a versatile and enigmatic artist.