**Jamie Lee Curtis Takes Charge in New Sitcom ‘Newlyweds’**
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Jamie Lee Curtis, the celebrated actress renowned for her roles in films like *Freaky Friday*, is stepping into a new role as both an executive producer and guest star of the upcoming NBC sitcom *Newlyweds*. This exciting project, which features real-life couple Téa Leoni and Tim Daly, marks the fruition of Curtis’s long-held ambition to take a leading role in television production.
During a panel discussion at the SXSW Conference on August 10, Curtis expressed her enthusiasm proudly declaring, “I like to refer to myself as the HBIC. Head bitch in charge.” At 68 years old, she has embraced her role as a leader wholeheartedly, remarking that her family would concur with her self-appointed title. “They will tell you I’ve been a boss my whole life,” she said with a grin, underscoring her longstanding passion for being at the helm of creative projects.
The sitcom *Newlyweds* revolves around the lives of a free-spirited woman, portrayed by Leoni, who enters into a whirlwind romance with a reserved professor, played by Daly. The cast also includes Emma Meisel, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, and Bill O’Neill. Curtis characterizes her experience on set as liberating, stating that she has long waited for the opportunity to spearhead a project with her own ideas. “I’m a boss and I love it,” she shared, reflecting on her past experiences in the industry.
O’Neill, who plays a significant role in the series, praised Curtis as both an actor and a leader. He noted her wealth of wisdom and her openness to experimentation, which creates a dynamic environment conducive to creativity. “She knows the answers to a lot of things that I don’t,” O’Neill remarked, echoing the admiration others feel for Curtis in her dual capacity on the show.
Curtis, always candid, reminisced about her early career aspirations during the panel. She recalled the disappointment of not getting a sitcom picked up after filming a pilot in 1988, despite her surprise success that same year with *A Fish Called Wanda*. “Every single year, all I’ve ever said to my agents is ‘I want to do a sitcom, all I want to do is a sitcom,’” she shared, reflecting her enduring passion for the format. She cherishes the unique aspects of sitcoms, from the rehearsal process to the collaboration with the cast and crew.
In a bid to expedite her dreams into reality, Curtis decided to take matters into her own hands. She forged a partnership with writer and executive producer Gail Lerner, culminating in the creation of *Newlyweds*. “I just never got to do it, and so I just decided to basically kind of create my own job,” she explained, demonstrating her proactive approach to achieving her goals.
Away from her professional life, Curtis has balanced a successful marriage with writer and actor Christopher Guest, with whom she has been married since 1984. The couple, who faced challenges with infertility, chose to adopt two daughters, Annie and Ruby. As they approach their 40th wedding anniversary in December 2024, Curtis shared valuable insights into sustaining a lasting relationship. She believes that commitment plays a key role, affirming, “you don’t leave.”
Despite her warm comments about her marriage, Curtis has previously acknowledged that their partnership has not always been smooth. In a 1991 interview, she candidly described their relationship as “difficult, but successful”. These reflections provide a more nuanced view of her family life, exemplifying her willingness to confront and share the realities of both personal and professional struggles.
As *Newlyweds* prepares to hit screens, Curtis continues to inspire fans with her journey into television. Her determination to create her own work not only serves as a testament to her passion for the industry but also her resilience in achieving her dreams. It seems that Jamie Lee Curtis, the self-proclaimed “boss,” is just getting started.