Amy Brenneman Reflects on Her Illustrious Career from “Private Practice” to “Judging Amy”, Admits ‘Making TV Is So Hard’“ ”(Exclusive)

Amy Brenneman, the acclaimed actress known for her memorable roles in popular series such as *Judging Amy* and *Private Practice*, recently reflected on her extensive career during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The conversation took place at a staged reading of *The Big Chill*, held at The Center at West Park in New York City on 31 August.

At 62, Brenneman expressed a deep sense of nostalgia as she reminisced about her time in the industry. “The *Private Practice* crew are all very current friends. *Judging Amy* was my baby, so that’s always near and dear to me,” she shared. Her attachment to these projects is evident, particularly in how she cherishes the bonds formed during their production.

Throughout her career, Brenneman has proven her versatility as an actress. She began her significant rise to fame in 1993 with a role as a detective in the gritty drama *NYPD Blue*. Following this breakthrough, she co-created and starred in *Judging Amy*, a series inspired by her mother’s experiences as a lawyer in Connecticut. The show garnered considerable acclaim, serving to both showcase her talents and secure her status within the entertainment industry.

In 2007, Brenneman joined the cast of *Private Practice*, a highly successful medical drama that ran for six seasons until 2013. Her portrayal of Dr. Violet Turner resonated with audiences and critics alike, further consolidating her reputation as a skilled performer. Following the conclusion of *Private Practice*, she took on the role of Laurie Garvey in HBO’s critically acclaimed series *The Leftovers*, where she continued to demonstrate her dramatic range over its three-season run.

In her recent conversation, Brenneman also touched upon the lasting relationships she has maintained throughout her career. She shared a fond memory of her collaboration with *The Leftovers* creator Damon Lindelof, revealing that he had encouraged her to reach out if she ever had an unusual idea for a television show. “Making TV is so hard, and you get so close,” she remarked, highlighting the strong connections forged through shared creative experiences.

Currently, Brenneman is set to feature in the forthcoming crime series *Dept. Q*, which has built anticipation among her fans. Her commitment to the craft has not gone unnoticed; throughout her extensive career, she has received five Emmy nominations and multiple nominations for Golden Globe awards, as well as recognitions from the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

In addition to her television roles, Brenneman participated in a recent reading of *The Big Chill*, sharing the stage with a talented ensemble cast that included Matthew Broderick, Ayo Edebiri, Marisa Tomei, and others. This event, held in support of The Center at West Park, aimed to raise awareness for the preservation of the historic West Park Presbyterian Church in New York City.

At the reading, Brenneman’s former co-star Kate Walsh also attended, expressing a close bond with the actress, describing them as “sisters from another mister.” The camaraderie from their time working together was palpable, and Brenneman later shared a group photograph from the event on her Instagram, captioning it with enthusiasm for the project and the company she kept, stating, “What a joy to gather with badass actors and read a badass screenplay to support a badass community art space.”

As she continues to navigate her career, Brenneman remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, reflecting on her past while eagerly anticipating the future. Her dedication to her craft and the relationships she has nurtured over the years exemplify her love for storytelling and the connections that come with it.