Jamie Lee Curtis Reveals the Unexpected Role That Remains Her ‘Favorite Job’ Decades Later

Jamie Lee Curtis, the celebrated actress with a prolific career spanning decades, is stepping back into the sitcom genre with her appearance in NBC’s upcoming show, “Newlyweds.” While she has nearly 100 acting credits to her name, Curtis reflects fondly on her past television work, particularly her role in the beloved sitcom “Anything but Love.”

During a recent discussion with NBCUniversal’s Backlot Pass, Curtis, aged 67, reminisced about her time on “Anything but Love,” a series in which she starred alongside comedian Richard Lewis. The show, which aired from 1989 to 1992, followed the dynamics of Marty Gold and Hannah Miller, two colleagues at a Chicago magazine who grappled with their romantic feelings for each other. Despite its modest run of four seasons, Curtis has described it as her “favourite job,” expressing her deep passion for sitcoms and live audience performances.

Reflecting on her earlier career, Curtis noted that prior to “Anything but Love,” she primarily worked in film, often shooting outside of Los Angeles. She vividly recalled the excitement she felt when she first filmed a pilot for ABC, forgetting the bitterness of its initial rejection after her acclaimed comedy “A Fish Called Wanda” debuted to rave reviews. “I was so bummed out when they didn’t pick up the pilot,” she lamented, highlighting her enthusiasm for the project. Fortunately, the success of her film led ABC to reconsider, resulting in the show’s eventual green light.

Curtis’s enthusiasm for sitcoms is infectious. “I’ve always told my agents that I want to do a sitcom. That’s all I want to do,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to this format. Unlike traditional single-camera shows, live-action sitcoms utilise multiple cameras to capture performances from various angles simultaneously, which Curtis finds thrilling. “I love the whole part of it,” she enthused. She appreciates the rehearsal process and the opportunity to finely tune jokes, elements she considers crucial to the sitcom experience.

As “Anything but Love” enjoyed its success, Curtis cemented her place in television history. However, she remained steadfast in her desire to return to a sitcom setting throughout her career. Efforts to reignite this passion have finally led her to “Newlyweds,” which promises to offer her a fresh platform to engage with audiences once again.

In “Newlyweds,” Curtis will take on a guest role, sharing the screen with notable co-stars Tim Daly and Téa Leoni. The series is set to premiere on 23 October, 2023, and aims to capture the humour and intricacies of modern relationships through its unique narrative style. Alongside Curtis, a talented ensemble cast featuring Emma Meisel, Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, and Bill O’Neill will also deliver performances on this new platform.

Curtis’s recent endeavours highlight a broader trend of established actors reconnecting with their roots in sitcoms. The comfort and familiarity of the multigenerational appeal of sitcoms present an opportunity for both actors and audiences to engage in nostalgic storytelling while also exploring new dynamics in relationship narratives.

As Curtis looks forward to her new role, she reflects on her journey within the industry and the sheer joy that performing in front of a live audience brings her. Her career continues to be a testimony to the evolution of television comedy, and her upcoming stint on “Newlyweds” promises to be yet another chapter in her enduring legacy.

With the premiere of “Newlyweds” on the horizon, fans can anticipate a blend of Curtis’s trademark charm and the fresh perspective of contemporary sitcom storytelling, promising a delightful viewing experience for audiences nationwide.