Ella Stiller is embracing her new role as Christy Palladino in the latest legal drama from CBS, *Cupertino*, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning acting career. The 24-year-old actress, who is the daughter of renowned actor Ben Stiller and actress Christine Taylor, describes this opportunity as the “biggest” of her career.
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Stiller portrays Christy, a bold legal assistant tasked with helping Michael (played by Mike Colter) and Olivia (Rachel Keller) establish their own law practice after they face wrongful termination from their previous jobs. The character resonated deeply with Ella upon first reading the script; “I fell in love with Christy immediately,” she recalls. “I had a gut feeling that this role was meant for me.”
The process of auditioning and awaiting confirmation was undeniably nerve-wracking for Stiller. She carried crystals for good luck during the wait and fondly remembers the relief that washed over her when she received the phone call with the good news. “I felt like it was kind of too good to be true,” she admits. Yet, her instincts proved right, and the confirmation solidified her belief in the connection she felt with Christy.
Once cast, Stiller couldn’t wait to share the news with her family. Her first call was to her mother, who reacted with excitement, but it was her grandmother who elicited the most joy. “My grandma just lives for procedural television; she’s a huge fan of CBS. It felt special to tell her about this role,” Ella explains, highlighting the close-knit nature of her family and their shared love for television.
Filming for *Cupertino* commenced shortly after Stiller secured the role, and she describes her experience on set as exhilarating. “It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve loved every moment of it,” she says. Set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley, the series not only follows the legal battles of its protagonists but also reflects broader societal issues—something Stiller believes lends the show its relevance and significance. “It doesn’t feel like homework,” she notes. “It’s very topical, and the creators have done an excellent job of centering the humanity affected by these issues.”
Stiller’s character, while not a lawyer, brings a refreshing perspective to the courtroom drama. “Christy embodies a sense of humanity that I think is often missing,” she explains. The character’s fearless attitude resonates with Ella, who admires Christy’s ability to vocalise thoughts that others may hesitate to express. “I love that about her,” she comments, “It inspires me to approach my life with a similar boldness.”
Ella describes Christy as fierce and unapologetically authentic, qualities she seeks to channel in her acting and personal life. “Playing her is very freeing, and I think that aligns with who I am naturally,” she reflects. The character serves as a reminder to Ella to embrace a more spontaneous approach to life. “While I relate to her, she has an added layer of fearlessness that I aspire to embody.”
In addition to the challenges of her current role, Ella credits her previous work on the HBO series *The Comeback* for shaping her as an actress. Starring alongside Lisa Kudrow, she recalls this experience as one of her most formative. “It was the greatest experience ever and allowed me to understand what it’s like to work on a series without the constant pressure of being the main focus,” she shares.
This foundation has allowed Ella to step confidently into her role in *Cupertino*, where she feels prepared to navigate the complexities of a regular spot on a television show. “I gave myself the freedom to just enjoy it, knowing I could contribute positively to the set dynamics,” she states.
As the season unfolds, Stiller’s portrayal of Christy Palladino is set to captivate audiences, with new episodes of *Cupertino* airing on Thursdays at 10 p.m. on CBS and made available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day. With her passion for the role and clear connection to the character, audiences can expect Ella to continue making a mark in the entertainment industry.