Carrie Preston Shares Insights on Working with Julia Roberts on ‘Duplicity’ Set
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Carrie Preston, known for her roles in various films and TV shows, recently opened up about her experience working with the legendary Julia Roberts on the set of the movie “Duplicity”. The two actresses had previously collaborated on the iconic film “My Best Friend’s Wedding” in 1997 before reuniting for “Duplicity” in 2009.


In a candid discussion on the podcast “Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson”, Preston reminisced about her first movie, “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, where she and Roberts formed a bond as young actresses hailing from Georgia. She praised Roberts, who was at the peak of her career at the time, as a true movie star with immense talent and charisma.
However, when the actresses worked together again on “Duplicity”, Preston revealed that the dynamics were quite different. Describing her role in the film as a “wonderful cameo”, Preston shared an intense scene where she had to portray a character who had an affair with Roberts’ on-screen boyfriend, played by Clive Owen.
During the emotional scene where Roberts’ character confronts Preston’s character, Preston recalled the pressure of having to cry on cue in front of a crew she was not familiar with. Roberts, in a surprising move, informed Preston that she would be ‘mean’ to her for the rest of the day to help enhance the authenticity of the scene.
Preston reflected on the challenging acting experience, highlighting the support and guidance she received from Roberts during the filming process. Despite the initial apprehension, Preston acknowledged Roberts’ approach as instrumental in bringing out the best performance from her.
While Preston admitted to not having crossed paths with Roberts since their collaboration on “Duplicity”, she fondly recalled a touching moment at the film’s premiere. Director Tony Gilroy acknowledged Preston’s presence in the audience, prompting Roberts to publicly express her support and affection for her co-star, leaving a lasting impression on Preston.
In “Duplicity”, Roberts and Owen portrayed rival spies who fall in love, with Preston’s character playing a pivotal role in the intricate web of deceit and espionage. Preston considers her performance in the film as one of her proudest moments as an actress, highlighting the challenges and rewards of portraying complex characters on screen.
As Preston’s revelations offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Hollywood collaborations, her story serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication required to bring characters to life on the silver screen. The nuances of working relationships and the mutual respect shared between actors are crucial elements in creating memorable cinematic moments that resonate with audiences worldwide.
