Bradley Whitford Reflects on Portraying Allison Janney’s Husband on ‘The Diplomat’
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Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney, long-time friends and former co-stars on ‘The West Wing’, recently reunited on the set of the popular TV series ‘The Diplomat’. Whitford, who joined the show in its third season, was cast as Janney’s onscreen husband, Todd Penn. The duo shared their thoughts on how their deep-rooted friendship contributed to the authenticity of their onscreen romance, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
Whitford expressed his delight at the opportunity to work alongside Janney again, stating that the experience exceeded his highest expectations. He shared that the familiarity and ease of working with Janney made the entire process enjoyable. In his own words, Whitford mentioned, “I would do yard work for [creator] Debora [Cahn] or Allison. It was a show that I loved. And it was just a really joyous experience.”
Despite their well-established camaraderie, Whitford admitted that he was taken aback by how effortlessly he and Janney slipped into their characters’ romantic dynamic. Drawing from their shared history, Whitford found it surprisingly comfortable to explore a different facet of their relationship on screen. Reflecting on this, Whitford remarked, “It felt very comfortable. There was no… We’ve actually done other little things together, but it was particularly fun to bring that history into a marriage.”
Janney concurred, emphasising the natural chemistry they shared on set. She praised Whitford for his professionalism and the seamless transition into their new roles. Janney revealed, “It was really fun and easy and comfortable with Brad because of our history together. I think it would’ve been more difficult with someone I didn’t know. It was surprisingly really easy and really fun.”
The show’s creator, Debora Cahn, shared her excitement over Whitford’s addition to the cast, describing him as the perfect embodiment of Todd Penn. Cahn revealed that Whitford was a fan-favourite among the crew and his casting was a dream come true for everyone involved in the production. Executive producer Janice Williams echoed Cahn’s sentiments, praising Whitford as a valuable addition to the stellar cast of ‘The Diplomat’.
As ‘The Diplomat’ season 3 continues to captivate audiences, Whitford and Janney’s onscreen reunion has been a highlight for fans of the show. Their effortless chemistry and genuine rapport shine through in their portrayals, adding depth to the storyline and resonating with viewers. The dynamic between Todd and Grace Penn, portrayed by Whitford and Janney respectively, has garnered praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.
The third season of ‘The Diplomat’ is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences the opportunity to witness the onscreen magic created by Whitford and Janney. Their onscreen partnership serves as a testament to their enduring friendship and collaborative spirit, enriching the viewing experience for fans of the series.
In conclusion, Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney’s portrayal of a married couple on ‘The Diplomat’ showcases the power of longstanding friendships and professional chemistry in the world of television. Their reunion on screen is a testament to their talent and the undeniable bond they share, resonating with audiences and cementing their status as fan-favourite actors in the industry.