Charming actress, Beth Hall, is a series regular as Wendy on the popular CBS comedy “Mom,” opposite Allison Janney and Anna Faris. Hall previously played Roger Sterling’s assistant, Caroline, on AMC’s “Mad Men.” Her additional credits include “Jane The Virgin” and “Parks and Recreation,” among others.
Hall is based in Los Angeles with her husband and their adopted daughter, Nina, who is 10. Hall also loves a good game of poker and plays often in celebrity tournaments around town. We had a lovely chat with Hall about her character Wendy and what it’s like playing her alongside co-star Allison Janney, her favorite past-time of playing poker, the light of her life, her daughter Nina, and her movie favorites. Read on to find out more about this lovely lady with a kind and big heart!
Season six of “Mom” premiere’s this evening at 9pm ET.
You’re primarily known for your time on the popular series “Mad Men,” and now on the hit show “Mom,” opposite Allison Janney. What similarities, if any, do you see in your character as Wendy, including your previous character Caroline?
Beth Hall: One similarity is that they are both very good and tough when it comes to their jobs. Wendy is a different person when she’s working as a nurse. It’s the one place she has confidence. We never saw Caroline outside of work, so we don’t know how she acted personally. But Wendy desperately wants to be liked and Caroline doesn’t seem to care about that.
“Mom” is gearing up for the sixth season, with it’s premiere tonight! How has playing Wendy on the show for the last five seasons been for you? Have you had a lot of input in your character throughout each season?
Beth: I started playing Wendy in season 2, actually, and it’s been amazing! It’s an opportunity that came unexpectedly and I am very grateful to be a part of this wonderful ensemble of women. We pretty much wait and see what’s in store for us each week when we get the terrific scripts from the writers.
I love that you’re an avid poker player! How did you get into playing poker? What has motivated you to perfect your game over the years?
Beth: I have always loved playing games of all sorts and cards especially. I started playing poker as a teenager at my aunt’s house and played mostly home games for years. I became more fascinated with the game after Chris Moneymaker won the main event at the WSOP along with thousands of others.
When you play in celebrity tournaments around Los Angeles, do you have a charity near and dear to you that you fundraise for?
Beth: Most celebrity tournaments are already geared toward a particular charity. The charity I am most interested in is Modest Needs which helps people who just got a little behind due to an unforeseen circumstance.
You and your husband have an adopted daughter, Nina, who’s now 9. Adoption means a lot to me, as I’m sure it does to you also…what does adoption mean to you?
Beth: My daughter, Nina, was adopted through the Foster Care system. Adoption has changed my life and given it a meaning that it didn’t have before. I have learned so much about myself through being her mom and it has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. To me, adoption means I am a mom and she is my daughter in every way!
Five Fun Questions
What was the first movie you remember seeing, and which movie has had a profound impact on you, thus far?
Beth: I don’t know what the very first movie I ever saw was. It was probably on TV something like “The Wizard of Oz.” But I remember, at a very young age, sitting in front of the TV thinking I want to watch every movie that exists. Many movies have had impacts on me in all different ways. I think “To Kill A Mockingbird” had a profound effect on me as a young girl. To see someone being wrongly accused was an eye opener and just taught me to be a good person and do what’s right.
What are your top five movies that you wouldn’t want to live without?
Beth: Oh my gosh, this is so hard! It’s such an eclectic group and way more than five, but probably “The Best Years of our Lives,” “White Christmas,” (for many reasons), “Flashdance,” “Dominick and Euguene” and “The Birds” . There are so many more, but these came to mind.
Who has been the most influential comedian to you?
Beth: For sure it has been Lily Tomlin. I have been a huge fan of hers since I was a kid. I used to write my own Edith Anne monologues and do them in high school. She inspired me to write my own characters and pursue sketch comedy.
Which actor/actress have you had the most fun and impactful working relationship?
Beth: Working with Allison Janney has been such a wonderful experience. Watching her effortless comedy style has been quite a great learning experience. And she is a kind and giving actress.
Do you have a guilty music or entertainment pleasure?
Beth: My guilty pleasure is watching “Real Housewives” shows and some other Bravo series. When I can finally sit down at night, relax a little and regret most of my daily decisions, I like to unwind being able to judge how other people run their lives!
