Carrie Preston, the talented actress known for her role as Elsbeth Tascioni in the mystery series Elsbeth, has a unique way of bringing this quirky character to life. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Carrie revealed how her character's signature bags have become a symbol of her personality. “We started thinking of Elsbeth as somebody who was constantly filling her bags with whatever she might need for whatever case,” Carrie explained. These bags represent her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, even if not always successfully. “It’s fun that we don’t see what’s in her bags, because it mirrors the mystery of what’s going on inside her brain,” she added with a smile.
Carrie, originally from Georgia, first introduced Elsbeth to audiences in 2010 on The Good Wife. Her portrayal of the unconventional attorney quickly became a fan favorite, earning her an Emmy Award. The character's popularity led to appearances on The Good Fight, and now, Elsbeth has her own series, which recently premiered its second season. This journey from a guest character to a leading role showcases Carrie's versatility and charm.
How Carrie Found Her Passion for Acting
Carrie's love for acting began early in her life. "Oh, I’m a lifer," she confessed. "I started doing plays when I was in fourth grade in Georgia. My brother was doing plays, and I wanted to be just like him." She would sit in the aisles or backstage, memorizing every line of the play. If a classmate was absent, she'd eagerly step in, ready to perform. "I knew from a young age that acting was something I wanted to pursue. I was fortunate to have a wonderful mentor in my hometown who ran the theater and was incredibly supportive. My parents were also very encouraging," she recalled. Her brother, a professional theater actor, inspired her to follow her dreams, and her family never discouraged her from pursuing this challenging yet rewarding career.
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Carrie's Big Break in the Industry
During her college years, Carrie spent her summers participating in Shakespeare festivals across the country, an invaluable experience that shaped her craft. "That’s one of the best educations you can have," she noted. Her hard work paid off when she landed a role in The Tempest, first at New York’s Shakespeare in the Park and later on Broadway, starring alongside the legendary Patrick Stewart. This opportunity brought her to the attention of key decision-makers in the industry, opening doors for her to book film and TV roles. Her breakthrough came with My Best Friend’s Wedding, followed by a memorable guest appearance on Sex and the City.
From Blonde to Redhead: A Career-Changing Decision
Carrie originally sported blonde hair, but she made the bold decision to dye it red for her role as Arlene on True Blood. "I wanted to stop wearing a wig after the first couple of seasons, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made," she shared. Little did she know that this change would pave the way for her role as Elsbeth. "The red hair seemed perfect for Elsbeth, and everything just fell into place," she reminisced, acknowledging the serendipitous timing of her career move.
From Guest Star to Leading Lady: Elsbeth's Evolution
When Carrie was first cast as Elsbeth in 2010, she had no idea the character would become such a long-term fixture in her career. "It was just a guest spot, and I wasn’t even sure if I’d be able to play her more than a couple of times because I was already committed to True Blood," she admitted. She had to negotiate with HBO to allow her to reprise the role as The Good Wife continued to request her participation. "I had to really throw myself on their mercy and beg them to let me play Elsbeth," she joked, highlighting the lengths she went to keep this beloved character alive.
Making the Transition to a Mystery Series
Carrie was thrilled but also cautious about taking Elsbeth from a supporting role on a drama to the lead in a mystery series. "I was honored to be entrusted with this responsibility, but I wanted to ensure that transitioning from seeing Elsbeth a few times a season to having her in every scene wouldn’t be overwhelming for the audience," she explained. She was also mindful of making the character accessible to new viewers who hadn’t seen The Good Wife or The Good Fight. "It was important to strike the right balance," she added.
Elsbeth's Unique Charm: A Throwback to Classic Detective Shows
Elsbeth has been compared to classic detective shows like Columbo, thanks to its unconventional protagonist and engaging storytelling. "Audiences seem to love our old-school approach, which offers a refreshing change from the high-stakes dramas on TV today," Carrie observed. The show's format allows viewers to know who the culprit is, creating a delightful experience as they watch Elsbeth, alongside Wendell Pierce and Carra Patterson, unravel the mystery. "Our ensemble cast brings a lot of energy and freshness to the show, and we’re lucky to have new guest stars each week, keeping things exciting," she noted.
Carrie's Favorite Roles Beyond Elsbeth
While Elsbeth remains a career highlight, Carrie has enjoyed many other memorable roles. "It’s hard to top Elsbeth, given that I’ve been playing her for 14 years," she admitted. "But I truly loved portraying Polly on Claws, a show that I believe was unfairly overlooked. Polly was a con artist who not only stole people’s money but also their identities. I interpreted that as her acting like different people, so it was like playing multiple characters in one role," she explained, highlighting the complexity and depth of her performance.
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The Secret to Carrie and Michael Emerson's Happy Marriage
Carrie credits her successful marriage to actor Michael Emerson to the basics learned in kindergarten. "It’s about respecting each other, sharing, loving, and having empathy, compassion, and understanding," she said. "These might sound simple, but they’re essential for a strong relationship." She also emphasized their shared interests and goals, which help keep them aligned. "We’re fortunate to enjoy the same things and have the same vision for our lives. We genuinely love spending time together," she added with a smile.
Carrie's Relaxation Routine
When not working, Carrie enjoys spending time in nature. "Right now, I’m sitting in a rocking chair, admiring the beautiful flower bed my husband and I tend to at our country home in the Hudson Valley," she shared. She loves hiking and spending quality time with her family and her beloved dog, Chumley, a rescue mutt who brings serenity and joy to her life. "He’s a very handsome, serious little guy who weighs only seven pounds, yet he fills our home with love and groundedness. Being with him really helps me stay centered," she said affectionately.
Life in the Spotlight: Carrie's Experience with Recognition
Despite her growing fame, Carrie manages to remain relatively unnoticed in public
