It’s been a pretty remarkable year for Rhea Seehorn. She has risen from an undervalued performer to star of Apple TV’s biggest hit show, Pluribus. She is a screen actress most well-known for her portrayal of Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul. Today, she enchants fans again with her portrayal of Carol Sturka, the last woman on earth to dodge the virus that has turned everyone else’s brains to goo.
Produced by Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed Pluribus, a sci-fi series on Netflix, has generated expected acclaim. It has garnered extraordinary ratings on Apple TV as well. The show’s first season finale, which airs on Boxing Day, leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, ensuring anticipation for what comes next.
Seehorn’s path to joining Pluribus’ headlining cast represents a high point in the veteran actor’s career. Although she has been acting since the 1990s, this is her first opportunity to take center stage in a series. Gilligan had intended to cast a man as the lead. He was such an admirer of Seehorn’s talent and versatility that he rewrote the character for her to play.
As Carol, Seehorn is all over the emotional spectrum. Voiced by Nicole Beharie, her character is one of the last people left on Earth who still has control over her mind in a world gone mad. This controversial part of the plot has generated a lot of online buzz about her character’s evolution.
I’ve just been blown away by how willing people are to talk about their reactions to the show,” Seehorn said. It truly does create so much discussion! “That has been absolutely beyond satisfying.”
While on production, Seehorn continued a practice she had developed while filming Better Call Saul. She shared her life with her teammates as well, strengthening that all important team chemistry. This season, she temporarily relocated into the home of Trish Almeida, hair department head of the show. Thinking back on the choice to room together with coworkers, Seehorn said, “Bob initiated it. He called Patrick and I after season one and was like, ‘Do you guys think we should just live together?’ And I was like, actually, yes.” She highlighted the peace that being able to surround yourself with friends of all backgrounds brings, especially on grueling timelines and schedules on set.
The shooting of Pluribus was tough on Seehorn, forcing her to embody scenes of extreme emotional turmoil. “This was the most difficult to shoot, both physically and in terms of production,” she explained. She says she was prone to these really explosive bursts of rage. Other times, she holds in those feelings when she knows it’s not the time to share them. A lot of time by myself too.”
Though the experience has had its challenges, Seehorn expresses gratitude for her work and the meaningful connections it has created with viewers. And when I think about happiness and joy, it’s always about surprise,” she said. She elaborated on how the fictional world in Pluribus contrasts sharply with reality, where creativity and surprises thrive.
As the season wraps up and fans eagerly await what’s next for Carol Sturka, Seehorn remains focused on delivering a compelling performance that resonates with audiences.
She added that no one is sitting around saying, “Let’s make them wait.” The excitement leading up to it could not be more palpable, especially with the series finale.
As her profile has risen, so too have the tales of her past experiences in the industry. She extended her gratitude to all those who have supported her during her career thus far. She was aware of the burdens that accompany her sudden stardom. “I’m not brave enough to go on the internet,” she confessed when asked about social media reaction to her work. My colleagues, my friends, even on social media, tell me, don’t scroll down.