Linda Cardinelli, a seasoned actress with a string of critically acclaimed roles, reveals the unexpected vulnerability of auditioning for new parts. Despite her success, she still finds herself in the audition room, a process she describes as "very vulnerable."
In an exclusive interview with Page Six at the Gotham Television Awards, Cardinelli shared her thoughts on the audition process. She candidly admitted that she had to audition for her current role in the HBO miniseries "DTF St. Louis" and, surprisingly, for her part as Sylvia Rosen in the iconic series "Mad Men."
The actress, who is 50, revealed that the audition for "Mad Men" occurred shortly after she had given birth, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the experience. "It’s never my favorite thing," she confessed, "but there’s something about it that reminds you how hungry you were when you first started."
Cardinelli's journey to stardom began with her breakthrough role in the short-lived but critically acclaimed series "Freaks and Geeks." This role, which only lasted for one season, launched the careers of several now-famous actors, including Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Busy Philipps, and James Franco. Her subsequent roles in "ER," "Bloodline," "Dead to Me," and films like "Scooby-Doo," "Legally Blonde," "Brokeback Mountain," and "Daddy's Home" further solidified her status as a versatile and talented actress.
When asked about her approach to her career, Cardinelli expressed gratitude and humility. "I just feel very lucky and very grateful," she said. "Even when I was starting out, I was interested in the material and thought it was some of the best I had ever read. I really fought to be a part of it. That’s still how I operate."
Her determination and passion are evident in her recent work on "DTF St. Louis," which earned a Gotham Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Cardinelli's performance in the dark mini-series, alongside David Harbour and Jason Bateman, has undoubtedly contributed to her enduring success and reputation as a sought-after actress.
