HOUSE’s Lisa Edelstein on Huddy, Candice Bergen and Her PEOPLE’S CHOICE Nomination
November 22, 2010 by Marisa Roffman
HOUSE’s leading lady Lisa Edelstein has seen an increase in her screen-time this season as the show has romantically paired her character, Cuddy, with the series’ cranky doc after six years of will-they-won’t-they antics.
But romance on HOUSE is never easy, as Edelstein teased when Give Me My Remote chatted with her this weekend. House and Cuddy’s recent trust issues won’t get wrapped up in a neat little box.
Read on for more from Edelstein on this, plus her take on her recent PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD nomination, the status of “Huddy” and working with upcoming guest star Candice Bergen…
First of all, congratulations on your PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD nomination for Favorite TV Drama Actress!
Lisa Edelstein: Thank you so much! It’s really exciting. It’s particularly exciting because it’s the audience that’s voting. I love that. I’m flattered and it feels great.
HOUSE certainly has some passionate fans…
LE: They’re not kidding, our fans. They’re emotionally invested. It’s both terrifying and wonderful.
And now that you’re back on Twitter, will you be using Twitter to campaign for PCA votes?
LE: I have a Twitter account because I did a Twitter interview last spring and then I thought, after the PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS came out, this is what social networking is for: to say thanks. So I just put up the thank you and got such enormous response — including some from my friends who thought it was an impostor. I was like, “No, no, it’s really me.” It’s sweet. I’ve Twittered twice. I don’t really know what to say beyond what I’ve already said. [Laughs] But I’ll try and keep it up. I just don’t want to be [the Tweeter who writes] “I’m looking at that cheesecake and I’m not eating it!” You know what I mean? It’s really boring and I don’t care and you just wasted my time when I had to read that.
Yeah, well maybe you could just write about HOUSE every time you tweet! What episode are you guys filming right now?
LE: I think we’re on episode 15.
You’re certainly ahead of most other shows.
LE: We started in June. We started early this year. But then we’re taking a 3 week vacation in December, which is a little longer than normal. We’ll be working about ten months.
That is a long shoot for you guys.
LE: It is a long time, particularly for Hugh [Laurie (House)], who is there most of the time.
Right, he’s in nearly every scene.
LE: Right. They try to schedule it so he can go home early or he can get a Friday off, but it’s very challenging.
And of course you’re also getting a bit more airtime now that House and Cuddy are romantically involved.
LE: Yeah!
Are you pleased with the way this relationship has evolved? Is this how you expected their storyline to go when the writers told you they were going to take these characters in that direction?
LE: Yeah, I was glad they’re giving the relationship a chance to live. In other words, they’re in a relationship and then they’re back in the world of Princeton-Plainsboro in a relationship. I think we’re not making a bigger deal out of it than it should be. You don’t want that, you don’t want it to suddenly be every other scene they’re pushing each other against the wall and madly making out. That’s not what the show is about. So I think they’ve given enough to make the relationship part of the story, but not too much to make it like a big eyeroll.
I feel they played it really smart, having the first episode of the season really focus on the shift in their relationship so the subsequent episodes could go back to “normal” and not hit us over the head with their romance.
LE: Yeah. It’s like, give it a second. Wait a minute, we’re just going to watch this for a second and then we’re going to go back to Princeton-Plainsboro.
And it’s added a whole new dynamic to their professional relationship as well, because now when he lies to get a diagnosis like he did a couple episodes ago, it takes on a whole new meaning.
LE: Right. It’s not so easy for them to kind of sort out how do they do this. How do you make a relationship that’s sort of based on manipulation something that’s now based on honesty?
Is that going to continue to be a theme for them as these episodes play out?
LE: Yeah, I think that issue is on the table right now, but they’re not going to bang it to death. [Laughs] But it’s one of the major issues of their relationship.
I’m not sure if you can answer this, but in what you’re currently filming, are House and Cuddy still in a good place, relationship-wise?
LE: Um, they’re still in a relationship. [Laughs]
Do you see them as a forever kind of couple? Or do you think they’ll be in-and-out of this courtship as the series goes on?
LE: They’re forever in the sense that you can’t suddenly know less about a person. That person, when you open yourself up, they will forever be a person you opened yourself up to. And because of the nature of their jobs, they will always have to interact in some level. And it will always be complicated — it was complicated before, it was complicated now, it will be complicated later. I have no idea what they’ve planned down the road with their dynamics because it’s really a wait-and-see there. They don’t really tell me!
But I’d imagine there must be some fun in not knowing because you get to discover this character as you go.
LE: Yeah, it is fun. The whole time, it’s been like — I remember when Cameron was in love with House and I was jealous. [Laughs] I was like, “Wait a minute!” I mean, not jealous in a terrible way, but it’s like, “Cameron and House are kissing?” [Laughs] It’s funny, I told Jennifer [Morrison (Cameron)] that and we had a good laugh.
Right, you and Hugh had chemistry from the start, but it did seem like they were going to go another way initially…
LE: I felt in the pilot it was all there — their dynamic, their firey back and forth. So for me, it was always a part of what I was thinking about in terms of their relationship. But I think it just wasn’t the story they were telling.
And what can you tease about Monday’s episode? The patient seems to have been involved in a crucifixion reenactment, but is there anything else you can tell us?
LE: Yeah, it’s a pretty cool idea. I really don’t remember much about this one because we’re so many episodes ahead. I don’t remember last week!
I think there’s a wedding involved, if that helps prompt any memories…
LE: Oh, yeah, there’s a wedding! I’m wearing a gown. [Laughs] Chase has a really good time at the wedding.
Of course he does. He has been having a good time with the ladies lately.
LE: Yeah. He doesn’t slow down at the wedding.
Candice Bergen is coming in as Cuddy’s mother. How was that?
LE: Candice, yeah, she was amazing to work with. I loved her.
Were you a fan of hers before you got the chance to work together?
LE: Well she’s so talented, of course. I wasn’t a regular MURPHY BROWN watcher, but from what I did see of the show, she was incredible. I never saw [BOSTON LEGAL] for some reason, but yeah, Candice, she’s gorgeous, she has incredible skin, she’s very funny and she’s very enthusiastic and she’s extremely bright. So everything that she does, you just see this beautiful intelligence in her humor.
And how is Cuddy’s relationship with her mother?
LE: Complicated!
Yeah?
LE: Oh yeah. They’re sort of at each others’ throats a little bit.
Oh, that’s going to be fun to watch.
LE: Yeah, and it’s also fun watching House relate to Cuddy’s mother. There’s a lot of fun stuff coming up with that.
Is their relationship complicated as well?
LE: Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Well, imagine introducing a man like House to your mother. [Laughs] Even if you have the best relationship with your mother, it would be complicated.
I just can’t wait to see the three of you share a scene. You each have very strong individual presences on-screen, so to combine them, that’s going to be an amazing experience for fans.
LE: [Laughs] There’s a really fantastic dinner scene. I’m looking forward to seeing it too.
–
Who else is excited to watch it go down?
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Filed under #1 featured, House, House Spoilers
Thank you for this great interview – but you forgot to link to the People’s Choice Awards so people can VOTE! 😉
http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/vote/
“Who else is excited to watch it go down?”
*raises hand*
I personally can’t wait. I already watched episode 8 (it leaked yesterday online) and I think ep 9 has the potential to be fantastic.
Thanks for the interview. Lisa was great, as usual.
Lisa is simply brilliant. I´m so happy she is nominated for this award. She really deserves the best. Olivia, Lisa, Jennifer…all them women in House are so charming and amazing. I wish them all the best.
Thank you for this amazing interview. I can´t wait to see what happens with House and Cuddy in the long run.
Sorry, I don’t mind LE personally (don’t know her, so why should I hate her) but I can’t stand Cuddy anymore, and I blame Huddy. It’s forced and it’s wrong and makes Cuddy look like an awful woman. And honestly, I also blame LE a bit for it, because she needed to have Cuddy as “leading lady” when she – in reality – is merely a secondary character. Huddy needs to end soon, it simply ruins the show. Sorry, Huddy fangirls, but it’s a fact that only YOU are enjoying it, the rest of the fandom has enough. Otherwise I hope the entire show is cancelled soon, so Hugh is free for other projects.
I really don’t know who I hate more – Lisa Edelstein, Cuddy, Huddy or the self-righteous Huddy/Cuddy/Lisa Edelstein fangirls. They are terrifying indeed. Get a life, fangirls. Ugh.
Damn, I really miss the times when House MD actually was House MD and not this disgusting Huddy MD soap.
Sorry your bitterness is enjoying YOUR enjoyment of the show, Sam, but your premature (or should I say immature?) assumption that only “Huddy fangirls” are enjoying this season couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s not a fact because you want it to be a fact. Your opinion is merely an opinion. But, hey, you can blame Lisa Edelstein and assume only “Huddy” fans are enjoying the show if it pleases you. Whatever helps you sleep better at night.
All in all, great interview, it backed away from the usual/boring Q & A thing and it was refreshing, because God knows there has been nothing on the House front for a while.
“Get a life, fangirls. Ugh.”
I’m thinking all you need there is a mirror. Because if you had a life, you wouldn’t waste your precious time trolling on an article regarding a show you no longer enjoy and an actress you seem to despise. That’s very grown up and mature, indeed.
*claps*
Do you think, Sam and Lisa, that you’re a little bit INSANE for spending time watching something you say you “don’t like”?!
Wouldn’t be better GET A LIFE and leave as JMO (LOL!) instead of spread hate online?! Why are you spending time reading something about somebody you say you “hate”?
Again: WATCH GREY’S ANATOMY and stop complaining!
I don’t know if this is because I’m a guy, but I’d actually prefer to see them pushing each other against the wall and madly making out. It’s better than the sappy and romantic we’ve been getting.
Whatever, I think we should see more of her body, that’s all.
Great interview and I love Cuddy and LOVE LISA too.
Huddy/Cuddy/LE fans are terrifying? Are you serious? Apparently you missed the Jennifer Morrison fans showing burning pictures of Katie Jacobs and the death wishes for David Shore on Twitter not to mention the extremely rude and hateful comments made on all sites by them. So you find fans who are enthusiastic and love the show terrifying but not those who spam every site with their hate of the show and of Lisa Edelsten a problem? Interesting…….
Great interview!
One of the most fun Q&As I have read in a long time ! 🙂
When I see an interview with Lisa I know it’s gonna be hilarious.
I’m glad Huddy are still together in ep15. I think their relationship has revived the show, I was fed up with emo House from last season.
Good luck to Lisa and Hugh with PCA. I’m voting like crazy for them, so hopefully they’ll win it! 🙂
Lisa does the best interviews! She is so organic. Wished many actors were like her. Congratulations on you PCA . we know you’ll win! 🙂
On another note, why so many complaining, never understand if you hate a show, why even bother talk about it. I think you are so obsessed with the idea of hating it that it takes you in opposite direction. If not, look where you are posting.
This happens to be one of the best Q and A from lisa in a long time everytime Lisa does one of these it mke me laugh. So glad that house and cuddy are still together in EP 15 last season was forgetful for many reasons that i wont get into Good luck Lisa and Hugh on the PCA they need to win
@Matt I’m a woman and I also want to see them pushing each other against a wall and madly making out too so, you’re certainly not alone!! 😀
I don’t think it’s been sappy and romantic though, maybe romantic but in the real 19th century romantic kind of way, tortured, doomed but irrepressible…
GREAT interview! Lisa is a real beautiful Lady. so CLASSY!
thank you.
@Matt I’m a woman and I want to see them pushing each other against a wall and madly making out too so, you’re certainly not alone!! 😀
I don’t think it’s been sappy and romantic though, maybe romantic but in the real 19th century romantic kind of way, tortured, doomed but irrepressible…
GREAT interview! Lisa is a real beautiful Lady. so CLASSY!
thank you.
Gotta love when the haters make a fool of themselves, as usual. Their lack of arguments is amusing, to say the least.
Good interview. I’m particularly looking forward to ep 9 because this is not the first time I hear about how fantastic the House/Cuddy/Wilson/Cuddy’s mom dinner scene is.
Can’t wait.
I really love Lisa and Huddy. I started watching House this season (i´m catching up right now) and i fell in love with her in the first few minutes of the season premiere. She is a wonderful actress and a beautiful person. This season just keeps getting better and better and now that i´m a fan i hope there will be a season 8.
Great interview and even better interviewee!
She’s not only an amazing actress but also an amazing person and one of the main reasons why I still House.
I am glad they finally decided to give the relationship between House and Cuddy a try, because even if some people seem to think they were doomed from the beginning I think there’s a real chance these two people could make such a dysfunctional relationship work.I am loving how they are handling it so far, but count me in as one of those who would like to see more kisses..I guess I am sucker for love!:)
I really look forward to seeing more of Lisa on House so please FOX people do whatever you need to do to have this woman back for season 8! Even if the show is called House it wouldn’t be the same without Cuddy.
Sam, you want the show to be cancelled? And you say you’re a fan?
I don’t used to like the whole “Huddy” thing before it happens this season, but I never in my life saw a tv show where a relathionship is treated in such a realistic way.
And now I think about, and I accept that if we don’t see House in a relationship as we’re doing, then we wouldn’t have a complete perspective of the character.
What a terrific interview. Lisa E is an intelligent, witty and talented woman. She has sizzling chemistry with Hugh and it resonates on screen. Personally I have loved how they have portrayed the relationship. It is done tastefully and true to the characters. I think House and Cuddy can only exist on a bumpy ride. That is all they know and that is why they will survive.
They are getting ready to film epi 15 and it seems they are still together. Me likey.
Wow, sometimes she says things that make me ashamed by proxy.
Sometimes she sounds too desparate for attention. Someone should tell her that it’s really unattractive.
This feels like it’s the last season and if Huddy are still together by ep15 then I hope there’s no break up at all. Not because it’s a great relationship (coz it’s not) but because the flow of the show got disturbed dramatically by it and it would be a shame to have ruined an once brilliant show over a relationship that isn’t even endgame.
Cuddy is the strongest and best when she’s not playing a silly cheerleader to House’s oversexed quarterback. So PTB, bring back the intellect and sass but keep the unnecessary nudity to yourselves.
Great interview!
Lisa Edelstein is sucha beautiful person, smart, funny, interesting!
I love this season and the way they´re going with House and Cuddy relationship.
House is still the same show, and if you don´t like, don´t waste your time complaining, watch a show that you actually enjoy for god´s sake!!!
Good luck Lisa for the PCA, you´re gonna win, for sure! 🙂
Terrific interview with one of the more intelligent actors on TV today. Lisa Edelstein has made Cuddy into a complex, troubled, and sympathetic figure out of the ocassionally thin material the writers provided her over the years. I am delighted that at last House and Cuddy are in a romantic relationship and that the show is wise enough to explore this aspect of House’s character in considerable depth. The unfolding of the House/Cuddy relationship this season has been both satisfying and realistic. After the dry spell of last season, “House” has come roaring back with renewed vigor this year. I am so happy to see a resurgence of the balanced storytelling which gives proper weight to personal stories and medical mysteries. This is at last a return to the “House” I loved in season one.
I agree w @stucksp “And now I think about, and I accept that if we don’t see House in a relationship as we’re doing, then we wouldn’t have a complete perspective of the character.”
Lisa E is amazing actress and deserves the PCA!
Always very honest in your answers. GREAT woman!!! =)
Lisa is the best!! she’s (as House once said) sexy and smart! she deserves the PCA nomination and she has got to win!!!
and I would like to see House and Cuddy pushing each other against a wall and madly making out! I know…I’m a perv!…what can I do? XD
I NEED more sexiness!
Congratulation for your PCA nomination Lisa! You deserve it so much. I´ve voted like 100 times for you and I really hope you get the award. It´s always a pleasure to read your interviews.
I love her she is the best 😀 great interview ! I can’t wait to see that dinner scene it will be incredible for sure XD
Great interview with an incredibly fantastic, sexy and funny woman! I love the House and Cuddy relationship – it is so much fun to watch and their chemistry is the best on TV. So happy to hear they are still together in ep 15 and can’t wait to see Candice Bergen as Cuddy’s mom. Go Lisa – you rock!!
Wonderful actress, i hope you win the pca award cuz i’ve been voting for you. Good Luck with your career.
I love the story line and the relationship between House and Cuddy; always have. It seems that the show is pushing the faith is stupid theme too much. It would be nice to see a balance with the New Doctor on the side of Faith. We saw a little of this in Crucifixion, but it would be nice to see it develop. Its starting to feel like a platform for Anti Religion/ Atheist views. I have no problem with a character not believing in God and expressing it, but Young Adults will see this as mainstream.
This is such a good show, but if it is not balanced I will have to stop watching it in disgust.
Great Interview though and I really like Lisa E.
Lisa can be described with just one word……. HOT!
Me encanta Lisa. Es la mujer que sí debe estar con House, es la que lo contiene, la que lo enfrenta, la que lo mima y admira. Un 7
Why is Lisa so adorable? I watch House only for her.
I have always loved Lisa E, but her character was such a much more strong individual in the first maybe 4 seasons. I don’t know what changed or why. I personally don’t see much chemistry between House & Cuddy, always a lot of flirtation but really aren’t that believable as a couple. BUT, i love the show anyhow, wasn’t anxious to see them as a couple, but as someone else said, i suppose we needed to see him in a relationship to explore all his personality. I just wish it would’ve been Sela Ward. Now THOSE two were believable, they played it as if they really HAD been a couple at one time & he still carried a torch for her, which i think is his problem all along. He blamed her in some ways for his leg, but yet, he still loved her, which was obvious in the episodes they were together in. Who could forget that episode where they were stranded (wherever it was) & had to wait to take the plane out? Memory fails me, is this the episode where they did make love? No, wait, think that’s where he was trying to catch the rat, wasn’t it? Not sure….Anyway, they just seemed more like a couple to me, they had had a history, & just seemed more believable. I think the way it’s written, House cares more about Cuddy’s body than Cuddy herself. At least that’s my take on it. And don’t think the writers don’t play off of Lisa’s awesome bod!! She is SO hot & beautiful…i can hardly stand it in any scene she’s in 😉 !!! I am in no hurry to see this show end, as it is still my favorite show, even with these few things that, for me, have to run its course, but i miss Cuddy being tough & brass with him & putting him in his place as only Cuddy could. Are they going to blame her change of personality on menopause? Because she’s changed so much, & this isn’t Lisa E’s fault, she only does what the writers want her to do. I don’t think she pushed for leading lady, it isn’t up to her! I think House is the main character, plus Cuddy & Wilson play an integral part, as she’s Dean of Medicine & Wilson is House’s best friend. I’ve always loved almost everyone on that show, except for Taub. I miss Jennifer very much, we’d all be lucky to have a caring doctor like her (or Lisa!) If Lisa were my doctor, i’d make up excuses to have her come in the room! lol!! Seriously tho, i think the show could go on for a good couple of years yet, so hard to believe it’s been 7 yrs already. We all know that it probably is winding down, but i hope when it does end, that they don’t kill off anyone. I see no reason for that. They’ve killed off a few & gotten rid of Cameron, we don’t need to lose anymore. W/O Lisa, who would they use to play off a sexy body, cuz no one else is as hot as her!! Not bad at all for a 44 yr. old!! Better than most 30+ people!! It still holds my interest, but i would like to see less canoodling & more snarky remarks from Cuddy to House for his lack of respect for her. And that is what it boils down to for me why i don’t buy into this relationship: he does not respect her, he lies to her & if he really loved her, he would not do these things. If she were MY lady, i sure would respect her, not lie to her & would worship the ground she walked on!!!! And that is just why in reality, this couple wouldn’t make it last long. Cuddy’s character takes abuse from him, not physical, but in a way just as hurtful. Lucas may not have been perfect either, but at least he seemed more respecting of her & was there for her & the child (whose name eludes me at the moment–is it Rachel?) Just my thoughts, i love the show & will hate to see it go. I just hate to see all the women being taken off the show, seems they never get rid of the men (they did Kutner cuz he went to work in politics for real), but otherwise, Cameron–gone, 13–gone (but supposed to come back). The character of Masters is really a joke!! So far, i don’t buy her too well! Guess it just takes some getting used to! As always, yes, great interview from Lisa, she is such a warm, caring woman whom i would love to meet. She has a big heart & you can just see in her eyes that she is a warm person. I always wish the best for her, she deserves this PCA nomination & to win it finally!! She has had some FINE moments on House, like when she yelled at House when he shouted out that he’d slept with her (in his hallucinations), it made me cringe it was so believable!! Good luck Lisa…..may you win & may i get to meet you someday!! We’re all just humans on this planet, no one is better than another. And i like to see that i believe you to be one of few actors who believes that you’re not any better than anyone else. You’re just a sweetheart & what made me fall in love with you was how you feel about animals. That cemented it for me!! Good luck in winning Lisa!! You be the best, gal!!
Lisa Edelstein est une femme très intelligente, elle me fascine ,elle est tjs auntant magnifique alors qu’elle a passé la quarantaine ! 😀 Et puis elle admirablement bien dans cette 7ième saison, peut ètre que ce qui manque à cette 7ième saison c’est cette alchimie entre House et Cuddy, Hugh Laurie est un très très bon acteur si ce n’est un des meilleur comme Lisa , il y avait dans les précédentes saisons des regards des paroles si execeptionnels !! Il ne manque que sa à la saison 7 ! vraiment! Vive le HUDDY! Vive Lisa Edelstein! Vive Hugh et Dr House ! Tu vas le remporté ce prix Lisa ! Sure à 200%! vottez Lisa Edelstein! 🙂
CRAZINESS CRAZINESS CRAZINESS!!! lol i personally don’t mind Lisa Edlestein, i mean i don’t know her soooo i don’t have any reason not to like her. I just watch the show because well, I LOVE IT!!! Stop judging and acting all retarded(excuse me, mentally challenged) and what not and just enjoy the show. I mean if you don’t like it, don’t watch it!!! lol I LOVE YOU ALL!!! OH YEAH, HAPPY TURKEYDAY TO ALL MY AMERICANO PEEPS!!!