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Portia Scott-Griffith doesnt seem like someone who should be delivering news on an afternoon broadcast in suburban New Jersey.
She might also be Banksy.
You know what I think would really help the show?
she earnestly suggests in one episode.
If we got rid of the desk so people could see my legs.
My mentor Roger Ailes suggested it.
Great Newsdidnt last long, which wasnt too great for us.
The role of Portia was recast after the pilot was filmed.
One of them had worked with Tina in the past.
It was a real surprise.
I mean, it was very much a shot in the dark.
I remember that first audition; I was the last of the day and the list was pretty long.
I went in and did it, and then emotionally let it go.
Why did you come in?I didnt think I was going to get it.
But I really loved doing comedy and that was where my focus was.
I got the call back while I was on tour, about half a day later.
Tina said she was always impressed by your comedic sensibility when you starred inThe Simple Life.
It was a fun, temporary experience for me.
When we shot the first season, it was aReal Worldstyle production schedule the cameras were rolling 24/7.
Then we did three more seasons.
Its us walking into and disrupting other peoples lives.
It became very clear what was expected of us.
We went and did our job and did it well.
Thats where I fell in love with doing comedy.
It felt like something I really wanted to lean into.
What did Tina and Tracey identify in you that others failed to over the years?
The dialogue was heavy and nothing was making sense.
I crumbled under the pressure.
Just go out there, say your lines, youre fine.
What do you remember most about that day?I was very much a newbie and nervous.
We did the table read before we stepped on set, so I got a chance to meet everybody.
Everyone was so warm, welcoming, and very excited to have me join their show.
I sat back and watched John and Andrea do what they do best.
I tried to take in anything that I could from them.
Did you develop a mentee-mentor relationship with anyone?We talked about the personal process a lot.
But it wasnt just me, it was everyone.
When he starred inThe Break-Up,theresthis scenewith him, Jennifer Aniston, and the cast singing a cappella.
I believe he has an actual a cappella group that he sings with.
He really enjoys it.
We created one under his guidance; we would sing while we were on our breaks throughout the day.
We were going in closets and practicing.
It was so much fun.
I tried to take the lead on a few songs, but I wasnt allowed.
Getting all of these opportunities to be creative is an overlap you both have in common.
You know everything about social media and we dont.
They had to have someone helping them.
I do connect to Portia in that way.
Did you ever create your own backstory for Portia to better understand who she is?
Did she have a boyfriend?
How does she spend her time?
She wasnt concerned with anything her colleagues were living in real time.
As shes busting through these doors, shes not noticing anybodys stress levels or anxiety.
What did you observe about the response to your acting?
I was showing up every day and doing what came to me.
You have to lean into yourself and what you’ve got the option to do.
Did the cancellation come as a shock?
It didnt necessarily come as a surprise.
We loved spending time together.
We loved the writing.
It really was the dream show.
It wasnt a challenge at all, there was nothing in the writing that didnt make sense.
We all felt so safe in that space between the writing and the producing.
Do you audition a lot?Ive auditioned for a few things.
Its all about a role I feel I can connect with.
Listen, I love being on TV.
I connect to her.
Shelley Long is hysterical.
Im obsessed with that movie and it has stuck with me since I was younger.
I quote it all the time.
What was the closestGreat Newsmoment youve had with your dad?
I said, What?
No one is asking you to do a cameo.
But he includes himself in any job that I get.
