Abby Elliott Discusses Her Role and TV Favorites on The Bear

The acclaimed kitchen hit has allowed Abby Elliott, a comic actor from a famously funny family, to embrace her dramatic side. When asked about starring in ‘The Bear’, she confessed, I didn’t really quite understand how high the stakes would be.

Elliott’s Comic Roots

Abby Elliott knows her way around a comedy. A veteran of the Groundlings and the Upright Citizens Brigade, she joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ at 21 and later appeared in laugh-track-ready shows like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Odd Mom Out’. So, when FX approached her about a pilot for a new comedy in the spring of 2021, she was intrigued.

The Bear – More Than Just Comedy

The show was ‘The Bear’, which returns for its third season on Hulu. Set largely in the challenging kitchen of a Chicago restaurant, it features Jeremy Allen White as a troubled chef while Elliott appears as his supportive sister. Although it’s labeled as a comedy due to its exploration of human weaknesses without ending in disaster, I didn’t really quite understand how high the stakes would be, Elliott remarked.

Elliott Talks Dramatic Shift

Despite considering ‘The Bear’ a comedy, she finds humor in its depiction of everyday stresses and dark moments:It’s just like real life. A lot of people find comedy in the darkness and the stress. It’s so relatable in that way. As such, this role marked her transition from pure comedy to serious drama without relying on comedic voices and gimmicks.

Guest Star Aspirations

Elliott mentioned that Alicia Silverstone expressed interest in appearing on the show during a Los Angeles panel discussion. Reflecting on Silverstone’s enthusiasm, she said, I don’t know [how to pull it off]. I would love to make that happen. I love her. Silverstone, known as a diehard ‘Clueless’ fan, shows how ‘The Bear’ continues to attract notable names.

Characters and Cast Additions

The cast has seen some exciting additions over its run. Oliver Platt plays Uncle Jimmy, debuting in season 1, while Molly Gordon joined as Claire—Carmy’s love interest—in season 2. Both actors are set to return for season 3, maintaining strong character dynamics within the show.