Charly Clive and Steve Carell Share Their Experience Working with Connie Britton in Episode 5 of ‘Rooster’

New Character Introduced in HBO Max’s "Rooster" Episode 5

The fifth episode of HBO Max’s comedy series, Rooster, created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, introduces a new character that enriches the dynamic of the Russo family amidst college campus chaos.

In the episode titled “Mr. Razzles,” Elizabeth Stoddard, played by Connie Britton, visits Ludlow College to inaugurate a new student center named in her honor. Her speech focuses on the Green Initiative, aimed at saving energy through automatic lighting shutdowns in campus buildings.

“Connie’s fabulous. When she’s on set, everybody feels a bit more jazzed,” said Katie’s actor, Clive. “She’s very funny and brings a grounded authority to her character.”

Stoddard, affectionately known as Beth by her ex-husband Greg (Steve Carell) and the mother of Katie (Clive), is a Ludlow College alumna from the class of 1989.

“She’s quite a stern but very hilarious character who adds a real authoritarian energy,” Clive noted. “Everyone reacting to Elizabeth wants to be with her, but they’re also a bit intimidated. It was exciting to work alongside her.”

Even Walt, the current President of Ludlow, portrayed by John C. McGinley, feels threatened by Elizabeth’s presence, believing she might covet his position. Their dynamic takes a turn when she bonds with Professor Dylan Shepherd (Danielle Deadwyler) over Dylan’s temporary Dean of Faculty role, hinting at her ambitions with a pointed question regarding the possibility of a woman in the president’s office.

“It’s such a great dynamic when she’s involved because she’s self-aware enough to recognize her flaws,” Carell remarked. “I can’t imagine anyone else in that role—she’s charming yet tough, and incredibly appealing but can also be off-putting.”

The episode features moments of humor as Tension arises during a “family fun time scene” involving Greg, Katie, and Dylan, shedding light on the history between Greg and Elizabeth.

Carell praised Britton’s performance, acknowledging the complexity and likability of her character. “She’s great, and to Bill and Matt’s credit, a really well-written character as well,” he added.

Notably, Britton has collaborated with Rooster co-creator Bill Lawrence in the past on Spin City.