Laurie Metcalf Shares Insights on Scott Rudin, Roseanne Barr, and Her Steppenwolf Experience in New New Yorker Profile
Laurie Metcalf Opens Up in New Profile Amid Broadway Success
Laurie Metcalf, celebrated for her current role in the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman alongside Nathan Lane, recently shared her complex feelings about producer Scott Rudin in a detailed profile featured in The New Yorker. The actress, known for her emotional depth, expressed her concerns regarding a rift with Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, where she began her illustrious career.
"It’s so touchy," Metcalf told writer Michael Schulman, visibly moved as she reflected on her relationship with the theater company. "It’s so hard."
When discussing her decision to collaborate with Rudin again, Metcalf appeared contemplative. Schulman noted that she hesitated before pulling out notes she had made from Rudin’s interview in The New York Times. "He talked about his therapy, he apologized, he owned what he said," she recounted. "He was in the process of rehabilitation. So I just think that, unless we think there is no possibility of real rehabilitation, then we shouldn’t ask people to try and do it." With uncertainty in her voice, she added, "I knew you would ask me at some point."
Rudin returned to Broadway production after a hiatus in 2021 due to allegations of bullying and workplace abuse from former staff. His first production post-break was Little Bear Ridge Road, which debuted last fall and featured Metcalf, directed by Joe Mantello. Mantello has frequently collaborated with both Metcalf and Rudin.
Little Bear Ridge Road premiered at Steppenwolf in 2024, with Rudin expressing interest in transferring the production to New York. However, the theater company declined to partner with him. Metcalf reportedly threatened to leave Steppenwolf if it did not relinquish rights for the Broadway staging, which was ultimately produced by Rudin and Barry Diller.
Reflecting on her relationship with Steppenwolf, she confided to The New Yorker, "I can’t really go into that, because that’s something I haven’t even figured out for myself." Notably, she is not participating in the theater company’s current 50th season. With tears in her eyes as she folded her notes, she expressed a longing for a celebration alongside the theater’s "Old Guard," emphasizing a desire for creative freedom. "I want to celebrate it with some of the Old Guard. I want to be brave with the people who taught me to be brave," she said.
Metcalf also addressed her controversial relationship with fellow actress Roseanne Barr, with whom she starred on the groundbreaking sitcom Roseanne. "I was intimidated by her, because she was self-made," Metcalf admitted. Although they initially formed a strong bond, the revival series was abruptly canceled following Barr’s inflammatory tweet in 2018.
Upon learning of the cancellation while performing in Three Tall Women in New York, Metcalf recalled the somber atmosphere surrounding the show’s rebranding to The Conners. "There was just a general sadness around the whole place," she remarked, noting she has not spoken to Barr since.
"There’s nothing controversial," Metcalf stated regarding their relationship, adding, "We just haven’t spoken since we said goodbye at the end of the reboot." When asked if she felt anger towards Barr for the show’s demise, Metcalf offered a rueful laugh, responding, "I don’t even know how to answer that."
