Robin Wright, widely known for her roles in iconic films such as The Princess Bride and Forrest Gump, has taken on a new challenge by starring as a controlling and suspicious mother in the psychological thriller The Girlfriend. Released on Amazon Prime Video, the show explores intense family dynamics and class tensions, with Wright portraying Laura, whose life is unsettled when her son brings home a new girlfriend. Wright’s performance brings depth to the role, and the experience draws on her own perspectives as a mother.
Wright’s involvement in The Girlfriend builds on her established reputation for portraying strong and multifaceted women. The show, filmed in locations across London and Spain, leverages Wright’s skill to capture the psychological nuances of Laura, a woman fiercely protective of her son and wary of his new partner. This new project adds to Wright’s impressive body of work, enhancing her standing as a leading actress in dramatic television at a time when such stories are gaining growing attention.
How Robin Wright Rose to Prominence and Adapted to Leading Roles in Turbulent Times
Robin Wright’s career has spanned decades, marked by standout performances that have left lasting impressions, from playing Buttercup in The Princess Bride during her early career to Jenny in Forrest Gump, which solidified her global stardom. However, a significant turning point arrived in 2018 when she took over the lead role in the final season of Netflix’s political thriller House of Cards after Kevin Spacey was dismissed amid controversy.
Stepping into the shoes of a series that had long revolved around Spacey’s character presented challenges both for Wright and the production team. Fans and critics alike wondered if the show could survive without its original star. Wright quickly disproved any doubts by delivering a compelling portrayal of Claire Underwood, a politically ruthless figure whose rise culminates in her presidency and historic appointment of an all-female cabinet. Wright’s performance received acclaim, particularly as she had championed equal pay alongside Spacey during the show’s run.
The Personal Distance Between Robin Wright and Her On-Screen Characters
Despite playing complex, sometimes ruthless women, Wright emphasizes the clear boundaries she maintains between her personal identity and her characters. When questioned about similarities between herself and Claire Underwood, Wright firmly denied any real-life overlap, aside from her appreciation for elegant fashion. She described acting as a deliberate “switch” she turns on and off to create convincing portrayals while remaining distinct from those roles.
Interviewed via video call from a countryside setting in England, Wright discussed how her role in The Girlfriend resonated with her personally, especially given her experiences as a mother. The story centers on Laura’s protectiveness over her son, a theme Wright found deeply relatable, drawing from her own maternal instincts toward her son, Hopper Penn, who is also an actor. Though Wright maintains strict privacy about her family, she happily shared a light moment about Hopper’s reaction to the series trailer, acknowledging the inherent protectiveness mothers feel.
The Complex Class Dynamics Explored in The Girlfriend
Though Robin Wright is American, The Girlfriend delves into deeply British class distinctions, which became a focal point of discussion during filming. The show sets up a contrast between Laura’s privileged status and Cherry, her son‘s new girlfriend, who comes from a working-class background and appears eager to embrace a more affluent lifestyle regardless of the consequences.
Wright highlighted how the production visually underscored these class differences by filming in opulent London locations, such as a six-storey St John’s Wood house with a basement pool and a central London art gallery. These choices helped portray the social divide central to the story’s conflict, adding texture to the psychological drama unfolding between the characters.
Balancing Career and Motherhood Through Robin Wright’s Journey
Robin Wright’s long career has involved making deliberate choices about roles that connected with her life, especially during her children’s early years. She recalled the challenges of working while raising young kids, noting she reduced her workload significantly during their formative periods. Wright even breastfed her son while filming Forrest Gump, demonstrating how she managed motherhood amid professional demands.
But during my kids’ formative years, I put them first and only worked once a year. I’d try to work in the summer holidays so Hopper and Dylan could come on set with me. God, they hated it; I was taking them away from their sleepovers and their soccer games. It was boring for them: ‘Mom’s on set all day working, and we’re in the trailer waiting for her 30-minute lunch, and she’s exhausted and wants to sleep.’
—Robin Wright, Actress
This blend of dedication to family and career shaped Wright’s outlook on work and life balance, informing how she approaches roles that examine parental protectiveness, such as Laura in The Girlfriend.
Reflections on Industry Changes and Personal Connections
Wright spoke candidly about the transformations in the entertainment industry, particularly following the #MeToo movement. She praised the introduction of clear behavioural guidelines on sets, emphasizing the importance of respect and decency for everyone involved in production.
It’s certainly changed for the better. There are finally rules and regulations and everyone has to follow a code. Companies come on set and tell the cast and crew what constitutes bad behaviour. It’s about simple respect and being a decent human being.
—Robin Wright, Actress
Equally important for Wright is the ongoing fight for equal pay for women, a cause she has supported throughout her career.
Women are still fighting for the same pay as their male peers. It’s a fact. It’s tradition. We have to teach the young boys who are becoming young men that women are equal to them. If you’re doing the same job as a man, you should get paid the same amount. It’s a no-brainer.
—Robin Wright, Actress
Wright also shared her perspective on friendships within the industry, noting that her closest personal relationships were formed during her youth rather than through celebrity circles. She spoke fondly of her working relationship with Tom Hanks, her co-star in Forrest Gump and more recent films.
Well, my friends are the people I met in my late teens, not celebrities. I don’t mingle apart from at awards ceremonies. Tom lives down the street from me and although we never see each other socially, I loved working with him on [the Robert Zemeckis film] Here a few years ago. I asked him why he was still working, since he hardly needs the money. He said, ‘But wow, I love the chat!’ He tells stories on set all day long. He’s hysterically funny – he has the whole set in stitches. He’s a good egg.
—Robin Wright, Actress
Unexpected Challenges and Future Plans in Acting
Talking about the surprising skills actors sometimes acquire, Wright recounted overcoming her fear of horses while preparing to play Antiope in Wonder Woman. Her dedication included mastering the ability to gallop at high speed on sand while shooting arrows, showcasing the unexpected demands actors face.
I’m terrified of horses, but when I played Antiope in Wonder Woman, I had to learn to gallop at 100 miles an hour on sand while firing arrows.
—Robin Wright, Actress
Regarding her future in television, Wright expressed admiration for contemporary shows and actors, including the series Adolescents for its portrayal of young men, and Brit actors Lesley Manville and Peter Mullan. However, she is currently taking a break to focus on promoting The Girlfriend.
I love Stephen Graham! That show was fantastic – it really showed the power of drama.
—Robin Wright, Actress
There’s so much great TV. I binge certain shows, like Mum with Lesley Manville. She is a favourite. As is Peter Mullan, who was brilliant in After the Party. But you asked about my plans. I’m taking a breather for now. And doing press for The Girlfriend, which I hope people like.
—Robin Wright, Actress
Her enthusiasm for The Girlfriend is evident, and the series promises to captivate viewers with its layered storytelling and compelling performances.
