Lake Bell's Challenge: Keeping it Together in TV's Wildest Comedy
Imagine trying to keep a straight face while working with one of the most hilarious and eccentric comedians on TV. That's the daily struggle for actress Lake Bell, who stars alongside Tim Robinson in the offbeat HBO comedy, 'The Chair Company'.
In a revealing interview with Obsessed: The Podcast, Bell, 46, shared her secret to maintaining composure: treating the comedy as a serious drama. She believes that by approaching her role as a 'straight woman' with grave seriousness, the surrounding chaos can be even more hilarious.
The show's premise is delightfully absurd. Bell's character, Barb, is married to Tim Robinson's character, Ron Trosper, who goes down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories after a chair-related mishap at work. Robinson, known for his outrageous and awkward humor, is a constant source of laughter.
But here's where it gets tricky: Bell strives to be the calm in the storm, allowing Robinson to unleash his comedic genius. She explains, 'I stay level-headed so that Tim can go wild, and I won't break character.' It's a delicate balance, and even Bell admits to occasionally losing her composure.
The most challenging scenes? Surprisingly, Bell finds it hardest to keep a straight face during intimate, 'normal' moments with Robinson. She recalls a scene where they're lying in bed, and Robinson delivers a single improvised line. The simplicity of the moment, she says, makes it difficult to suppress laughter.
And then, Robinson lets loose. Bell describes him as a 'genius', creating pure comedic magic with his unpredictable antics. She was so drawn to his unique style that she actively pursued the role of Barb, captivated by the show's originality.
Now, as the show gears up for its second season, Bell is eager to be surprised. She refuses to read scripts in advance, preferring to experience the show as a viewer. It's a testament to her trust in the creative team and her own ability to stay sane in the midst of comedy chaos.
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