Ali Larter discusses the honor of portraying Angela Norris in Landman.

      Taylor Sheridan may very well have the Midas touch when it comes to storytelling. Everything he creates seems to turn into television gold—well, more accurately, a streaming success. This began with his groundbreaking series Yellowstone, which has generated a $3 billion franchise, including two successful prequel series, 1883 and 1923, and has revitalized the Western genre. The writer, producer, director, and actor has crafted his unique "Taylorverse," which also features two more major hits for Paramount+: Tulsa King and the star-studded Landman, centered on the perilous world of the booming oil industry in West Texas. The latter has just been approved for a third season, following a viewer increase of over 260% from its first to second season premiere. So what’s Sheridan’s secret? Ali Larter has her thoughts on the matter. The actress joins our Zoom call from the comfort of her lavish bed in Idaho. After a press tour for Landman season 2 that took her across three countries and seven hotels, she relishes the comfort of home, wearing stylish white "sweaties" as she unwinds for the holidays.

      In her role as the fiery Angela Norris in Landman, Larter, a mother of two and the spirited wife of Billy Bob Thornton's cynical character Tommy, has become a favorite among women, who admire her character's boldness and authenticity. Larter attributes this to Sheridan’s talent for writing dynamic, genuine female characters who resonate with audiences worldwide. It’s also why the 49-year-old fought so passionately for the part. There’s rarely a chance to see older women portrayed as bold and sexually confident as Angela is on screen. Larter adds both flair and a warm heart to her role as the show's matriarch. In this installment of Portrait Sessions, we talk with Larter about connecting with Angela, holding her own against Thornton, and embracing a '90s Calvin Klein style during her recent press tour.

      You've mentioned your determination to land your role in Landman. What drew you to the Taylor Sheridan universe? I think he’s a brilliant storyteller. I deeply admire him for stepping away from Hollywood to carve his own path. He’s someone who took risks, focused on writing, and found a way to believe in himself as an artist, telling stories in his own unique manner. Such a journey is rare in our industry, where many voices can dilute a vision. This character excites me because I get to portray a woman of my age who is bold, provocative, and complex. Sheridan creates scenes rich with high comedy and sharp satire, alongside profound moments that are very straightforward. As an actor, this experience has stretched me in many ways and pushed me to new heights. Collaborating with talent like Billy and everyone else—Michelle [Randolph], Jacob [Lofland], Demi [Moore], Andy [Garcia], Sam Elliott—has been a dream. The crew is simply the best, and everyone is fully committed to their craft, creating an incredible atmosphere for me as an actress.

      What about his storytelling do you think resonates so deeply with audiences? The success speaks for itself. It begins with incredibly dynamic characters; everyone has their flaws. Sheridan explores these complexities with humor, and he offers true entertainment. It’s not simply a serious drama that aims for numerous awards but caters to a limited audience. He knows how to connect with viewers. We were all surprised that our show set in a small part of West Texas became such an international sensation. We feel humbled and amazed by that. I believe it comes down to how he writes the families, making them relatable to everyone. I also feel that, particularly in our show, he’s been able to blend various tones seamlessly. We shift from intense romantic moments to satire and then into action, keeping the audience engaged—that’s his storytelling style.

      It keeps both the audience on their toes and the actors as well. Angela is such a vibrant, exciting character. What did you love about her when you first read the script? When I started auditioning, the initial scene was just four pages long, focused on a FaceTime call. Even then, there was this playful back-and-forth between Angela and Tommy; it created a dynamic where you’re unsure if it will lead to a fight, laughter, or a kiss. I found that very relatable—relationships aren't one-dimensional; they have ups and downs like a roller coaster. I eventually auditioned with 19 pages, and I was particularly focused on delivering the significant monologue in episode 3, which delves into [Angela and Tommy's] past amid the boom and bust of life, reflecting on how he struggled with addiction. Angela, with her two young children and limited education, has to figure out how to ensure their survival. This storyline reveals the depth and pain in their relationship, illustrating how they once loved each other deeply, only to be broken apart—a common theme in life. She’s