Ali Larter on the Honor of Portraying Landman's Angela Norris

      Taylor Sheridan seems to possess a unique talent for creating successful content. Every project he undertakes transforms into a streaming triumph, beginning with the cultural sensation Yellowstone, a franchise valued at 3 billion dollars, which has led to two successful prequels, 1883 and 1923, and rejuvenated the Western genre. The multifaceted writer, producer, director, and actor has built his own "Taylorverse," now encompassing two additional major hits on Paramount+: Tulsa King and Landman, which explores the perilous realm of the flourishing oil industry in West Texas. Landman has recently been approved for a third season after viewership surged by over 260% from the season 1 premiere to season 2. What’s Sheridan’s winning formula? Ali Larter has some insights.

      The actress joins our Zoom call from her stylish bed in Idaho. After an extensive press tour for Landman season 2, spanning three countries and seven hotels, there’s no place she feels more at ease than in her own cozy bed wearing a chic white ensemble known as "sweaties" and unwinding ahead of the holiday season.

      As the fiery Angela Norris in Landman, a mother of two and the spirited wife of Billy Bob Thornton's cynical character Tommy, Larter has become a favorite among women who admire her character for being daring and unapologetically herself. Larter attributes this appeal to one of Sheridan’s essential elements: creating incredibly dynamic and authentic female characters with whom audiences can resonate. This element of relatability also drove Larter to fight fiercely for the role, as representation of older women as bold and sexually confident individuals like Angela is rare in media. She brings both a vibrant energy and a deep compassion to her role as the family matriarch.

      For our latest Portrait Sessions, we speak with Larter about discovering herself in Angela, matching wits with Thornton, and embracing a '90s Calvin Klein vibe for her press appearances.

      You've mentioned vigorously pursuing your role in Landman. What drew you to the Taylor Sheridan universe? I admire him as a brilliant storyteller. I deeply respect his choice to step away from Hollywood to carve his own path and his willingness to take risks while trusting in his vision as an artist. That kind of determination is remarkably rare in our industry, where numerous voices can dilute a creator's vision. With this show and this character, it excited me to portray a woman of my age who is bold, provocative, and vulnerable. Sheridan crafts scenes mixing humor and satire while also providing profound emotional moments. As an actor, it challenged me in numerous ways, and surrounding myself with such high-caliber talent naturally elevates your performance. My daily scene partner, particularly Billy, as well as others like Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, and Sam Elliott, created a dream working environment. Everyone involved brings their A-game, making it an incredible atmosphere for an actress.

      What aspects of his storytelling do you think resonate most with audiences? Clearly, it’s effective. It begins with uniquely dynamic characters. He captures the messiness of being human; when I say broken and flawed, he delves into those complexities while still offering pure entertainment. His shows don't just aim for awards to be seen by a limited audience; he has a knack for connecting with viewers. The unexpected success of our show, emerging from a small part of West Texas to become an international hit, has left us humbled and amazed. It really comes down to how he portrays families, allowing audiences to connect with them on various levels. Notably for our show, he plays with multiple tones; transitioning from intense romantic moments to satire to action keeps viewers engaged, exemplifying his storytelling style.

      This dynamic keeps both the audience and the actors guessing. Angela is such a captivating character. What initially captured your attention about her? During auditions, I encountered only four pages that included the initial FaceTime scene where Angela and Tommy engage in a playful back-and-forth, capturing unpredictability in relationships. They oscillate between conflict and humor. I ultimately auditioned with 19 pages, focusing on a significant monologue in episode 3 of season 1 that reveals their backstory regarding the boom and bust and Tommy's struggles with alcohol. It highlights Angela's challenges as a mother of young children without higher education, trying to navigate survival for her family. This depth and pain in their relationship reflects the reality of true love that can become fractured, and her quest to reconnect with Tommy speaks to her desire to reclaim her identity.

      Angela is passionate and brings immense heart as the family matriarch. As a mother of two, did you easily draw from your experiences to channel her? When acting, I tap into my personal experiences, determining what elements connect deeply and can be conveyed on-screen. For me, that connection lies in being a fiercely protective mother who would go to great lengths for my children. After our son’s birth, my sister penned a letter emphasizing my