Elisabeth Moss Takes on Handmaid’s Tale Role to Secure the Part

Elisabeth Moss, known for her role as June Osbourne (Offred) in The Handmaid’s Tale, recently shared a surprising tidbit about how she landed the role. Despite being a perfect fit for the part, Moss actually turned it down twice before finally accepting. What changed her mind? Well, it turns out that when she found out who the role would be offered to if she declined, she knew she had to step in.

In an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Moss explained, “I wasn’t quite sure if I was ready to make that commitment again, so I actually passed the first time they offered it to me. I know, it seems insane now. I’m so glad I’ve corrected that. And then they came back, and they very nicely offered it again, blah, blah, blah. Then the thing that clinched it was–they leaked it to me, obviously on purpose, who they were going to offer it to if I didn’t take it, and I was like, ‘Over my dead body.'”

While Moss didn’t name her competition, she did emphasize how strongly she felt about the role. “It was the thing that made me realize that I needed to do it. I couldn’t stand the idea of anyone else playing that role, you know what I mean? That was the thing that made me realize how badly I wanted to do it.”

Moss is no stranger to playing complex, empowered female characters, like Peggy in Mad Men and June in The Handmaid’s Tale. She believes in making her characters relatable and real, showcasing the strength and imperfections of women in various roles. As Moss put it, “We don’t have special powers. We’re women and we’re human. But real women who are not perfect can find their strength, whether that’s getting out of a bad relationship, telling your boss you want a pay rise or marching on the capital in a red costume.”

So, next time you watch Moss’s powerful portrayal of June in The Handmaid’s Tale, remember that it almost didn’t happen. Thanks to Moss’s determination and commitment to the role, we get to witness an unforgettable performance that has captivated audiences around the world.