Julia Sweeney Comes Out of Retirement for 'Shrill' Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Close

SNL Star Julia Sweeney Comes Back in Shrill

The star of It s Pat is back in Hollywood after 10 years of retirement

Allyson Riggs/Hulu Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. An even bigger break for Sweeney is Shrill, starring Bryant as a Portland alternative weekly reporter triumphing over fat-shamers, rotten boyfriends, and her infuriating yet well-meaning mom. “I told my husband this would be the best time to be hit by a bus because I’ve just reached peak happiness. I love Aidy Bryant — she’s so lovable and funny, and not uncomfortable being sexy. And she’s not filled up with shame, as I am. I guess Lorne Michaels [SNL boss and Shrill executive producer] had mentioned me from the start to play her mom. I think we look a little bit alike. I feel like I’m back in the family — and I mean that in the mob sense. I keep trying to get out, but they keep sucking me back in!” she jokes. “It is shocking just to be older in Hollywood. People try to be nice to you in that way, like you're an ‘elder.’ — Julia Sweeney “My character is in some ways the villain, because I’m always trying to get her on a diet and exercise, and the show is all about accepting yourself without trying to change yourself. I can’t help but try to be a help, ordering prepackaged diet food to be delivered to her apartment, which is a bad idea. But the character is so compassionate and understandable and sweet. I think it’s how Aidy’s character would be handling it if she were me.” Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > But for the most part, Hollywood is welcoming Sweeney back, big time. “There’s so many jobs — show biz is a moving train, and around every corner, you’re just trying to see where do you want to fit in.”
So can a grownup long out of work make it in today’s youth-culture entertainment capital? “I think so,” Sweeney says. “I mean I do think so — but maybe I’m just being optimistic.” More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS