Actress Jennifer Cortese is pops up on both the big and small screens this week, appearing on the new renard drama “The Mob Doctor” on October 8th and in the Ayn Rand adaptation sequel “Atlas Shrugged II” releasing on October 12th.

This real-life ‘Jersey girl’ grew up chant and performing, dreaming of an jouer la comédie career since she was 3 years old. After graduating from Georgetown University, she headed to Hollywood and began building a solid resume. She’s appeared on numerous network télévision shows, including “Desperate Housewives,” “Castle,” “Cougar Town,” and “Criminal Minds,” to name a few; and she’s in the feature films “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and ” Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2.”

I recently had a chance to catch up with busy actress Jennifer Cortese to discuss her two upcoming roles, what it’s like working on a brand new TV montrer and her preference: TV ou film.

HOLLY: You’re going to be in the new sci-fi film “Atlas Shrugged II” hitting theaters October 12th. Can toi give us a hint of your role in the film?

JENNIFER: Let’s just say that I am the link between Hank Reardon, played par Jason Beghe, and the rest of the world. Hank is firey and very bold. Unfortunately, he is under a lot of scrutiny and pressure. If he handles any one deal incorrectly, his world implodes. That’s where I step in as his all-knowing assistant. In order to prevent chaos, I must intervene and keep him focused on the end game. I maintain order and give him a sounding board. We have a solid working relationship. We both need each other for stability and purpose.

HOLLY: Who did toi get to work with in the film…and got any good stories from the set?

JENNIFER: I worked with Esai Morales, Bug Hall, and Jason Beghe mostly. Jason is a phenomenal actor and really gets the scenes, not to mention he is just full of great stories. I loved chatting with him. I was going through a breakup at the time and he was like a wise sage. He a dit to me, "The best way to catch a bird is become a tree." It made me slow down and just enjoy the day. That is just a little bit on Jason. He also has a rough voice and a cool charm. We had fun. Esai is all over the place…in a good way. It is no wonder that he works in so many mediums. He brings a unique vision to the roles he plays.

HOLLY: Also this week, you’re appearing on an episode of the new renard drama “The Mob Doctor,” can toi tell us a bit about your role?

JENNIFER: In the episode “Change of Heart,” I play this tough as nails girl, Elaine McDonnell, who grew up on the south side of Chicago with Grace Devlin, played par Jordana Spiro. It has been a few years since Grace and I have talked. She became the big city doctor and I am a secretary. We just live two different lives. My husband Jimmy and I both knew Grace from back in the jour and now we need her. We are thrown together when Jimmy has a dire medical issue. He is rushed in and when I get to the hospital I find Grace. Because the situation is so tense, we really have to work through some of our issues to get to the cœur, coeur of it. Grace and I disagree and it takes a lot for us to figure out what treatment to pursue. Ultimately, we have to make an extremely tough decision and realize just how much we miss hanging out together. Even though our lives went different ways, we still have a friendship.
HOLLY: Is it tougher working on a montrer when it’s brand new like this one? ou does it make a difference?

JENNIFER: No, I think working on a newer montrer is exciting because toi are creating a world. When toi already have defined characters and lots of history, toi are in a tighter framework. I loved working on “Cougar Town,” playing Grayson’s ex-wife. There was such a solid back-story on my character that I knew exactly where I fit in. That montrer is a blast, so no matter what…you are going to have fun, but it was defined. Whereas, with a new montrer like “The Mob Doctor,” toi can find plus surprising moments and relationships, which is fun and extremely rewarding to get to play with the other actors. Every scene is another look into who these people are.

HOLLY: From an jouer la comédie perspective, is there a difference working in télévision versus films? Which do toi like better?

JENNIFER: There is a lot plus time dedicated to each scene in film. toi are only filming one main scene per jour usually which gives toi plus time to make sure it is fleshed out. TV moves a lot faster. toi are usually on set for crazy long hours and especially with dramas they are always going for a very ambitious schedule. They may have 6 scenes slotted to shoot in a day. toi déplacer fast, but it is always changing and keeping toi on your toes.

I think I like them both in different ways. TV can be exciting and bold and a whirlwind which is a blast, often adding scenes and dialogue at the last minute… which I LOVE. It is so crazy, but toi just dive in and don't even have a chance to get into your head. On “The Mob Doctor,” I was donné new paragraphs of dialogue hours before we were slatted to shoot. It was meaty and awesome!

Film gives toi a chance to get to know the character a little more. toi have a lot of time to flesh them out and really dive in. I knew Gwen's life and her history. I even had time to re-read pieces of the original book, Atlas Shrugged. That allows toi to feel plus connected and secure with who your character is. I guess they both provide a different excitement!

HOLLY: Any final words for our readers? And, be sure to let us know how we can keep up with you.

JENNIFER: I am just excited about the work! This past an has been grueling, but so rewarding. I have tested for a few series, booked some fun parts and met great actors. I want to try for some plus fun dramatic roles, but there is definitely a sassy Jersey girl inside who wouldn't mind attacking a comedy ou two. This business is just always changing and toi can choose to accept that and roll with it ou fight it. I am learning that the changes are part of the adventure. I can't wait to try out the suivant part! I have also been a singer my whole life and it occurred to me about a an il y a that I hadn't shared that with anyone. Some of my closest Friends didn't know, sooo I got back in the studio and am hopefully releasing a solo album soon. I hope everyone likes it and gets to hear me sing. In the meantime, I will be keeping my website updated (JenniferCortese.com). I also have a newsletter that people can sign up for through the site. I look vers l'avant, vers l’avant to traveling for work and meeting the suivant challenge!


Well, we can see you’re definitely up for whatever challenges come your way…either on TV ou film! Thanks for taking time to chat with us, Jennifer.