Woman’s Day has a really fun essay penned by Will & Grace star Megan Mullally in their October issue, on newsstands now. In the essay, she opens up on her career “in all its stages”, new friendships, her band, freedom in aging, and more.
ESSAY:
A few years ago, already in my 50s, I joked that I was going to become a professional dancer. Hilarious, right? Well, now I’m in a band—Nancy And Beth— in which I not only sing but also choreograph and perform dance routines with Stephanie Hunt, my bandmate. It’s a blast!
Even five years ago, I wouldn’t have guessed that I would be doing this, but it all evolved quite naturally. My motto has always been “What next?” You never know what opportunity is right around the corner. And, most important, it’s never too late.
LIFE AS A LATE BLOOMER
Out of necessity, I’ve developed a sense of patience over the years. I auditioned for (and was cast in) my first Broadway show when I was 34. I didn’t get my role in Will & Grace until I was almost 40. I met my husband, Nick Offerman, at 41. I finished filming my first lead role in a movie, opposite Bryan Cranston and James Franco, last year. And now, at 58, I’m starting to write, produce, and direct. I went back into Will & Grace. And I’m enjoying my new band with Stephanie, who is 30 years younger than I am.
NEW FRIENDSHIPS
The age difference between Stephanie and me has never been a problem. Age is just a construct in so many ways. We have an affinity for the same things, and when I’m around her, I feel relaxed and creative. If anything, we feel like contemporaries. Music is a great equalizer, age-wise.
Stephanie and I met in 2011 and immediately hit it off. We began playing music together and eventually started Nancy And Beth. The band is very important to me because it’s one of the only things I’ve been able to create with complete autonomy. My friendship with Stephanie, the total trust we have, and our seamless, carefree creative dynamic is so rare. The fact that audiences love what we’ve made gives me a lot of confidence.
FREEDOM AFTER 50
I’m more sure of myself now than I was 30 years ago. I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as “too old” to pursue the things that inspire me. In fact, you can do whatever you want to do for as long as you want to do it.
Around the time I turned 50, I stopped caring so much about what other people thought of me. There’s something powerful about not taking yourself too seriously. It shows in my work life and even in the way I dress and wear my hair. For many years, I was afraid to have a funky hairstyle or be perceived as too “different.” My mother’s way of dressing was very Nancy Reagan, but since junior high, I’ve always loved vintage clothing and unconventional style.
My real style, the way I feel best and most comfortable, is casual and boyish. After I turned 50, I cut my hair short and dyed it bright red. Now I’ve grown it out very long and kind of scrappy, because why not? I would say, Never play it too safe. Have fun and take chances! Follow your passions. You never know which band you might find yourself singing and dancing in when you’re 58 years old.
http://www.womansday.com/life/entertainment/a60017/megan-mullally-on-aging/