Julie Bowen is taking on a new role as Linda Campbell in Peacock’s Hysteria! series, a departure from her well-known character Claire Dunphy in Modern Family. Linda is a suburban matriarch in a sleepy Michigan town who begins to question her sanity when strange occurrences unfold. Is it the work of supernatural forces or just in her mind?
“I never want to escape Claire Dunphy, but I also wanted to try to do something different. And boy, is this different,” Bowen shares. “Linda’s sanity is on the line. That wasn’t something I’d done before.”
“We didn’t hire Julie to be Claire Dunphy,” adds co-creator Matthew Scott Kane. “Everyone that came onto the show, we used against type.”
Thankfully, Bowen is not influenced by demons as she talks to us about her stunts and experiences on the show.
Julie Bowen discusses her stunts and challenges in Hysteria!
Why do you think the ’80s are so nostalgic right now?
Julie Bowen: The limited technology of the ’80s allowed for powerful storytelling where misinformation could spread rapidly. It’s similar to what we see on the internet today.
What was it like immersing yourself in the retro time period?
Bowen: It was different, especially with the shoulder pads and hairspray. It was a fun experience, especially in a small Georgia town that felt like a time capsule.
Was it challenging to tackle the physical demands of your role?
Bowen: Surprisingly, the physical aspects were where I felt most confident. I was nicknamed ‘Sturdy’ on set, and I enjoyed the challenge of the physical scenes.
Any fun behind-the-scenes stories?
Bowen: I didn’t partake in much of the off-set shenanigans as I would fly home to be with my sons. Nolan North was a joy to work with and brought levity to tough scenes.
What was it like “cutting off” someone’s ear?
Bowen: It was a difficult task because of the realistic props and challenges with the glue. It was a reminder of the handmade elements in filmmaking.
All episodes of Hysteria! are now streaming on Peacock, with weekly airings on USA Network.