Rishika Shahi
In an exclusive interview, Laraine Newman, the legendary comedian and original cast member of Saturday Night Live, opened up about her concerns for her daughter, Hannah Einbinder, as she embarked on her acting career in the critically acclaimed series Hacks. Despite being proud of Hannah’s achievements, Newman expressed apprehension regarding her daughter’s lack of acting experience. This candid reflection highlights the challenges that come with stepping into the spotlight, especially for those following in famous parents’ footsteps.
A Mother’s Worry
The 72-year-old Saturday Night Live veteran disclosed to PEOPLE on Friday, September 27, that she was first concerned about her 29-year-old daughter starring in Hacks. Since then, the show has garnered nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
When asked how it feels to see Einbinder in a series that has been so successful, the happy mother replies to PEOPLE, “It’s exciting! Hannah has excelled and is one of the best people on the show. “She had no acting experience, and as a mother, I was worried,” said Newman. “But I didn’t need to be.”
She continued to enthuse, “Her instincts and delivery are superb. She even contributed jokes, which helped her land the position. Then, Newman related a brief incident from Einbinder’s early years that let her know her daughter was a gifted writer.
“I recall working on schoolwork with her; she would write these dull phrases, but then she would think of an amazing idea. “Why are you holding out on me?” would be my thought. “It’s exciting to watch her shine,” she continued.
The Emmy winner Bear
It is well known that Newman is fiercely protective of her daughter, and the Emmy Awards this year undoubtedly highlighted that. Liza Colón-Zayas of The Bear, who won the best supporting actress in a comedy series prize shortly after (Newman’s daughter was nominated for Hacks in the same category), made a brief but forceful comment on the inclusion of the FX series in this year’s comedy category.
“F—. THE. BEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” she post on X (formerly known as Twitter). She later deleted the post, replying to one fan, “I took it down. Not my best moment.” Instead, she replaced it with a post saying “I think The Bear is a great show but IMHO it’s not a comedy- not even a dark comedy.”
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