Odette Annable: I Can't Watch Myself on Screen
October 31, 2011
Odette Annable is a multi-talented lady, but we're about to find out if juggling is in her repertoire as the actress is set to star on two TV shows since her cult hit Breaking In was unexpectedly renewed by Fox mere weeks after she snagged a gig on House. And if that doesn't satiate your Odette obsession, she can also currently be seen on the big screen, starring alongside Richard Gere in The Double.
I caught up with the never busier actress to talk about all three gigs and discovered that she'll never actually see any of them.
Insider.com: What made you want to be a part of The Double?
Odette Annable: The script was thrilling -- the moment I read it, I knew I wanted to be a part of this film, no matter what it took. I've never been able to play such a domestic character. I was a wife with two children, which I thought played such an important part of the film. Obviously, there are so many twists and turns, but Natalie really grounds the movie and I thought it was so important to portray that sense of family.
Insider: Are you happy with the way it came together?
Odette: I actually haven't seen the film, because I'm really weird about watching myself. But the script was so special; I hope it gets out there.
Insider: Wait, you've never watched yourself on screen before?
Odette: Well, sometimes I'm forced to go to premieres, but I take a lot of strategic bathroom trips so I can purposely miss everything I do. It's nerve-wracking. I used to watch myself but I started getting way too critical about myself. Like, panic attacks. I just had to stop.
Insider: Well then, you should know, you were hilarious in You Again. That was the first time I realized how funny you were.
Odette: Thank you! I was really itching to do something funny and light – I had enough of crying and screaming [laughs]. I'm more lighthearted in real life, so I wanted to laugh at work. It was so great to work with that cast – I mean, Betty White? Are you kidding? And that's why I'm so glad Breaking In is coming back!
Insider: OK, we have to talk about that for a second -- what was crazier: getting canceled or getting brought back?
Odette: Oh, getting brought back, for sure. I was shocked that it got canceled – we all thought it would come back – but it was even more shocking to find out they were giving it another season. I couldn't believe it. I still don't. Until I'm on set shooting, it's just a dream, not a reality.
Insider: What are you hoping to see for Melanie this season?
Odette: I love that she's such a badass. This kind of "you can't break me" girl – but I would love to see more vulnerability. Everyone knows about her father and how much of a screw up he is, so clearly that tough shell has a lot inside. Is that why she's dating the douchebag of the year? That's one of the issues I hope we address.
Insider: So you're Team Cameron?
Odette: Um, yea. First of all, Michael Rosenbaum is a genius – he really has taken Dutch and made something very special. I love their relationship, but seeing more of that love triangle would be good. Melanie and Cameron might become a Jim and Pam situation -- which takes years and years to develop. She has a soft spot for Cameron even though he's like the gay best friend for now. She may develop feelings down the road.
Insider: You're currently working on House, will you film both shows at the same time?
Odette: Yes, I'll be doing both. It'll be interesting to say the least [laughs]. I don't know how it'll work out, but I know I will be able to do both. I will be without sleep for a long time, that's for sure -- but it's OK because I love these shows. I am pitching a storyline where Breaking In breaks in to House's office, then Melanie can take on Doctor Adams. I don't know if they're going to go for it, but that would be super fun. It is Fox on Fox, there's no reason not to!
Insider: What can House fans look forward to in tonight's episode?
Odette: Oh, I really love tonight's episode – you learn a little bit more about Adams and why she is the way she is. She's a really fascinating character, who has this great dynamic with both House and Park. I'm also excited for the audience to see the old team come back into play as well, which creates this old team versus new team thing. It's going to be very interesting to see the old characters, who know House's antics, watch these two newbies experience his craziness for the first time. It's crazy.
The Double is now playing in theaters, while House airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on Fox.
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