British actress Anna Friel enters the world of quintessential American country music in her new Fox show Monarch.
“I think my background in Irish folk music helped a lot,” Friel, 46, told the Post. “I come from a pretty musical family. The bigger challenge was learning how to turn the sound that came out of Ireland into a country sound. Learning accents made it sound more authentic. .”
Premiering on Sunday, September 11th at 8pm, “Monarch” is a pulpy drama about a family in a country music dynasty. As the story begins, Dottie Roman (Susan Sarandon), the matriarch and reigning queen of country and her music, is about to step out of the spotlight amid rumors that she is ill. Her husband Albie (Trace Adkins) is also a beloved country musician, as is her eldest daughter Nicolette “Nicky” Roman, whom Dottie groomed to step up and take her place. that’s right. But things get complicated when the industry seems unwilling to put Nicky in the spotlight and Nicky’s sister, Gigi (Beth Ditto), expresses her interest and her talent. Their brother, Luke (Joshua Sasse), runs his label Monarch, a stalwart on the corporate side of the clan’s empire, and is also related to Gigi’s wife Kayla (Megan Holder).
Friel, known for “Pushing Daisies,” “Land of the Lost,” “Limitless,” and “The Girlfriend Experience,” said there were some things in Nicki’s life that resonated with her.
“As a woman in her 40s, I juggle trying to be the best wife, the best mother, meet my parents’ expectations, maintain my appearance, and keep my head above the water when the competition is fierce. I think she’s a fighter, every time she gets knocked down she gets up again.”
But the sibling rivalry part is more difficult to understand, she said.
“I only have brothers in real life, no sisters. I like to think of women banding together and helping each other. I wasn’t quite sure what my views would be on some of the decisions, and the big argument with my sister was fun, because it’s not something that happens in real life. I must be mean to you!”
Growing up in England, Friel says country music has always been a part of his life.
“I think it’s becoming more popular in England. My dad used to play Willie Nelson all the time when we were growing up. I listened to Dolly a lot. [Parton] and Reba. Country music is a genre that can make you cry, dance, and laugh. It embodies so many emotions. I still rock country tunes in my house. Great driving music. I always wear this when I drive. “
Friel said the songs she performs on the show were really her voice and she turned to her TV dad for advice.
“Susan [Sarandon] It has always been my dream to work with her.and trace [Adkins] A great actor. The best way to learn is by asking questions. With so many people on set, from Little Big Town to Martina McBride, and being with the amazing Trace Adkins every day, they ask questions like, “Are you confident every time you go on stage?” I noticed that Do you ever get nervous? If it was a small audience, would you be worried?”
She said it also helped maintain her Southern accent.
“For the first three or four months on set, I also accented my make-up chair. The only time I used my British accent was when I got home,” she said. “I was honored to be given the role of a real American, and I wanted to do it justice.
