The actress reflects on her career and prepares for new challenges in sports drama and television
Category: Arts & Culture
After 26 years in the entertainment industry, Michelle Monaghan is set to expand her repertoire with a series of exciting new roles, including a lead character in an upcoming Netflix sports drama and a part in the third season of the popular series *Friends and Neighbors*. Monaghan, known for her versatility, recently captivated audiences with her performance as Jaclyn Lemon in HBO's award-winning series *The White Lotus*, filmed in Thailand.
Monaghan’s career has been marked by a wide array of characters, from her early work in *Young Americans* (2000) to her more recent roles in critically acclaimed productions. She expressed enthusiasm about her upcoming projects, particularly her role as a high school hockey coach, which she described as a fulfilling experience that resonates with her personal background.
“I’m really excited. I’m a high school hockey coach and it’s a drama set in a town in northern Minnesota,” Monaghan said. “I felt very connected to this story, in the sense that I’m a huge sports fan, but also I’m from Iowa and hockey was a big part of my upbringing.” This untitled Netflix series, created by Nick Naveda and executive-produced by Bridget Bedard, centers on the fictional town of South Dorothy, South Dakota, where Monaghan plays Harper Sullivan, a widow trying to revive the local hockey team after a tragic incident.
Monaghan’s preparation for the role included learning how to ice skate for the first time at age 50. “I learned the game of hockey. I learned all about coaching, I learned to ice skate for the first time at fifty, which is amazing,” she shared. “I had a really wonderful experience, getting to kind of be a coach and also taking on that leadership role, which was kind of very fun for me.” She emphasized the importance of mentorship, noting how working with younger actors was fulfilling for her, especially after being guided by mentors throughout her own career.
In addition to her new role, Monaghan’s recent portrayal of Jaclyn Lemon in *The White Lotus* has kept her in the spotlight. The actress described her character as “a very fun, colorful and vivacious woman” who draws attention wherever she goes. She praised the show’s creator, Mike White, for his collaborative approach and ability to understand the actors’ processes. “Collaborating with Mike—he’s just a genius,” Monaghan remarked, adding that the experience of filming in Thailand was both special and challenging due to the local mosquitoes.
Monaghan’s reflections on her character reveal a complexity that resonates with viewers. “It’s interesting because people are very vocal about her,” she said. “I don’t think that she was being malicious. I think that she’s very impulsive and someone who, though appearing to be very happy, is actually a little lonely.” This depth of character is a hallmark of White’s writing, which Monaghan appreciates for its multi-dimensional portrayal of people.
Looking ahead, Monaghan is also set to appear in the third season of *Friends and Neighbors*, where she will join the fictional town of Westmont Village as Tessa. “I’m very excited about the project,” she said. “I’m a huge fan of the show. I adore the cast and they’re all incredibly talented and kind.” Details about her character remain under wraps, but her excitement suggests a promising addition to the series.
Beyond her television work, Monaghan has fond memories of her earlier projects, including her role in the romantic comedy *Made of Honor*, where she filmed in the picturesque Isle of Skye in Scotland. “It was so wonderful. I just had an absolute blast with Patrick [Dempsey] and Kevin McKidd,” she recalled. “We really got to go to a castle and shoot, and it was absolutely beautiful.” Such experiences have shaped her career and enriched her professional life.
Monaghan also highlighted her partnership with Natrol, a brand known for its drug-free sleep aids. “I was very excited to team up with Natrol because, as my husband would say, sleeping is my superpower,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of quality sleep, particularly as a busy mother and actress who travels frequently. “It really allows my body to work in a very efficient way to get all the things done I need during the day,” she added.
As she prepares for these new challenges, Monaghan reflects on her career with gratitude and enthusiasm. “I really love a woman named Diane Ford [in *Trucker* (2008)],” she said, reminiscing about her past roles. “She was a lady trucker, and I learned how to drive an 18-wheeler… I loved learning about the culture of trucking.” She also expressed a desire to revisit her character Harmony Faith Lane from *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang* (2005), whom she described as “very sassy, fun and quick-witted.”
With a diverse portfolio and a commitment to exploring new characters, Michelle Monaghan continues to captivate audiences. Fans can look forward to her upcoming projects, including the Netflix hockey drama, which is set to release in 2027, and her role in *Friends and Neighbors*, which promises to showcase her range as an actress.
As Monaghan gears up for these new endeavors, her dedication to her craft and her passion for storytelling remain evident. She is not just an actress but a storyteller who brings depth and authenticity to every role she embraces. The upcoming projects signal an exciting chapter in her career, and audiences will undoubtedly be eager to see what she brings to the screen next.