What did you know about the world of diplomats and ambassadors before this show?
Not so much, because it’s not a world we are supposed to know much about. I have learned that to be an ambassador is to give up any kind of normal life. These highly intelligent and brilliant people have to be able to work anywhere at any time. They speak multiple languages and have to be able to deal with all kinds of situations.
How do you cope with all the political jargon you have to speak as part of your role?
It’s tough. It’s a lot of diplomatic speech, but the language is a huge part of the show and the character. There are so many facts and figures, acronyms, complicated names and everything else. It’s a challenge to make it all sound like you know what you’re talking about. It’s also a challenge not to just start laughing. That happens a lot.
Is Kate based on anyone real in the diplomatic world?
I wouldn’t say it’s based on her, but I learned a lot from Jane Hartley, who is a real American ambassador working in London. I got to hang out with her, and to see how brilliant she is, and how people in her position really have to be so perfect at everything they do. It’s like everything is easy for them—the way they dress, remember everyone’s names, how they know exactly what to say and what not to about whatever world issue is raised. Kate is a version of that, but of course it is behind the scenes that all the chaos and the drama takes place, for Kate especially.
The Diplomat is shot in the UK. How do you enjoy that?
It’s a long way to come for someone who has three kids who are still at school. It’s a long time away, but I love it. We all love it. My husband (actor Matthew Rhys) is Welsh, so it’s great family time for us. We get to visit a lot of his family there.
You have been involved with some huge blockbuster movies and so many other popular TV projects. How does The Diplomat compare?
Oh, it’s up there. It’s so well written and the people I get to work with are just so talented and brilliant. I have been lucky to have been involved with some amazing projects, and then this one came right out of the blue, when I was least expecting it. I remember reading the script for the first time, and I knew I had to somehow do it. I’m so glad I did.
It’s almost 20 years since your Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise. What are your memories of being part of that franchise?
I just remember how much fun it was. My first day shooting was me jumping off an exploding building strapped to Tom Cruise (laughs). It was so weird. I was looking at JJ (director JJ Abrams), and he was laughing so hard. But, of course, Tom does all his own stunts, which meant I had to too. It was terrifying but fun.
You also reunited with JJ on ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’. Is he someone you like to work with?
I love JJ. I would do anything with him. I was so happy to be a part of Star Wars, and I would love to do something else with him one day. I’m hoping he’ll do a romantic comedy next (laughs).