It’s not every day six of television’s funniest women gather to bare their souls, and a bit more, on camera. But that’s exactly what went down at The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Comedy Actress Emmy Roundtable. This year’s lineup featured Kristen Bell, Hannah Einbinder, Kathryn Hahn, Natasha Lyonne, Jessica Williams, and Michelle Williams, and the conversation was anything but tame.
From career comparisons to nudity on screen, the women dove headfirst into what it really means to perform comedy in a world where authenticity is often filtered and frozen into viral memes. And yes — the eggplant emoji made an appearance.
Kristen Bell on Staying in Her Own Lane
Kristen Bell kicked off the roundtable by reflecting on her own inner critic, especially when measuring herself against fellow roundtable guest Michelle Williams.
“My husband told me, ‘Stop trying to drive in other people’s lanes. You’re not going to be Michelle Williams, but you have your own lane on the highway, and you can speed in it,’” Bell shared. “But let me make this clear: I still want to be Michelle. I just also like being Kristen.”
Hannah Einbinder Embraces the Naked Truth
Hannah Einbinder, who’s received acclaim for her role on Hacks, opened up about baring it all this season.
“I did more nudity this season than I ever have, and honestly, it was liberating,” she said. “It made me feel better in my body and comfortable in my own skin.”
Einbinder even joked about warning her parents not to tune in. “But other than that, it’s cool. I think it’s important for women in comedy to have the freedom to be expressive and bold.”
Kathryn Hahn Keeps It Real at Home
Kathryn Hahn, a seasoned pro when it comes to onscreen intimacy, shared her experience navigating fame and family life.
“I’ve been nude in a lot of stuff. Thank you so much for your applause!” she quipped. “But at home, I’m just Mom. We don’t really talk about my work.”
She recalled her son walking out of a party where Step Brothers was playing. “He just turned and left. And I totally get it!”
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Natasha Lyonne on the Internet’s Long Memory
Natasha Lyonne addressed how the digital age has added new stakes to the idea of being vulnerable onscreen.
“There’s this weird thing now with websites that freeze-frame everything, and suddenly one boob here or there exists forever,” she said. “It really makes you think about what you’re putting out there — and what that means for your privacy.”
Jessica Williams Talks Representation in Comedy
Jessica Williams spoke candidly about the challenges facing Black actresses in the comedy world.
“The disparity for fully Black actresses compared to mixed-race actresses is real, and the industry often pits us against each other,” Williams explained. “That’s why I make sure my life is full — because we’re not there yet. There’s still a lot of work to do.”
Michelle Williams on Generational Shifts
Michelle Williams reflected on how her daughter, Matilda, responded to her podcast project Dying for Sex.
“She said, ‘I’m glad it didn’t come out while I was in high school!’” Williams laughed. “But she just gets it in a way that feels natural. Her generation didn’t have to fight as hard to be expressive or messy.”
Watch the Full Conversation
Whether it was heartfelt family moments or cheeky nods to onscreen disrobing, the actresses made it clear that comedy, much like life, is best when it’s unfiltered.
Catch the full conversation on Off Script with The Hollywood Reporter, premiering Friday, June 6 on IFC and streaming on AMC+.
