Lizzy Caplan, celebrated for her roles in Mean Girls, Masters of Sex, and Fleishman Is in Trouble, has captivated audiences not only with her acting prowess but also with her evolving image. This article explores the various facets of Caplan's career and personal life, focusing on her transformations and the secrets that contribute to her success, both on and off-screen.
From Teen Comedy to Acclaimed Drama
Caplan's journey in Hollywood began with a memorable role in Mean Girls, where she portrayed the artsy outsider Janis. This early success led to a casting in the CBS sitcom The Class, which, despite initial high hopes, was canceled midway through its first season. Caplan reflects on this early disappointment as a valuable lesson, teaching her resilience and gratitude.
Following The Class, Caplan gained a cult following through her work in Freaks and Geeks and Party Down. She then transitioned from comedy to drama with her critically acclaimed role in Showtime's Masters of Sex, alongside Michael Sheen, where they portrayed pioneering sexuality researchers.
Fleishman Is in Trouble: A Resonating Role
Caplan's role in Hulu's miniseries Fleishman Is in Trouble, adapted from Taffy Brodesser-Akner's novel, has placed her at the center of contemporary discussions. The series stars Jesse Eisenberg as Toby Fleishman, a doctor navigating a difficult divorce, and Claire Danes as his workaholic ex-wife Rachel. Caplan plays Libby, one of Toby's school friends with whom he reconnects.
The show has been praised for its depiction of midlife malaise, resonating with many viewers. Caplan notes the outpouring of connection she's experienced, stating, "It’s been the greatest joy of this show - the amount of people who have reached out to me…Based on these conversations that I’ve had with friends, it’s made a lot of us feel less alone in these thoughts."
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Growing up in Los Angeles, Caplan was drawn to films and television shows that tackled "adult questions," such as The Big Chill and Thirtysomething. She says that these types of stories inspired her to become an actress and explore the complexities of adulthood.
Identifying with Libby: A Character Close to Home
Despite Libby's seemingly settled life with a good marriage, children, financial stability, and community, she grapples with a sense of discontent, questioning how she transitioned from an ambitious young journalist to a suburban mother. Caplan, now 40, married British actor Tom Riley in 2017 and had their first child, Alfie, in 2021. She credits her recent life changes with shielding her from the full force of Libby's discontent.
Caplan says of Libby: "I identified with her more than any other character I ever played." She notes eerie similarities between them, such as being Jewish, taking "that Israel trip" as teenagers, and maintaining close friendships from that time. She also identifies with the challenges of being a working mother, as Alfie was just three-and-a-half months old during the filming of Fleishman Is in Trouble. "Obviously I think most women of this age can identify with trying to figure out where they fit in their professional worlds," she says. "Even though I didn’t feel stifled, I can fully identify - as I think we all can - with mourning the loss of youth."
The Radical Relatability of Fleishman
Fleishman is radical in its exploration of a woman's restlessness without relying on a romantic plotline. Libby's discontent stems from a deeper sense of loss of self, rather than a desire for something more. Divorce is not presented as a solution, and the friendship between Libby and Toby remains platonic, defying audience expectations. "So many of my closest friends are men, and there’s never been even a whiff of romantic entanglement. We’re conditioned as audiences to expect that, but it doesn’t really reflect real life," says Caplan.
Through Libby, the show portrays the simmering discontent that ultimately leads to Rachel Fleishman's dramatic breakdown. Caplan notes, "We’re used to seeing men’s stories; we can handle the more subtle version of a man’s midlife crisis - the Libby version - but when we see a woman’s midlife crisis, it usually resembles Rachel Fleishman’s: the big, huge, explosion…The idea that you could fit both into one story so effectively is just another thing that impresses me about Taffy."
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The series highlights the importance of female friendships, even though the characters of Libby and Rachel have limited screen time together. Caplan hopes that they remain in touch, emphasizing the unique understanding women can share. "There’s a very unique version of heartbreak when your friends disappoint you," she agrees.
Redefining "Guy's Girl"
Caplan reflects on her younger self, who defined herself as a "guy's girl." "That felt like a superpower, and I look back now and it was the opposite. Your superpower is your relationship with other women." She acknowledges that it can take time to realize this, especially in male-dominated professions. "Especially if your profession is more of a man’s world, it feels like you’re sidestepping the patriarchy if you’re one of the boys…But that’s just not it, unfortunately."
Fleishman critiques the superficial approach to feminism that has become prevalent in recent years. Caplan pushed for the inclusion of Libby's line about the "The future is female" T-shirt slogan, calling it as meaningful as "Free beer tomorrow." "It’s such a heartbreaking truth: you wouldn’t be allowed to say that in front of all the boys if it were true…We’re all buying the T-shirt, which is placating us, and not actually solving the problem."
The Imperfection of Humanity
The series emphasizes the imperfections of all its characters. "They’re all a mess," says Caplan. "They’re all projecting their own stuff on to each other the entire time, even though I think they believe they are helping each other." This imperfection is what makes the characters relatable and the story so compelling.
Friendship emerges as a crucial lifeline in the characters' lives. "These relationships couldn’t be more important in their lives, and I feel that way: I’m married, and I have a child and my friendships are right beneath that," she says with emphasis. "It’s how we survive."
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Finding Balance and Fulfillment
Caplan has found a sense of balance and reward in her personal and professional life. She embraces motherhood and has begun writing her own projects with her husband, Tom Riley, including a film currently in development. "I just feel a sense of calm that eluded me for my entire youth."
Jesse Plemons' Physical Transformations
While Caplan's transformations have been more about evolving roles and personal growth, her colleagues have also undergone notable physical changes for their roles. Audiences may have noticed how Jesse Plemons has also undergone a dramatic physical change over the years, looking noticeably more chiselled in his recent roles including Zero Day.
The star has also lost and gained weight to match his various on-screen alter-egos. He previously piled on the pounds for his 2015 mobster character Kevin Weeks in Black Mass with the star carrying this physique over to his Fargo role and then shedding some of it.