Exclusive: Megan Ferguson on Alice’s Unscripted Journey and Challenging Larry David in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Season 10

For many actors, landing a role on HBO’s critically acclaimed comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm is the ultimate dream. The show, renowned for its unique improvisational style and Larry David’s curmudgeonly charm, offers a performance experience unlike any other in Hollywood. Actress Megan Ferguson is currently living that dream, starring as Alice, Larry’s fiercely independent and often exasperating new assistant, in the highly anticipated Season 10. Her portrayal of Alice has quickly become a standout, providing a formidable, modern foil to Larry’s anachronistic sensibilities.

Before stepping into the world of Larry David, Ferguson also captivated audiences as Gigi in Netflix’s musical drama Soundtrack, showcasing her versatile acting range. However, her journey to Curb Your Enthusiasm was a story in itself – a testament to persistence, raw talent, and an embrace of the unpredictable. HollywoodLife recently had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Megan Ferguson to delve into the fascinating, nerve-wracking, and ultimately rewarding path that led her to one of television’s most iconic sets. We explored the show’s distinctive audition process, the electrifying experience of improvising with Larry David, and the thrilling challenges of embodying a character designed to challenge the show’s legendary creator.

Megan offered a candid look into the demanding yet exhilarating environment on the Curb set, where the absence of a fixed script fosters boundless creativity but also demands actors to be constantly on their toes. She vividly described the experience as a “roller coaster,” an apt metaphor for the highs and unpredictable turns of unscripted comedy. Ferguson also offered tantalizing hints about what awaits Alice and Larry in the upcoming episodes, promising more friction and unexpected developments. Dive into our full Q&A below to discover more about her incredible journey and the magic behind Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The Unconventional and Intimidating ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Audition Process

HollywoodLife: How did your role on Curb Your Enthusiasm come about, considering the show’s legendary and often secretive casting process?
Megan Ferguson: It certainly didn’t just “fall into my lap,” that’s for sure! My path to Curb was actually quite a journey, beginning long before Season 10. I had initially auditioned for Season 9, and let me tell you, the audition process for this show is unlike anything else an actor will typically encounter. It’s incredibly intimidating because you’re given very little information upfront. You’re essentially just provided with a time slot, and the understanding that you’ll be improvising directly with Larry David himself, in front of the producers. There’s no script to memorize, no lines to rehearse. Instead, as you walk into the room, they hand you these tiny slips of paper. These little pieces of paper contain the barest bones of a scenario, something like, “You’re a waitress, and then you see Larry.” That’s your entire preparation. You step in, and Larry pretty much just starts the scene. It’s a true test of one’s ability to remain calm under pressure, a real exercise in avoiding a full-blown panic attack.

I distinctly remember auditioning for a part in Season 9 and not getting it. At the time, I thought, “Oh, I’ll never be cast on this show. This audition process is simply more than my body and nerves can handle.” So, when I received another audition request for the subsequent season, I actually had a moment of self-reflection, thinking, “Wow, I must be a real glutton for punishment if I’m going back to do this again.” Yet, I went, and ultimately, I ended up getting cast as Alice. Honestly, if you were to ask me how that second audition went immediately afterward, I would have confidently told you it was terrible. It felt messy, uncertain, and completely out of my control. But I think a lot of actors feel that way about their auditions, especially for a show like Curb. We, as performers, often want to feel in complete control of the experience, to deliver a polished, predictable performance. However, that’s not necessarily what the team at Curb Your Enthusiasm is looking for. They’re seeking a very specific quality and an authentic, uninhibited energy that sometimes manifests when you’re truly out of your comfort zone. What an actor might perceive as a “bad” audition—unrehearsed, raw, slightly chaotic—might be precisely the genuine, reactive spontaneity they’re searching for. And in my case, apparently, that’s exactly what they wanted!

Alice’s Immediate Impact and Challenging Larry David’s Worldview

HollywoodLife: From her very first appearance, Alice has clearly started shaking things up for Larry. Can you talk about that dynamic?
Megan Ferguson: What makes Curb Your Enthusiasm so incredibly deft and brilliant is how it navigates and satirizes contemporary cultural hot topics. The show expertly places Larry in situations where he is, of course, utterly wrong and often hilariously out of touch. Yet, the writing and the improvisational nature of the scenes allow viewers to almost understand where he’s coming from, even if they vehemently disagree with him. You get a glimpse into why he might be befuddled by things like people wanting to explain their tattoos or why he struggles to grasp the nuances and significance of movements like “Me Too.” The show doesn’t shy away from these sensitive subjects; instead, it handles them with such comedic precision and sharp wit, which is precisely why it remains so incredibly funny and relevant.

My character, Alice, steps into this world as a direct challenge to Larry’s often-dated and self-serving perspectives. It’s been absolutely fantastic to play a character who can genuinely push back against him. In my real life, I consider myself very much in the “smash the patriarchy” camp, so having a character like Alice, who embodies that spirit and directly confronts Larry’s patriarchal tendencies, was incredibly fun and empowering. She’s not afraid to call him out, to question his motives, and to force him to confront the uncomfortable realities of modern social etiquette. Alice isn’t just an assistant; she’s a mirror reflecting Larry’s own absurdities back at him, often with a deadpan delivery that makes the comedy even sharper. This dynamic creates some truly iconic and memorable moments in Season 10, highlighting the generational and ideological clash in a way that is both thought-provoking and hilariously uncomfortable.

The Thrill and Terror of Improv on the ‘Curb’ Set

HollywoodLife: Given the show’s reputation, is there a significant amount of improvisation on set? How does that feel as an actor?
Megan Ferguson: “Significant” is an understatement; there’s essentially no traditional script whatsoever. The production team provides an outline, a loose framework that establishes where a scene needs to begin and where it ultimately needs to conclude. However, within those parameters, there are absolutely no pre-written lines. This approach is simultaneously one of the most exciting and terrifying aspects of working on Curb Your Enthusiasm. It’s a complete immersion into the moment, requiring actors to be fully present, reactive, and quick-witted. Every word, every reaction, every comedic beat is born organically in real-time. This level of creative freedom is intoxicating, but it also means there’s no safety net.

I’ve often likened the experience to being on a roller coaster. You either love roller coasters or you don’t. I’m one of those people who claims not to like them because of the sheer terror, but then I inevitably find myself getting back on them, drawn by the adrenaline and the thrill of the ride. Working on Curb evokes that exact same feeling. There’s that initial rush of fear, the anxiety of stepping into an unknown scenario with no prepared dialogue. But then, as the scene unfolds and you find your rhythm with Larry and the other actors, it becomes an exhilarating journey of discovery. You’re building the scene, the dialogue, and the humor right there, in front of the cameras. It demands a level of spontaneity and trust in your fellow performers that is rare in television production. It’s a high-wire act, but when it works, and it almost always does on this show, the comedic payoff is immense, and the feeling of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Working Alongside the Master of Observational Comedy: Larry David

HollywoodLife: What has it truly been like working alongside Larry David? His comedy is so incredibly specific and distinctive.
Megan Ferguson: Working with Larry David is an experience that’s truly in a league of its own. His comedic genius is indeed very specific, deeply rooted in observational humor and a unique perspective on societal norms and pet peeves. Fortunately, I was already a huge fan of his work and the show, so I was quite familiar with the comedic world we were stepping into. This familiarity certainly helped, as I understood the tone, the rhythm, and the particular brand of awkwardness that defines Curb Your Enthusiasm.

A significant part of what made the experience so smooth and rewarding was the incredible guidance from executive producer Jeff Schaffer. He’s been an integral part of the Curb family for what feels like “405 years,” and along with Larry and the rest of the core team, they have this incredible shorthand with each other. For someone new stepping onto a set like that, it could easily feel intimidating, like you’re an outsider looking in on a well-oiled machine with its own secret language. But Jeff was truly lovely in ensuring I felt welcomed and informed. He took the time to explain the “lay of the land”—how they work, the typical number of takes they might do for a particular “shape” or comedic beat they’re trying to achieve, and the overall flow of their unique production style. He kept me consistently informed, which significantly helped in alleviating any feelings of being an outsider and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the creative process without unnecessary anxiety.

Larry himself was equally fantastic to work with. He has an undeniable passion for comedy and an immense love for the show he created. What truly stood out was his deep respect for other performers. He actively encourages you to bring your own unique contributions to the scene, valuing the improvisation and the fresh perspectives that new actors can offer. There’s a wonderful sense of collaboration, despite the intense, unscripted nature of the work. Everyone on the show, from the cast to the crew, operates with a high degree of mutual respect, fostering an environment where creativity can truly flourish. It was a wonderful experience, a masterclass in comedic performance, and a testament to the collaborative spirit that makes Curb Your Enthusiasm such a timeless and brilliant series.

Alice’s Expanding Universe: Beyond Larry’s Orbit

HollywoodLife: Most of Alice’s scenes have been directly with Larry, establishing their unique dynamic. Will we see Alice cross paths with other main characters or enter different storylines over the course of the season?
Megan Ferguson: Ah, that’s a tricky one because I don’t want to get into any trouble by giving away too many spoilers for the rest of the season! The show is so expertly crafted to deliver surprises, and I wouldn’t want to ruin that for anyone. However, I can certainly hint that Alice’s journey doesn’t solely revolve around Larry’s immediate orbit. While their interactions form the core of her storyline, she does indeed cross paths with someone else, stepping into a different character’s universe, which opens up new and interesting comedic possibilities. Viewers should definitely keep an eye out for those moments, as they provide even more depth and hilarity to Alice’s presence in the Curb Your Enthusiasm world. Let’s just say Larry isn’t the only one she’ll be interacting with or, perhaps, subtly (or not so subtly) challenging as the season progresses. Her influence, and the unique brand of modern sensibility she brings, will be felt in unexpected corners of the show’s ensemble.

Conclusion: A Dream Role on a Legendary Show

Megan Ferguson’s portrayal of Alice in Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 10 has quickly become a highlight for fans, offering a fresh and relevant dynamic to the show’s enduring appeal. Her journey from the intimidating, unscripted audition to confidently improvising alongside Larry David underscores her talent and resilience. Ferguson’s ability to embody a character who can genuinely challenge Larry, particularly on contemporary social issues, demonstrates the show’s ongoing brilliance in satirical commentary.

The unique production environment, characterized by its “no script” philosophy, may be a terrifying prospect for many actors, but for Ferguson, it has proven to be an exhilarating “roller coaster” ride, yielding authentic and often hysterical performances. With the guidance of veterans like Jeff Schaffer and the collaborative spirit fostered by Larry David, Ferguson has seamlessly integrated into the iconic cast, bringing her distinctive energy to every scene. As Alice’s storyline promises to expand beyond Larry’s immediate circle, audiences can anticipate even more memorable moments from Megan Ferguson, solidifying her role as a vital and vibrant addition to one of television’s most beloved comedies. Don’t miss her continued performance in Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 10.