Molly Bernard on Lauren’s Big Season 5: Pansexuality, PR Firm & Empowering Queer Representation in ‘Younger’
Molly Bernard has consistently captivated audiences with her portrayal of Lauren Heller on the hit TV Land series, Younger. Lauren is a character who effortlessly combines wit, authenticity, and an undeniable zest for life, making her a fan favorite. As Younger embarked on its fifth season, Lauren’s storyline blossomed even further, delving deeper into her personal and professional life. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Molly Bernard to discuss the exciting developments for Lauren in Season 5, from her groundbreaking career move to her inspiring approach to sexuality, the intricacies of bringing such a vibrant character to life, and the broader impact of Younger.
Lauren Heller is more than just Kelsey Peters’ vivacious best friend; she’s a beacon of self-acceptance and ambition. Her character resonates deeply with viewers because of her unapologetic confidence and refreshingly honest perspective on life. She approaches every challenge and opportunity with an open mind, seeing endless possibilities in every direction. Beyond her dynamic personality and unwavering loyalty, Lauren stands out as a pansexual character whose comfort and confidence in her sexual fluidity serve as a powerful source of inspiration.
In our exclusive conversation, Molly Bernard emphasized the crucial importance of Lauren’s “healthy” sexuality, highlighting it as a form of representation that is profoundly “worth being seen.” Bernard also shared exciting details about Lauren’s entrepreneurial endeavors in Season 5, revealing that the character would be launching her very own PR firm. This season also promised compelling interactions with other beloved characters, further enriching Lauren’s narrative arc. Dive into the full interview below to discover more about Molly Bernard’s insights into Lauren’s evolution and the lasting impact of Younger.
Lauren’s Trailblazing Pansexuality: A Beacon of Healthy Representation
One of the most celebrated aspects of Lauren’s character, particularly in the later seasons, has been the prominent exploration of her sexuality. After her relationship with Ben, Lauren continues to embrace her open and expressive identity, without being solely defined by her romantic attachments. This nuanced portrayal is something both fans and Molly Bernard deeply appreciate.
Molly Bernard: “I love it, too, that it’s not a big deal on the show. I think that’s key to representation. She just is herself, and she’s fully accepted. That’s partially because of how she presents herself to the world. She loves herself unconditionally, and that is how others treat her.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the refreshing approach Younger takes with Lauren’s identity. Her pansexuality is simply a facet of who she is, presented without sensationalism or struggle, which is a powerful message in itself.
The impact of seeing authentic, healthy representation on television cannot be overstated. When viewers see their favorite characters confidently embracing their identities, it often empowers them to be more comfortable in their own skin. Molly frequently receives heartfelt messages from fans whose lives have been touched by Lauren’s journey.
Molly Bernard: “What’s special about Lauren is that she’s a queer person on television who is not struggling with her sexuality. It’s not like a sad gay story. And by that, I mean she’s not getting beat up, she’s not getting harassed, she’s not getting accosted. She’s a person, and she’s healthy in her sexuality, and I think that representation is worth being seen.” This highlights a critical distinction in LGBTQ+ narratives, moving beyond stories solely focused on trauma to depict joyful and integrated queer lives. “Fans reach out to me all the time about Lauren’s courage and strength and her bravery.”
Bernard shared a particularly moving anecdote: “A really interesting, young queer person, who’s a woman and a student, reached out to me and said, ‘You’re an inspiration to me in terms of who I am as a gay woman, but also an actress. The way you play Lauren inspires me so much. You play her fearlessly.’” This feedback is a testament to the profound influence Lauren has on the audience, and it deeply affects Molly, who admits that embodying Lauren’s unshakeable confidence isn’t always effortless for her. “It’s not always easy for me to play Lauren. I can be shy. I stumble over my words. I’m not nearly as confident as Lauren is, so someone seeing that I am making big, bold choices is so sweet. That’s my job. That’s all my years of training paid off.” The ability to inspire others by stepping into a character so different from herself underscores Molly Bernard’s talent and dedication.
From PR Assistant to CEO: Lauren’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Season 5 marks a significant turning point in Lauren Heller’s professional life as she embarks on the ambitious journey of starting her own Public Relations firm. This bold move is a testament to Lauren’s resilience and her unwavering belief in herself, even in the face of setbacks.
Molly Bernard: “It starts at the end of season 4 when Lauren gets fired. Kelsey moves her into Josh and Kelsey’s apartment, and it’s that moment when Lauren says, ‘I’m not going to leave here until I have enough contacts to start my own firm.’ She says that failure is not an option, and we see that in practice this season. She starts her own firm, and this season the firm is her partner. So it’s like there’s not much romance for Lauren this season, but we see her starting her own business. It’s so cool.”
This storyline beautifully illustrates Lauren’s proactive nature. Getting fired, which might be a devastating blow for many, becomes a catalyst for greater ambition for Lauren. It ignites a fierce determination to forge her own path, rather than seeing it as a defeat. Her declaration that “failure is not an option” is not just a catchphrase; it’s a guiding principle that drives her throughout Season 5 as she pours her energy and passion into building her empire. The idea of the firm becoming her “partner” also highlights a shift in focus, prioritizing her career and entrepreneurial spirit over romantic pursuits, a refreshing take on female ambition in television.
Bernard further elaborated on this aspect of Lauren’s character: “The thing about Lauren, too, is that when she was fired it wasn’t a tragedy. It made her want to work harder. She’s joyful in her pursuits, even when they’re filled with struggle. She’s so inspiring. We need more Lauren.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Lauren’s indomitable spirit. Her ability to find joy and motivation even when facing adversity makes her an incredibly aspirational character, particularly for young women navigating their own career paths. Her entrepreneurial spirit serves as a powerful message about turning setbacks into stepping stones and the importance of self-reliance.
Molly Bernard’s Immersion: The Challenge and Joy of Playing Lauren
Playing a character as vibrant and confident as Lauren Heller requires a unique level of dedication and immersion, something Molly Bernard articulated with both humor and profound insight. Her commitment to the role is so complete that it affects her ability to pursue other acting opportunities.
Molly Bernard: “It’s mind-blowing. It astonishes me, too, dude. It’s bizarre to me that I play her. I’m an actress and I cannot audition for other parts when I’m playing Lauren. I’m like handicapped. I can’t do it. I tried to go on a couple of auditions and do some self-tapes, and I had to reach out to my manager and agents and say Lauren requires such focus and so much of my brain. It’s so expensive to play this part, like, I can’t. I’m not able to play anybody else.”
This candid admission speaks volumes about the intensity of embodying Lauren. The character’s unique cadence, boundless energy, and unwavering self-assuredness demand a significant mental and emotional investment from Molly. It’s not just about memorizing lines; it’s about fully transforming into a different persona, which can be creatively exhausting but also incredibly rewarding. This level of immersion underscores the quality of Molly Bernard’s performance and her dedication to making Lauren feel utterly authentic.
“On set, I’m a different person. I just have to remove doubt. It’s taken 5 years to get there,” Bernard shared. This journey to fully inhabit Lauren highlights the growth and evolution Molly has experienced as an actress throughout the show’s run. It’s a testament to the collaborative environment on the Younger set that fosters such powerful performances. “It’s taken Nico’s help, Hilary’s help, Sutton’s help, Miriam’s help, Debbie, Darren… without their championship and cheerleading and love for me, I don’t think I’d feel as confident playing her.” The support system provided by her fellow cast members like Nico Tortorella (Josh), Hilary Duff (Kelsey), Sutton Foster (Liza), and the show’s creative team, including director Miriam Shor (Diana) and creator Darren Star, is evidently crucial to Molly’s ability to fearlessly portray Lauren. This mutual admiration and collaborative spirit are clearly foundational to the show’s overall success and the depth of its character portrayals.
Pushing Boundaries: Gender Queerness and Broader Impact
Lauren’s new PR firm not only showcases her business acumen but also provides a platform for Younger to continue its commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling. A significant moment in Season 5 involves Lauren hiring a gender-queer assistant, a groundbreaking step for mainstream television.
Molly Bernard: “With this new PR firm, you hire a gender-queer assistant [played by Jesse James Keitel]. That’s game-changing. Jesse’s only in one episode, but they really charmed all of us. It was such a joy to work with them.” This introduction of Jesse James Keitel’s character is a powerful statement, demonstrating Younger‘s willingness to embrace and normalize diverse identities. Keitel, a non-binary actor, brings authenticity to the role, further enhancing the show’s progressive messaging.
Bernard elaborated on the character’s approach to gender identity: “So Jesse has this very RuPaul thing, whereby Ru has this famous quote where she says, ‘You can call me he, you can call me she, I don’t care what you call me as long as you call me.’ So Jesse’s like, ‘Call me he, call me them, call me they, call me whatever you want, honey.’ It’s episode 5, Miriam directs it, and Lauren is schooling everyone on gender-queerness, and Jesse is a fantastic vehicle. Jesse plays a character named Tam, and Tam is the vehicle for which queerness is kind of explored in that episode.”
This storyline in episode 5 is particularly significant because it places Lauren, a beloved and confident character, in the role of educating others about gender queerness. This provides valuable exposure and understanding for a broad audience. It exemplifies how Younger subtly integrates important social lessons within its engaging narratives. “Our writers are so great. Our demographic is, of course, plenty of woke people and young women, but also plenty of women who need these lessons, too.” This reflects the show’s intelligent approach to its audience, catering to those already engaged in these conversations while also gently introducing and explaining complex topics to those who might be less familiar. By doing so, Younger solidifies its position as a show that is not only entertaining but also socially conscious and impactful.
The Enduring Appeal of ‘Younger’ and Future Interactions
The consistent success and recent renewal for a sixth season speak volumes about Younger‘s enduring appeal. Molly Bernard believes the secret lies in the show’s fundamental spirit and the dedicated individuals behind it.
Molly Bernard: “I will say it’s the spirit of the show. It starts with who’s making it. Darren is a feminist. He makes it with such tenacity. And we do, too. There’s Sutton, too. Her spirit is so generous and open. She’s leading us all.” Creator Darren Star’s feminist perspective and tenacity in storytelling, combined with the generous and leading spirit of lead actress Sutton Foster, create an environment that fosters authenticity and empowers its characters. This positive behind-the-scenes dynamic translates directly into the engaging and relatable content that viewers love.
For Molly Bernard herself, working on Younger has been an invaluable learning experience. “I’m a theater girl. I didn’t know how to be on TV, and this has been my education. What amazing training for the rest of my career. I’m the luckiest motherf**ker in the world.” This sentiment underscores not only the personal growth Bernard has experienced but also the show’s role as a significant professional stepping stone for its cast. It highlights the show’s reputation for fostering talent and providing a supportive environment for actors to thrive.
Fans are always eager to see Lauren interact with more characters, and Season 5 delivers on this front, promising some truly memorable encounters.
Molly Bernard: “Will we see Lauren get to interact more with other characters? Lauren and Diana meet. Just you wait. It is fun as sh*t. There’s much more interaction with Josh. There’s a really tender moment with Josh and Lauren. Josh seeks her counsel a little bit. We see Lauren morph into a different emotional place, and she gives some really great advice. It’s sweet.”
The anticipation around Lauren and Diana Trout’s meeting is palpable, as their contrasting personalities are bound to create comedic gold. Even more intriguing is the deeper interaction between Lauren and Josh. Their “tender moment” and Josh seeking Lauren’s counsel suggest a significant development in their friendship, allowing audiences to see a more emotionally nuanced side of Lauren. This demonstrates the show’s commitment to character development beyond primary relationships, enriching the interconnected world of Younger.
Lauren Heller’s journey in Younger Season 5 is a vibrant tapestry of ambition, self-acceptance, and groundbreaking representation. Molly Bernard’s dedicated portrayal brings this dynamic character to life, inspiring countless viewers with Lauren’s confidence, entrepreneurial spirit, and healthy approach to her sexuality. As the show continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and fostering a supportive environment both on and off-screen, it’s clear that the call for “more Lauren” is one that resonates deeply with audiences who cherish her unique blend of humor, honesty, and heart. Younger continues to be a powerful platform for relevant stories, and Lauren Heller remains at the forefront of its most impactful narratives.