Molly Bernard Reflects on ‘Younger’s Emotional Farewell: Lauren’s Lasting Legacy, Aspirational Queer Storytelling, and Her New Film ‘Milkwater’
After seven captivating seasons, the beloved TV Land and Paramount+ series, Younger, draws to a close with its highly anticipated series finale on June 10. Since its premiere in 2015, the show quickly captivated audiences worldwide, who fell in love with its dynamic ensemble cast, including Liza, Josh, Kelsey, Charles, Lauren, and Diana. In an era where series finales often dictate a show’s legacy, actress Molly Bernard, who masterfully portrayed the vibrant Lauren Heller, shared exclusively with HollywoodLife that Younger concludes in a profoundly satisfying manner.
The journey of Younger has been an extraordinary one, evolving from a clever premise about a woman faking her age to navigate the competitive New York publishing world, into a heartwarming and often hilarious exploration of friendship, ambition, and identity. The show has been celebrated for its sharp writing, intricate character development, and its fearless approach to contemporary themes. As fans brace themselves for the final chapter, Bernard’s assurances offer comfort and excitement for what promises to be a memorable conclusion.
The Emotional Conclusion of an Era: Molly Bernard on ‘Younger’s Perfect Landing
“People are going to love it. I cried when I read the script,” Molly Bernard revealed, reflecting on the finale. Her emotional response underscores the depth of the narrative and the powerful culmination of seven years of storytelling. “I saw the finale a few weeks ago and just was so proud of them, our writers’ room and Darren [Star]. It’s such a beautiful ending. They nailed the landing. I can say that.” This sentiment from a core cast member speaks volumes, promising a resolution that honors the characters and the intricate relationships built over the years. While the end of an era will undoubtedly leave fans with a tinge of sadness, Molly enthusiastically added that viewers will ultimately be “very happy” with how Younger wraps up its compelling storyline, suggesting a finale that provides closure and a fitting tribute to its beloved characters.
Lauren Heller: A Beacon of Confidence and Pansexual Representation
Molly’s character, Lauren Heller, burst onto the screen and immediately became a scene-stealer, evolving from a recurring guest role to an indispensable and beloved member of the main cast. Lauren’s unapologetic confidence, quick wit, and fierce loyalty quickly endeared her to viewers. Beyond the humor and vivacity, Lauren’s character played a pivotal role in Younger‘s commitment to exploring important societal issues. While the show famously tackled ageism, it also did an exceptional job of portraying sexual fluidity on screen, with Lauren openly identifying as pansexual and receiving unconditional acceptance from her family and friends. This aspect of her character was groundbreaking and resonated deeply with many viewers, making Lauren a truly impactful figure in contemporary television.
Molly Bernard shared her immense pride in portraying such a significant character. “It’s been incredibly important,” Molly told HollywoodLife. “It’s been a huge source of pride for me that my ethics and my politics match the art that I’ve been able to make.” She emphasized the privilege of bringing Lauren to life: “I feel so lucky to have played a queer woman on television, whose parents love and support her. She unconditionally loves herself. She has confidence. She is not struggling in her sexuality.” This portrayal stands in stark contrast to many traditional narratives that often depict queer characters grappling with their identity or facing rejection. Lauren’s journey offered a refreshing and empowering alternative, making her an aspirational figure for many. The show’s writers meticulously crafted Lauren’s story, allowing her sexuality to be an inherent part of her identity without defining her entirely.
Molly continued to elaborate on the critical importance of this approach, stating, “To that end, I feel it’s very aspirational. I think aspirational queer storytelling should be more of a thing. I think the writers have done an incredible job of portraying Lauren. Yes, she’s queer. Yes, she’s pan, but it’s kind of the least interesting thing about her.” This perspective highlights a crucial aspect of authentic representation: the normalization of queer people. By focusing on Lauren’s other qualities – her ambition, her friendships, her career – the show subtly integrated her pansexuality as just one facet of her rich, multifaceted personality. “The normalization of queer people. Let that be the last descriptor if it’s even on the character description breakdown or whatever at all,” Molly asserted. She recalled her initial character breakdown: “I think the breakdown when I played Laura was like fashion publicists and fiery. That was it. There was no queer.” While the showrunners always intended for Lauren to be pansexual, they strategically chose not to lead with that descriptor in the casting process. Molly believes this was an ethically significant decision. “I actually think, ethically, it’s really important to do that, that you don’t need to necessarily lead with someone’s sexuality. That’s actually very invasive and kind of dehumanizing.” This thoughtful approach ensured that Lauren’s character developed organically, allowing her pansexuality to emerge as an authentic expression of her identity rather than a primary defining trait, thus promoting a more inclusive and humanizing form of storytelling.
The Unforgettable Style of ‘Younger’ and Its Influence on Molly Bernard
Over its seven seasons, Younger garnered widespread acclaim not only for its compelling narratives and memorable characters but also for its unparalleled fashion. The show became a veritable style guide for many, with each character’s wardrobe meticulously curated to reflect their personality and professional aspirations within the glamorous world of New York publishing. Molly Bernard confessed that Lauren’s fierce and fabulous style profoundly influenced her own personal aesthetic. “Much to my bank accounts chagrin, Lauren has influenced me,” Molly quipped to HollywoodLife. “Lauren is my personal influencer.”
The show’s distinctive sartorial choices were the brainchild of an incredible creative team. Molly credited “Jackie Demeterio, our amazing costume designer, and Patricia Field, who was our consultant for a bunch of years” for shaping the iconic looks. Before joining the cast of Younger, Molly admitted she didn’t have a strong sense of personal style. “I feel like I went into Younger not really having a sense of style. I’ve left loving clothes and loving independent female designers but also a fan of Miu Miu.” The experience of embodying Lauren, with her bold and trend-setting outfits, opened Molly’s eyes to the transformative power of fashion. “I have had so much fun with the clothes and the ability to express myself via clothes and makeup and shoes and bags.” The show’s visual appeal was undeniably part of its charm, transporting viewers into a stylish, aspirational world. Molly perfectly summarized this aspect, noting, “Our show is definitely part fantasy in that way. The clothes those girls are wearing don’t fit their budget. Our show is edible visually.” This commitment to visual splendor, combined with insightful storytelling, solidified Younger’s place as a cultural touchstone.
Hopes for the Future: A ‘Younger’ Revival or Spinoff?
With the conclusion of Younger, fans are already speculating about the possibility of future iterations, be it a revival or a spinoff. Molly Bernard is unequivocally on board with the idea. When asked about revisiting the world of Younger, she expressed, “absolutely” down for it. “I will miss occupying that space,” Molly said, a sentiment that resonates deeply with actors who form strong bonds with their characters and castmates. “I will miss all my castmates, so I’m sure we’d all be down to do a little reunion at some point. It’d be so fun.” The enduring chemistry among the cast members was a cornerstone of the show’s success, and the prospect of seeing them reunite, whether for a limited series, a movie, or a spinoff focusing on one of the beloved characters, would undoubtedly excite the dedicated fanbase.
Beyond ‘Younger’: Exploring New Depths in ‘Milkwater’
While bidding farewell to Lauren Heller, Molly Bernard is also embarking on new creative ventures. In addition to her unforgettable role in Younger, Molly’s new film, Milkwater, is now available, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and an executive producer. In Milkwater, Molly delivers a powerful performance, delving into the complexities of millennial existence and the challenges of forming non-traditional families. “I play a pretty lost, flailing millennial. She’s really looking for answers and wants to figure it out,” Molly revealed about her character. “She’s struggling and meets this older gay guy who runs a drag bar. He’s a drag queen himself, and she pretty much offers to be a surrogate basically upon meeting him.” This impulsive decision forms the core of the film’s narrative, exploring themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the unconventional paths individuals take to find meaning and connection.
Molly views her character’s journey in Milkwater as a desperate attempt to find herself and mask her profound vulnerability. “I think she’s trying to use this experience as a way to find herself and cover her vulnerability or her boundarylessness,” she explained. The film’s narrative is incredibly relatable, touching on universal struggles: “I think everyone can relate to having a friend who is struggling.” However, Milkwater goes deeper, offering a unique and poignant exploration of specific challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. “I think the film is also really exceptional in that it covers how difficult it is to start a queer family. To begin that journey and how vulnerable it is to need a surrogate, whether you’re queer or cis people, and how hard it is to trust someone else and the process of literally carrying the child that they’re then going to give to you.” The film sheds light on the emotional and logistical complexities of surrogacy, emphasizing the profound trust required in such a deeply personal process. Molly expressed immense pride in the project, which was shot in a remarkable 21 days. “It’s such a complicated film, and we had such a great time making it. You never know with an indie what kind of life it’s going to have. I’m just so thrilled that the world gets to see it. I’m so proud of it.” Milkwater stands as a testament to Molly Bernard’s commitment to thoughtful, impactful storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences and sheds light on significant contemporary issues.