Ali Larter on Family Life and New Role in “Landman”

Ali Larter is excited to head back to Idaho for some cherished family time.

In a recent chat, the 49-year-old actress shared insights about the second season of Paramount+’s “Landman” and reflected on the pivotal moment she and her husband, Hayes McArthur, decided to settle in Idaho after relocating there during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I started school in California for a couple of months, hoping that my kids’ school would reopen,” she recalled. “But that just didn’t happen. So, they were taught online, and thankfully, schools eventually opened up. We managed to get our 6-year-old daughter enrolled in kindergarten for the spring.”

“That was a major milestone for us. We really wanted her to connect with other kids and experience kindergarten. During that time, we met some amazing families through the school. We were living in town, skiing with the kids, and I mean, we spent a lot of quality time together as a family.”

After enjoying the last part of the school year in Idaho, Larter mentioned that returning to Los Angeles for the summer made them realize how demanding life in the city can be for an actor.

She described the audition process and the constant expectation for actors to attend various events. Despite her fondness for L.A. — she noted, “My heart will always be there” — she craved a lifestyle focused more on family.

“That wasn’t what we wanted. We just wanted to be with our kids,” she explained. “I think that was the biggest turning point. I came back from summer, decided to commit to this new path, and thought, ‘Let’s give it a shot and see what happens.’”

Currently, Larter is promoting the second season of “Landman,” where she portrays Angela, the ex-wife of Billy Bob Thornton’s character. Angela often features in visually striking outfits, including bikinis and fitted dresses.

When it comes to preparing for her role, Larter emphasizes the importance of “pre-work” — collaborating with a dialect coach, maintaining a workout routine, eating healthily, and ensuring she feels good physically. “Preparation leads to relaxation,” she stated.

“Since the first season, I’ve always needed a private space so I can have a moment to myself before it’s time to step into character. Even just five minutes helps me gather my thoughts and calm my nerves.” She added that this time is essential for embodying the vivaciousness of her character.

Previously, Larter opened up about her character through an Instagram post, where she shared a mirror selfie in a red bikini taken during filming. She mentioned in the caption her passion for playing characters who embrace their bodies and detailed her preparations for bikini scenes, including early workouts and healthy eating.

Despite the busy schedule with the show, the “Legally Blonde” star enjoys returning home to unwind with her children, looking forward to the simple joy of “picking them up,” as it allows her to connect with them at the start and end of the day.

While she is excited about the press tour, she yearns for the cozy comforts of home, enjoying music, sitting by the fire, and the beauty of snow. “Family dinners are important to us. I love cooking at home. We’re entering my favorite season — the holidays — and it’s all about warm meals and gatherings,” she expressed. “The kitchen is my sanctuary.”