An unexpected pair.
Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells team up in the HBO film *Miss You, Love You*, which tells the story of a grieving widow, Diane (Janney), who plans her husband’s funeral with the help of Jamie (Rannells), her son’s assistant.
Janney shared that the filming process was enjoyable, mainly because she appreciates a mix of comedy and drama. She mentioned that when you blend humor with serious emotions, that’s when it truly resonates. “It’s about embracing the pain.”
Written and directed by Jim Rash, who’s known from *Community*, this film navigates through both comedy and heartfelt moments. Diane often comes off as rude to Jamie, and they both realize how peculiar their circumstances are.
Diane finds herself distant from her son, a popular writer currently stuck abroad. Jamie, stepping in as her assistant, provides support as Diane grapples with her grief, leading to a budding friendship between the two.
Rash revealed that the inspiration for this story came from a personal experience he had at his father’s funeral eight years ago. He recalled how his sister brought her assistant, who was entirely unfamiliar with the family, into an emotionally charged environment filled with strangers. It was intriguing to him, witnessing that dynamic.
Inhabiting the role of Diane, Janney tapped into her feelings of anger and unresolved issues in relationships that didn’t meet her expectations. She expressed understanding of Diane’s need for connection and being recognized. “I’m not as difficult as Diane, but stepping into her shoes was a refreshing challenge.”
The filming wrapped up in a mere 17 days, according to Rannells. He mentioned they spent a lot of time together in a very confined space, which sparked a unique bond.
Rannells reflected, “We played well off each other; we knew when to give each other space.” He commended Janney’s comedic timing and recalled asking her about her famous role in *I, Tonya*. They even touched on her experiences in *The West Wing*, where she was gracious and supportive.
Interestingly, Rannells and Janney had crossed paths before while he was in Broadway’s *The Book of Mormon*. Janney noted how fortunate she felt to know him beforehand; otherwise, it might’ve been a little awkward. She quickly realized they would have a great time working together—both having roots in theater helped solidify their connection.
*Miss You, Love You* is set to premiere on Friday (May 29) at 8 PM on HBO and will also be available for streaming on HBO Max.
