'Unbreakable' Ellie Kemper heads to Netflix
Only in the mind of Tina Fey does a woman who escapes an Indiana doomsday cult become the lead character in a fish-out-of-water comedy.
Written with her 30 Rock co-creator Robert Carlock and originally slated for NBC, Netflix's new Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt follows the ever-optimistic Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) as she starts anew in New York City, moving in with an aspiring actor (Tituss Burgess) and landing a job with a wealthy Manhattanite (Jane Krakowski, both 30 Rock alums).
Before its launch on Netflix Friday (3:01 a.m. ET/12:01 a.m. PT), USA TODAY caught up with Kemper (The Office, Bridesmaids) to chat about the show:
Q: What are some characteristics you share with Kimmy?
A:I would say we're similar in that both of us have a quick temper. Kimmy is quick to object to any social injustice or unfairness she sees unfolding before her, and I, for better or worse, also have a quick temper. But I would hope that I also have a similar upbeat, sunny outlook, because I think that's just a helpful way to look at the world.
Q: After living in an underground bunker for so long, Kimmy isclever and crafty in strange ways. How would you say you're resourceful, in terms of something you can do better than others or a hidden talent?
A:I learned at a young age that I was unnaturally talented at fixing toilets. I don't come from a plumber family, but the toilet I shared in my childhood bathroom with my brother and sister was always broken, and I always fixed it! I don't know how, but I'm an asset in any toilet situation.
Q: When she wants to think positive, Kimmy jumps in place with her arms in the air, repeating, "I'm not really here!" How do you stay positive or cheer yourself up on a bad day?
A:I love exercise. That sounds really simplistic, but it's such a good release for me. It can just clear your mind and change your perspective on something. Instead of saying, "I'm not really here" and that denial aspect of it, exercise really helps me cope with stress. I love running, and I'm a huge fan of SoulCycle.
Q: What are some things that tick you off or make you lose your cool?
A: I don't like it when people don't follow the rules, because then it's just chaos. Especially in New York City, where there has to be an order to things because there's so many people. Like subway etiquette. I don't usually speak out about subway etiquette because I don't want to get into a fight, but I'm quick to give a disapproving look if, you know, I see man-spreading or someone's whole back against the pole or when people don't let the passengers off. It sounds neurotic, but the rules are there for a reason! And if everyone followed them, it'd be a perfect subway ride.
Q: If you met someone that just arrived in New York today, where would be the first place you'd tell them to go?
A:Levain Bakery (on the Upper West Side). It was one of Oprah's favorite things a few years ago, and I used to live across the street from Levain and I never thought twice about going there. I don't know, I just never went there. And then one day, I happened to have their chocolate chip walnut cookie, and it is absolutely extraordinary and I can't recommend it highly enough. You won't see Oprah there, but you will have her approval, and that's all anyone craves!
Q: What's one piece of advice you would give someone that's new to the city?
A:Don't make eye contact with anyone for more than four seconds, unless it's like a family member or a friend. Walking down the street, on the subway — you can look at someone and take them in, but there's an understanding that it shouldn't last more than four seconds. That's my own philosophy.
Q: Working as a nanny for Jacqueline's (Krakowski) kids is Kimmy's first real job. Where was your first job?
A: My first job was working at St. Louis Frozen Custard Factory, which is a frozen custard store in St. Louis. I actually loved it, because I love ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, and I had unlimited access to it. Strangely, I was undeterred seeing how the "sausage" was made. Frozen custard, there's a lot of chemicals in it! But that did not dissuade me, I still enjoy it just as much.
Q: Do you recommend binge-watching Kimmy or spacing out episodes a bit?
A: I think it can be consumed either way, but everyone has different tastes — not unlike frozen custard. I think you can have a taste at a time or watch it all this weekend, and you'd be satisfied either way.
Q: What was the last TV show you binged on?
A: I binge-watched Transparent, which I loved. That was a great show and I watched it all in two days. And I guess it's not binge-watching, but I watched three episodes of The Fall two nights ago and one last night. Ooh, it's creepy!
Q: Before Netflix picked up Kimmy, you shot most of the first season assuming this would be on NBC. Now that Netflix has ordered Season 2, what's one thing you would like to see Kimmy do with no network restrictions?
A:Maybe just like, five minutes of uncensored swearing. Really just her flying into a blind rage, saying words you or I hadn't even heard of! That could be very cathartic.