Grace and Frankie

"Grace and Frankie" is a comedy series that follows the lives of two women in their 70s, Grace Hanson (played by Jane Fonda) and Frankie Bergstein (played by Lily Tomlin), whose world is turned upside down when their husbands leave them for each other. Despite being complete opposites — Grace is elegant and proper, while Frankie is free-spirited and eccentric — they form an unlikely friendship as they navigate starting over in the modern world.

Trivia and behind-the-scenes facts:
1. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, who play the leads, have been longtime friends off-screen, bringing genuine chemistry and warmth to their roles.
2. The show was created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris; Kauffman is also known for co-creating the iconic series "Friends."
3. "Grace and Frankie" broke new ground as one of the first mainstream shows to centrally depict older women embracing new phases of life and sexuality, which was widely praised for representation.

Main Cast of Grace and Frankie

Fans of Jane Fonda will enjoy her role in the TV series 'Grace and Frankie' as it showcases her sharp wit, strong presence, and comedic timing, traits that have defined her illustrious career. Compared to her most iconic performance in 'Klute,' where she portrayed a nuanced and complex character grappling with vulnerability and strength, Fonda's role in 'Grace and Frankie' allows her to explore humor and resilience in a contemporary setting. An interesting detail about her character, Grace Hanson, is that the role was initially offered to another actress before Fonda was cast, bringing a fresh and authentic dynamic to the show that resonates with viewers of all ages.

Lily Tomlin stars as Frankie Bergstein in the TV series "Grace and Frankie," a role that showcases her comedic timing and depth in playing a free-spirited, eccentric woman navigating life's challenges alongside Jane Fonda's character. This role fits into Tomlin's extensive career, which includes iconic performances in sketch comedy and film, by highlighting her ability to blend humor with heartfelt drama in a long-form narrative. What makes her performance in "Grace and Frankie" stand out compared to her earlier work is its nuanced portrayal of aging, friendship, and resilience, providing a rich character arc rarely seen in her previous comedy-centric roles, thus broadening her repertoire and earning her critical acclaim for balancing wit and emotion.

Martin Sheen delivers a deeply nuanced performance as Robert Hanson in 'Grace and Frankie,' embodying the complex emotions of a man confronting unexpected life changes with grace and vulnerability. Unlike his intense and often authoritative roles in projects like 'The West Wing,' Sheen brings a more subdued and tender approach to Robert, showcasing his versatility as an actor. A trivia fact: Martin Sheen chose his stage name as a tribute to famed poet Archibald MacLeish (whose middle name was "Sheen"), distancing his identity from his given name, Ramón Estévez.

Sam Waterston delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Sol Bergstein in the TV series 'Grace and Frankie,' bringing a blend of warmth and complexity to the character. Unlike his authoritative and often morally grounded roles in shows like 'Law & Order,' his portrayal of Sol showcases his versatility by embracing a more comedic and vulnerable side. A trivia fact: Waterston's involvement in 'Grace and Frankie' reunited him with Martin Sheen, as they had previously worked together in 'The West Wing.'

June Diane Raphael delivers a notably dynamic performance as Brianna Hanson in 'Grace and Frankie,' where she brings a blend of comedic timing and heartfelt vulnerability to the role of Brianna, the ambitious and sometimes overzealous daughter navigating complex family dynamics. Compared to her other roles, such as the sarcastic and witty Shauna in 'I Love You, Man' and the driven Lilah in 'Band Aid,' Raphael's portrayal of Brianna allows her to explore a deeper emotional range while maintaining her trademark humor. A trivia fact: June Diane Raphael is not only an actress but also a skilled writer, having co-authored the screenplay for the comedy film 'Band Aid.'

Ethan Embry joined the cast of the acclaimed TV series 'Grace and Frankie' in its later seasons, bringing a fresh dynamic to the ensemble with his portrayal of a complex and nuanced character. His performance was well-received by both critics and fans, who praised his ability to blend humor and emotional depth seamlessly, adding a new layer to the show's rich narrative. What made Embry's contribution unique was his knack for delivering subtle comedic timing, which complemented the show's signature witty banter while also exploring deeper themes of personal growth and relationships. A lesser-known fact about his time on set is that Embry and the cast often improvised certain scenes, which led to some of the series' most memorable moments, reflecting the collaborative and organic nature of the production.

Crew of Grace and Frankie