Minnie Driver on what fans can expect in About a Boy.
Minnie Driver and the cast of NBC's About a Boy are doing a pretty good job of "pulling off" their new prime-time TV series.
Adapting a book (which later became a movie starring Hugh Grant) into a weekly show poses its own set of challenges. But so far it wouldn't seem that way since About a Boy is faring well in the ratings.
"I feel so confident in the writers...The actors are so amazing. Any time you touch on material that is previously well-loved you run a bit of a risk. But I think we are pulling it off and I think we will continue to do that because the writing's so good," Driver said during a visit to CBS News.
Based on Nick Hornby's 1998 best-selling coming-of-age novel, the series stars David Walton as musician Will Freeman, who thanks to writing a hit song, is happily unemployed and enjoying those royalty checks. But his world is turned upside down when a single mom, played by Driver, moves next door with her 11-year-old son, Marcus (Benjamin Stockham).
"I know people like her," Driver said about her character, Fiona. "Their self-righteousness is funny to me. But I love what a good heart she has and that she is a wonderful mother even though hilariously overprotective."
At 44, Driver says the roles she's offered continue to transform as she gets older. Being a mom in real life and playing one on TV is just one example. "I'm happy that the parts are evolving with me," she said. "There aren't as many parts for women -- ever. That particular glass ceiling has yet to be smashed through, but there is definitely work and there are definitely women, particularly in television, who are really changing all of that that...Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Connie Britton, Julianna Margulies. These roles are out there. You just gotta get them."
Watch the video for more from Minnie, including her reflections on some of her most memorable movie roles!