EXCLUSIVE: Katy Mixon Brings Authenticity (and Laughs) to TV With 'American Housewife'

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“She is quite authentic and she is living in an inauthentic
world,” Katy Mixon tells ET about Katie Otto, the average wife and mother
living in Westport, Connecticut, that she plays on the quirky new ABC sitcom American Housewife. Originally titled The Second Fattest Housewife in Westport,
the series sees Katie dealing with the pressures of trying to be the perfect
housewife -- all the way down to her waist size. “It is about meeting yourself
where you are right now and realizing there is no one else like you in the
world. Not looking to the left or the right and just being kind to yourself.”

As for the new title, Mixon says it makes the show “so
relatable, no matter what gender you are, no matter what background you are.
Everybody deals with insecurities. That is humanity and it is about knowing how
to get through it and come out on the other side.”

ABC

The actress is a prime example of that self-assuredness.
Despite seeing her weight fluctuate publicly on TV, Mixon has never felt the
pressures of Hollywood to maintain a certain size. “I literally have never let
the media dictate my identity,” she says. “I have been so unbelievably blessed
whether I am a size two or a size 14 to be able to work to do what I love to
do.”

As for when she feels her best, Mixon says it’s when she has
her big hoop earrings on and big hair, binge-watching shows recorded on her DVR
with her fiancé and dog. “That is my favorite time.”

American Housewife, which premieres Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET, sees Mixon stepping into her first leading role, making her one ET’s breakout stars of the new fall season. After a few bit roles in films like Four Christmases and The Informers, Mixon garnered attention for her hilarious, supporting turns as April on HBO’s Eastbound & Down with Danny McBride and, most notably, as Victoria opposite Melissa McCarthy on Mike & Molly. The latter, which ran for six seasons on CBS, ended on May 16.

“Any time you are given the opportunity to do what you love to do creatively and for a living is just the biggest gift in the world,” Mixon says. “I could not be more grateful.”