Juno Temple, the talented actress known for her roles in “Ted Lasso” and “Horns,” takes on a new challenge as she leads the fifth season of the hit series “Fargo.” In an interview with Variety, Temple opens up about her character, Dorothy “Dot” Lyon, and discusses the emotional journey she went through portraying a domestic violence survivor.
Finding Balance: From Housewife to Tiger
Temple’s character, Dot, is a Minnesota housewife whose past catches up with her, forcing her to reveal her survivalist side. As she fights to avoid being kidnapped, she becomes known as the “tiger.” However, Temple reveals that what drew her to the character was not only her fierce nature but also her qualities as a mother. Dot’s true weapon, according to the show’s creator, Noah Hawley, is her kindness.
Embracing the Minnesota Accent
To fully embody the Minnesota housewife persona, Temple dove deep into the character’s accent. With the help of a dialect coach, she was able to capture the “Minnesota nice” and convey the heartwarming nature of the character. Temple explains that the accent plays a crucial role in shaping the character and adds a unique dimension to her performance.
Joining the ‘Fargo’ Family
Temple had seen previous seasons of “Fargo” and was thrilled when she got the opportunity to join the show. She was excited to work alongside the talented cast and was inspired by the brilliant performances of previous seasons. Temple acknowledges that stepping into the “Fargo” universe was a challenge, but one that made her a better actress.
Exploring Dot’s Backstory
One of the standout episodes of the fifth season is the puppet show episode, which delves into Dot’s past. Temple reveals that she had conversations with Noah Hawley, the show’s creator, early on to flesh out Dot’s backstory. While some elements of her past were not revealed in the show, Temple believes it’s important to respect the character’s privacy and keep certain details hidden.
Tackling Sensitive Subjects
Playing a character who has survived domestic abuse is a sensitive and challenging role. Temple acknowledges the importance of handling such subject matter with care and sensitivity. She shared that many people approached her on set to discuss their own experiences, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and supporting survivors. The production team took extra precautions to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Saying Farewell to Keeley in ‘Ted Lasso’
Temple also reflects on her time playing Keeley in “Ted Lasso” and admits that she didn’t have much time to say goodbye to the character before starting work on “Fargo.” Keeley was a joyous and complex character, and Temple cherishes the experience she had playing her. As for a potential spinoff, Temple expresses her love for working with her co-star Hannah Waddingham and would be open to reuniting with her in the future.
Looking Ahead to ‘Venom 3’
Currently filming “Venom 3,” Temple is excited about the creative process and the transformations that will take place on screen. She acknowledges that what is filmed may look different from the final product and is eager to see the result.
Juno Temple’s portrayal of Dot in “Fargo” showcases her talent and versatility as an actress. Her ability to balance the dark and comedic elements of the show while portraying a sensitive and complex character is truly impressive. As she continues to explore new roles, Temple remains an actress to watch.
Read the full interview on F5mag.com.