The Handmaid’s Tale premiered in 2017and stars Elisabeth Moss in the leading role as June, who is living in the dystopia of Gilead, a totalitarian society that has formed on what was previously the United States. The series was a huge success when it premiered, and we are currently awaiting the 5th season. According to Deadline, the upcoming fifth season may be the last of the Hulu series.
The Handmaid’s Tale was adapted from Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, but considering the socio-political issues it tackles, it could have very well been released today. The series features a strong cast who have delivered excellent performances every season. Here are 7 interesting facts you may not know about the cast.
7 Yvonne Strahovski’s First Language Was Polish
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Yvonne Strahovski plays Serena so well that it often comes as a surprise when fans hear her speaking in her Australian accent. The actress was born in Marouba, Sydney, and appears to have a mastery for accents. It may also come as a surprise to learn that her first language is Polish, further demonstrating her mastery of accents and languages.
6 Elisabeth Moss Has Appeared on Broadway
Elisabeth Moss plays the leading role as June in The Handmaid’s Tale, one which she has received a lot of acclaim for. Many may not know that during her time working on Mad Men, the actress doubled her work when she also appeared on Broadway in the 20th-anniversary edition of Speed-the-Plow, in which she portrayed Karen. She then returned to Broadway in 2015, playing Heidi Holland in The Heidi Chronicles, which earned her a Tony Award nomination. She also appeared in the West End in London as Martha Dobie in The Children’s Hour.
5 Alexis Bledel Wanted to be an Architect
Alexis Bledel plays Dr. Emily Malek, but she did not always have her sights on acting. At one point, she had dreams of becoming an architect. She reflected that the dream didn’t last for very long and was more in tune with the younger version of herself, and she quickly realized she wouldn’t enjoy the high level of math that was involved.
4 Madeline Brewer Can Sing
Madeline Brewer is a hugely talented actor and excels as Janine, however, she is also classically trained in musical theater and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She was able to showcase this talent in The Ultimate Playlist of Noise, particularly on the original song “Where I’m Going.”
3 Yvonne Strahovski Was Cast in Chuck Just Days After Coming to America
Yvonne Strahovski made her American acting debut in Chuck, however, not a lot of people know the backstory behind her obtaining this role. She actually sent NBC clips of her work in Australia, including her work in the comedy fantasy series Double the First as well as in the soap opera Headland. They had already viewed this portfolio on her arrival as, just three days later, she landed the part of Sarah Walker, for which many know her as today.
2 Elisabeth Moss Has Worked as a Producer
As well as being a very successful actress, Moss also has several credits as a producer under her belt, which includes production credits on The Handmaid’s Tale. She has shared the importance of producing to her, stating how it allows her to be more involved in the industry in a position through which she can express her voice. She also has production credits on Her Smell, Light from Light, and Ballet Now.
1 Joseph Fiennes Was Offered the Lead Role in The Pianist
Joseph Fiennes plays one of the many villains of the show, Commander Fred Waterford. No stranger to working in film, he was offered the main role in the Roman Polanski-directed The Pianist. However, Fiennes was already committed to other projects at the time, which he did not want to end his involvement with, so the role ultimately went to Adrien Brody, who ended up winning an Oscar for his performance.
