With a sleek bob, big sunglasses and impeccable style, J. Smith-Cameron‘s appearance on “Elsbeth” might look a little familiar to viewers, and especially so to fashion fans.
Smith-Cameron revealed that it was none other than former Vogue editor Anna Wintour who was the inspiration behind her character, saying she “thought it might be fun.”
How Anna Wintour Inspired J. Smith-Cameron
“It was my idea,” Smith-Cameron revealed to Us Weekly.
“I was like, ‘What if I’m not trying to be Anna Wintour but this woman is trying to be like Anna Wintour? That’s her hero and she’s going to try to emulate her.”
Smith-Cameron delved into the detailed thought process behind her character. “She is hiding behind a mask. I thought that might be fun,” she said.
“I just went online and bought an inexpensive wig that was pageboy bob-style, and it looked OK in my head. So I used that. And I didn’t try to be English exactly. I wanted to sound like someone who’s trying to sound a bit English.”
GettyHowever, Smith-Cameron’s tribute is done with love, having previously met Wintour at a fashion show.
“She had her sunglasses on, and her reputation precedes her,” she shared, adding, “But she was very personable. She was lovely.”
“This isn’t my impression of her. It is just someone who’s obsessed with her, which I could relate to. Everyone I know is somewhat fascinated by Anna Wintour because she’s a very, very fascinating person.”
“Succession” Actor Joins Impressive List Of “Elsbeth” Guest Stars
GettySmith-Cameron, who previously appeared on “Succession” and “Rectify,” will be appearing on “Elsbeth” on Thursday, April 3.
“This is the kind of show where you do get some backstory. It’s a funny show because it’s a murder mystery show in a way. But it’s a fun and lighthearted take on it,” Smith-Cameron explained.
“I just had fun with that. The characters on ‘Elsbeth’ are going through very extreme times. You can relate to them and the way it’s written and handled.”
“Elsbeth” premiered in 2024, starring Carrie Preston as a “brilliant but unconventional attorney” who “utilizes her unique point of view to corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD,” per the CBS synopsis.
The character of Elsbeth Tascioni first appeared in “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight.”
“I have always been very cognizant of the fact that Elsbeth had only existed as a flavor, and now [with her own show] she was the full meal,” Preston said in an interview with Hello!.
Each episode features a high-profile guest star, previously starring Nathan Lane, Vanessa Williams, Keegan-Michael Key, and Matthew Broderick, among others.
“It’s been really wonderful for me to work with people that I have admired in my life that I never thought I would get the opportunity to work with,” Preston said.
