In the series The Returned, Elizabeth Mitchell plays Margot, Juliette’s mother, who returns as one of the living dead. The role is not new to her; she has already played different kinds of roles in films such as Vacancy and Revolutionary Road. In this interview, she talks about the shooting of the first scenes of The Returned and how they came up with the character of Margot. Elizabeth Mitchell as Margot Juliette’s mother – First Kill
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Character Background
Elizabeth Mitchell was born on October 4, 1967 in Houston, Texas. Her parents divorced when she was still young. Her mother left her and her sister to live with their grandparents who took care of them. Later she moved to Dallas to start a modeling career. This led her to become Miss Texas USA. She met Brandon Tartikoff and he became a producer for LOST (2005-2010). After years she quit being a model and went back to school where she studied acting in New York University and graduated in 1996. During that time Elizabeth starred in The Pretender (1996-2000) which led her to be nominated for best guest star at the Emmy Awards of 1998.
Mental Disorder
Elizabeth Mitchell is perhaps best known for her role on Lost as Mrs. Eloise Hawking, but she has also appeared in films such as Vantage Point and The Uninvited. On Criminal Minds Season 5 Episode 16 First Kill,
she played Margot, a woman suffering from Munchausen syndrome by proxy who almost kills her daughter (Juliette LeBlanc) to make it seem like her husband was abusing her. How did Elizabeth do? Let’s break it down
Acting Style
Elizabeth Mitchell’s talent and resume were perfectly suited for a role on The Vampire Diaries. She is more than capable of playing everything from doting mom to power-hungry psychopath. So what sets her apart from other actresses in similar roles? It might be her training or perhaps it’s ineffable qualities that can’t be explained. What we do know is that Elizabeth has shown a willingness to look at projects outside of her comfort zone. For example, she accepted a part in Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse even though it required an American accent and plenty of action sequences involving firearms.
Style Quotes
Margot is ruthless, calculating and cruel. She’s also a psychopath who has no qualms about murdering her own child in order to secure her role as head of The Armory. If we needed any more convincing that she’s capable of terrible things, there’s one other thing worth mentioning: In Hush — or at least in my screeners — she looks like an X-Men villain while she robs an ATM machine at gunpoint. We have seen absolutely zero footage from next week’s Yours, Mine and Ours finale (other than Allison Tolman’s brief reaction shot), but I feel pretty confident saying that I don’t think anyone will be happy with whatever happens to poor ol’ Margot.
The Actual Scene
I still remember when I first read it. It was late at night, and I couldn’t sleep. I usually do most of my reading during that time; whenever insomnia takes hold of me. It felt like a dream come true! And then to be able to act out one of my favorite scenes ever written? Who would have thought I’d get such an opportunity? Also getting to work with Elizabeth [Mitchell] is always a pleasure — she’s a fantastic actress and so great to work with. She brings so much passion and enthusiasm to everything she does that you can’t help but be infected by it all.
Final Verdict
Elizabeth Mitchell is a damn fine actress. And I’m not just saying that because she was Juliette’s mother on Lost. I’m saying it because she killed it on V and The Practice. But what really makes her a badass in my book is that time she played Mark Zuckerberg’s mom in The Social Network. It wasn’t a very big role, but it was an important one and she absolutely killed it as Randi (Mark Zuckerberg’s mom) in that movie. Do you need any more convincing? Fine: check out some of her other work too if you want to (I wouldn’t blame you). Also: read up on how Elizabeth doesn’t think Hollywood is ready for female superheroes yet – almost sad to hear there are still people like that out there…almost…
Where does Elizabeth Mitchell live?
Elizabeth Mitchell lives in California with her husband and three children. Elizabeth said she has been married for 23 years and they have 3 children, 2 daughters and a son. In 2008, their youngest daughter died at age 13 of an undiagnosed brain tumor. Their family continues to make regular donations to support research into pediatric brain tumors. They are also supporters of Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBT) named after their late daughter River Rose Founded by Caroline Heldman in 2002 CBT is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings families together to support research into pediatric brain tumors through partnership with top medical institutions such as The Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).
Does Elizabeth Mitchell have a daughter?
Elizabeth has one daughter named Lily. Elizabeth was pregnant with her daughter when she started filming Lost and ended up giving birth during a break in shooting. Her daughter is now 18 years old and is in college; but they still call each other every day. With that kind of relationship, it’s no wonder she wanted to be a part of The Walking Dead family!
