There are certain moments in a person’s career that feel bigger than an individual achievement. For Tal Anderson, earning an Emmy nomination for her role as Becca in The Pitt is one of those moments. It is not only recognition for her incredibly nuanced and powerful performance, but also a celebration of the importance of authentic storytelling and representation on screen.
Since 2015, The Pitt has spoke to audiences around the world because of its honest portrayal of real people dealing with real every day issues. Anderson’s portrayal of Becca has resonated with viewers because the character peels back the layers from the stereotypes that have too often defined neurodivergent characters in film and television.
Shortly after receiving her first Emmy nomination, Tal chatted with Awards Buzz’s Scott Menzel to discuss the emotional morning she had when learning about her nomination, what playing Becca has meant to her, the importance of disability representation, and what she hopes comes next in her career.
Scott Menzel: First of all, I am so excited to be here with Tal Anderson, who became an Emmy nominee this morning. I’m so incredibly happy for you. Thank you for using your voice for good and for change. What you’re doing is truly inspiring.
Tal Anderson: Thank you so much. I really appreciate all the support. It’s only one role, but I’m really grateful.
Scott Menzel: Big day for you. I can imagine you probably didn’t get much sleep last night, but you wake up this morning, you hear your name. Who was the first person who texted you? Who was the first person who called you?
Tal Anderson: I had a few people at the house this morning watching the announcement, but the first person to text me was my friend Dan from Florida, which was so nice. The first person to call me was my agent Katie McGrath from Arise Artists, who was on a three-way call with my manager Natalie Thomas at Vault.
Scott Menzel: Who was there celebrating with you in person?
Tal Anderson: My brother, my mom, my dad, and a few of my friends. Nicole, Demetra, and Harold were there too.
Scott Menzel: When we spoke a few months ago, you mentioned that Becca was the first time you personally felt seen on screen. With this nomination, do you feel like this is a step forward in allowing more accurate and diverse portrayals of people with disabilities, including autism?
Tal Anderson: Yes. Being seen in this role or feeling seen is more about the authenticity of how both Mel and Becca are written.
I think for a long time, we only saw neurodivergence on screen in more stereotypical forms, but with these two characters, we see two different kinds of neurodivergence portrayed very authentically.
That definitely means so much to me as an autistic woman, but I hope everyone in my community also sees this as a positive step in the right direction. I really hope recognition like this for portraying Becca, whose storyline shines a bright light on challenges disabled people have been battling forever, will help improve representation.
I hope it means we’ll start seeing a lot more stories on screen from disabled voices and that they’ll be shown honestly because I feel like that is what The Pitt does with every story. I think that’s why people love the show so much.
Scott Menzel: I agree. I think The Pitt has elevated a lot of conversations and brought awareness to things people may not have realized before. You’ve starred in several short films, you’ve appeared on television shows, but The Pitt feels like a real game changer for you as an actress. There are so many people in this industry who are struggling and waiting for their moment. What advice would you give them?
Tal Anderson: I’m not an expert, and I definitely don’t always understand how things work in Hollywood, but all I know is that working in this industry is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life.
I would act and make films even if there wasn’t a spotlight. So my advice would be that if you love it, just do it, but do it for yourself.
I think good things come to artists who are true to themselves. Just be yourself and embrace who you are.
Scott Menzel: That’s such a great message because I think a lot of people get into this business thinking about fame and fortune. But it takes a long time to get to that point. Doing it because you love it should always be the reward. Going off that, how has The Pitt changed how the industry views you as an actress? Are you noticing people acting differently toward you?
Tal Anderson: I don’t really know how to answer that because I’m not them, but I hope they see me for who I am regardless of what show I’m on or whether I’m nominated for an award or not.
But I understand what you’re asking. I think being on a show like The Pitt is a gift because more people will see me and what I can do. It’s such a great show with such a great team, and I’m learning so much from everyone. I hope they notice that too.
More people on the street recognize me, and that has been new for me, but also very exciting.
Scott Menzel: With the new season now underway and filming, everyone wants to know, have you been asked to come back? Is there more Becca in the future?
Tal Anderson: I haven’t because with a role like mine, it really doesn’t work that way. I won’t know if I’m in the new season until the writers write me into an episode. Fingers crossed. Also, I have no idea about the story, honestly, so we’ll have to see.
Scott Menzel: Last time we spoke, we talked a little bit about your writing. You’ve written books, short films, and a small TV series. Is writer Tal Anderson something you want to explore more? Would you want to write an episode of The Pitt someday?
Tal Anderson: Oh my gosh. I really don’t think that’s going to happen.
At most, I’d be honored if they asked me my opinion on something related to my character or autism, but they don’t really need me to write an episode. The writers on The Pitt are doing an amazing job.
Now, pitching my own show someday? Absolutely, because I have a million ideas in my head all the time.
Scott Menzel: Would you want to create a TV show or a movie?
Tal Anderson: That’s a really good question. I think I would like to do a show. I really love episodic television. I think it would be good because then you can focus on characters and really flesh them out.
Scott Menzel: You’ve also done editing in the past. Is that something you would want to pursue in addition to acting?
Tal Anderson: Probably not. I love to edit, and I do make my own films. I also use my editing skills pretty much every day, even for self-tape auditions, but I really consider myself an actor first.
Scott Menzel: The fan support for The Pitt has been incredible. Two of your co-stars, Brittany and Jeff, did their campaigns mostly on their own, self-submitted, and ended up getting nominated. What would you like to say to the fans who have supported not only the show but you as an actress?
Tal Anderson: Oh my gosh, they are both amazing, and I’m excited for them and everyone.
I’m also not surprised by the success because The Pitt fans are unbelievable. I’m so grateful for everyone watching this show. They’re just incredible.
I guess the power of the people should not ever be underestimated.
I see Tal Anderson’s nomination as being something far greater than an awards nomination. It is an example of what can be done when one puts love and honesty into the writing and performance of a character, and how that kind of authentic storytelling makes an impact. In Tal’s case it is about visibility and progress. Her being put forward for this honor is certainly a way to recognize her efforts as an actress, yet it is also a welcome advancement for the Autism community and others who have been waiting to see themselves on screen in a way that is true to life.
You want watch my full interview with Tal below:
