During a recent event, veteran actress Andie MacDowell, 66, shared her feelings about the development of her character, Del Landry, in the popular series "The Way Home." She discussed the challenges and emotions that arose when a younger version of her character was introduced for the third season. MacDowell expressed both concern and relief over the portrayal of her character's past and her involvement in shaping this new narrative.

Navigating the Past: Embracing a Younger Version of Del

MacDowell faced unexpected challenges as the storyline expanded to include a younger version of her character. The introduction of Julia Tomasone, who portrays the teenage Del, brought up complex emotions for MacDowell. Initially, she found the process unsettling, as it delved deeply into her character's history, revealing aspects previously unknown to her. Despite these concerns, MacDowell acknowledged Tomasone's skillful performance and appreciated the opportunity to provide input on the character's development.

The inclusion of Del's past meant revisiting and reimagining key moments in her life. MacDowell felt a strong connection to her character and was initially wary of how these youthful experiences would be portrayed. However, she took an active role in ensuring that young Del remained true to the essence of the character she had built over time. Through discussions with the writers and producers, MacDowell managed to influence certain aspects of the storyline, particularly addressing concerns about young Del appearing overly privileged and disconnected from her rural roots. This collaborative effort ultimately led to a more authentic representation of her character's background.

Shaping the Future: Advising the Next Generation

As the story evolved, MacDowell also focused on guiding Tomasone in her portrayal of young Del. Recognizing the importance of consistency in character development, MacDowell advised Tomasone to pay close attention to the nuances she had established for Del's voice and mannerisms. She emphasized the significance of listening to the show and understanding the choices made for Del's accent and tone, which were crucial in maintaining the character's authenticity across different time periods.

MacDowell explained that she had carefully crafted distinct vocal characteristics for Del in both her younger and older years. For instance, she softened her voice for scenes set in the 1990s, while adopting a rougher, more weathered tone for present-day Del, reflecting the hardships she endured. This deliberate approach ensured that audiences could believe in the transformation of the character over time. By sharing these insights with Tomasone, MacDowell aimed to help her capture the essence of Del accurately. Ultimately, this mentorship not only enriched the portrayal of young Del but also strengthened the overall narrative of "The Way Home."