Actress Busy Philipps is known for her roles in such productions as Freaks and Geeks, Dawson’s Creek, Cougar Town, Girls5eva, and White Chicks. She also had a late-night talk show, a podcast, and published a book—among many other endeavors.
Recently, Philipps was back in Scottsdale, where she grew up, giving a talk at Chaparral High School, the same school she graduated from.
Here, we caught up with her to ask about acting, Scottsdale, and more.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
Oh, I wanted to be an actor since I was a little kid. I think I was in third grade the first time the idea crossed my mind and then more seriously by the time I got to high school I definitely felt that it was what I would do with my life.
You've played so many memorable characters. Which role has shaped you the most as an actor?
I'm not sure what role has shaped me most as an actor. I feel very lucky that I've been able to work with so many incredible actors, directors, and writers that I've learned from over the years. I think it's always a process of learning to be honest with yourself as a performer. Since I started so young in the business as an actor, I've obviously changed a lot and grown a lot over the years and at this point feel very grateful to have been involved in so many projects that have meant so much to so many people.
Do you have a favorite role or episode from throughout your career?
I don't have a favorite anything to be honest with you. I really loved doing Girls5eva and definitely wish we could've done at least one more season of that show all together. If you haven't seen it, you can watch all three seasons on Netflix, and I highly recommend it!
Playing Summer and doing that show was a real highlight of my career.
What kinds of roles excite you most these days?
Oh, I don't know. I'm just trying to get through Monday right now!
Has there ever been a role you turned down that you later regretted doing so?
No, there hasn't been. I'm just a big believer in that we all have our own unique talents, and I got the parts that I was meant to get and have done the jobs that I was supposed to do.
Dream role?
I don't know. Maybe I'm ready to enter my action phase.
You are very open about motherhood. How do you balance being a mom and having a demanding career?
I don't know. How does anyone do it?
My kids are older now, so that makes it easier in some ways and more difficult in others. I was very lucky when they were young that while I was working full time on Cougar Town and other television shows, I was able to have a full-time nanny. That was helpful when the kids were babies, but you know now, I try to prioritize time with my family when I'm not working and try to be really aware of the other things that I'm saying yes to—like different charity organizations or activism roles that I participate in. It’s important to be realistic just in terms of how much free time I have.
Favorite part of motherhood?
Watching my kids come into their own and become their own unique people has been very fun and a part that I have enjoyed a lot.
I don't know if I can say that I have one favorite part of motherhood—there are so many different parts that I have feelings about.
Least favorite part?
Oh, I don't know. It depends on the day and what is happening. I don't love feeling like I’m missing out on stuff when I’m working.
On another note, you grew up in Scottsdale. You were recently back to and gave a talk at Chaparral High School. What was it like to be back at the school?
Well, it was very surreal, and it was so much fun to talk to the high school theater kids and hear what they wanted to know about the industry and working. They were all so bright and engaged. Obviously, it's been a minute since I graduated, but it weirdly didn't feel that different to be back there, and in fact, I worked at the California Pizza Kitchen on Gold Dust when I was a junior and senior in high school. I ate CPK for dinner that night and just felt like I was right back in high school.
Any favorite places around Scottsdale?
Well, like I said, I love CPK still, and we always go to Ajo Al's when I'm back visiting my parents, my niece and nephew, and my sister and her husband.
Do you visit often?
I probably get to Arizona once or twice a year. We always come for Christmas.
This is our Women’s Issue—are there any women in your life, either personally or professionally, who inspired you?
For sure, I have so many women who inspire me in my life personally and professionally. Tina Fey has been an incredible mentor and inspiration even long before we worked together, as just such a trailblazer and someone who I look up to professionally and personally. Caissie St. Onge, who is my producing partner that I do my talk show with for QVC+ (Busy This Week) and is my co-host of my podcast (Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best), is a huge inspiration to me, as well.
Are there any upcoming projects or roles you’re particularly excited about?
I’m taping the new season of my talk show for QVC+ and working on some new writing projects that I’m excited about!
Favorite movie (that you weren’t in)?
Last year, I loved Didi, A Real Pain, and Anora.
Favorite book?
I’m currently reading Ada Calhoun’s new novel Crush and loving it.
One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?
Well, one thing about me is that I am very much exactly who I am, and I do kind of put it all out there, so I actually think it might be hard to find something that you’d be surprised to learn about me!