She perfectly embodies the stereotype of the chic and casual Parisian woman in
Emily in Paris
.
However, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu was not expected to play the role of Sylvie Grateau in the Netflix series.
Indeed, the actress did not correspond to the profile initially planned for this character by the production team, as she reveals in an interview with the American magazine
Salon
.
“Sylvie was made for a much younger person,” she says in this interview published on December 21, 2022. It was during the very first castings, in the middle of a script reading session, that this remark was made to her. about his age.
"The casting director said, 'OK, you don't get the part, you're too old, but read it because there's something about Sylvie that you could totally do.'
So I played my role and when I read the scenes they gave me, I thought, "I know this person so well. It's ridiculous that I can't play her. But he was written for a 35, 40-year-old woman,” she recalls.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau in season 3 of the Netflix series “
Emily in Paris
”.
Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix 2022
Generations report
Shortly after, to her amazement, the 50-year-old finally got the contract.
"I didn't hear about it for a month and a half.
I thought, "OK, they picked someone younger."
Then there was a callback, and I was super surprised," continues Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, admitting that she doesn't know "how they went from being a 35-year-old to a woman over 50" in choosing her.
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau in season 3 of the Netflix series “
Emily in Paris
”.
Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix 2022
According to her, "they had to change a lot of things" in the script by hiring her, because a relationship between Emily and someone 15 or 20 years older than her would have been very different from that which the American has. with Sylvie in the final version.
“The rivalry between me and her is totally different.
There is a generational relationship.
It's about the fact that I'm afraid she'll steal my job because obviously she's younger.
There is also something maternal.
There is a connection to be seen also with witches in fairy tales, particularly in
Snow White
.
There's a bit of this "Is she prettier than me?" thing.
It was really present at the beginning of the series.
Now it has turned into something different,” she says.
In video: “Emily in Paris” unveils its season 3
“Getting old is not a problem”
A few lines later in this same interview, the journalist points out to Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu that she began her career "very young", but that she only obtained "this level of international recognition" today. only, at the age when, precisely, actresses over 40 often disappear from the screens.
“It's obviously very amusing, replies the actress.
I'm really happy.
But it's also a responsibility in a way because of my age and experience.
I think that if I am given this platform or this visibility, I have the responsibility in a certain way to convey the message that aging is not a problem, ”replies the interpreter of Sylvia in
Trois Hommes et un couffin
.
Before proclaiming an optimistic message to women her age who will read it: “You can achieve anything you want.
You're never dead until you're truly dead, so just keep doing what you love and have faith in what you love."
Read also“Don’t do too much to your face”: Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s advice to women who are aging
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau in season 3 of the Netflix series “
Emily in Paris
”.
Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix 2022
By reminding her that she is approaching the symbolic milestone of 60 years, the journalist then asks Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu how she apprehends this next chapter of her life.
“I never think of my life like that.
I never think of the decades or I never think of my age,” replies the Franco-Italian actress.
“A lot of times I don't even do anything for my birthday.
Not that I don't accept it, I give my age without problem.
I do not know why.
It doesn't really matter to me.
Does not matter to me.
I don't think about that at all."
And to conclude: “What I want is to work with fantastic roles like the ones I get, and more and more, which is great.
That's all."
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