Behind the Scenes at TODAY: Celebrity Insights and Highlights

In a vibrant showcase of celebrity culture, TODAY.com highlights recent interviews with prominent actors and performers during the bustling summer season at Studio 1A. This season kicked off with a host of notable figures, including Christina Hendricks, Mamie Gummer, and Gerard Butler, who shared insights into their latest projects and personal experiences in a series of engaging conversations.

Mamie Gummer, known for her work in the new Prime Video series "We Were Liars," discussed the intricate themes of wealth and family trauma, which are central to the show. "It's sort of a dismantling of that kind of aspirational wealth and about the inherited trauma that comes with inherited wealth, specifically," Gummer explained during her interview on June 14, 2025. With her mother, the acclaimed Meryl Streep, as an early influence, Gummer reflected on how family dynamics often resurface in her roles. The series, based on E. Lockhart's bestselling novel, delves into a wealthy family's secrets, mirroring the current cultural fascination with the hidden costs of affluence, akin to HBO's "Succession."

Greg Kinnear also made an appearance to promote his new series "Smoke," which launches on Apple TV+ on June 27, 2025. In this crime thriller, he plays a fire chief navigating a perilous situation involving arsonists in a small town. Kinnear reminisced about his first film role in "Sabrina" and humorously lamented the romantic misdirection of his character. "I definitely think they should have ended up together," he quipped.

Gerard Butler returned to the role of Stoick the Vast in the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film "How to Train Your Dragon," which premiered on June 13, 2025. Butler emphasized the emotional depth and visual richness that the live-action format brings to the story, stating, "It felt like people who knew the animated, who love the animated, I think we were all richly confident that they would go inside, and within five minutes, they’re not thinking about the animated movie."

Christina Hendricks, who appeared in the romantic historical series "The Buccaneers," showcased a dress she designed for a collaboration with Joanie Clothing, expressing how it felt like a dream come true to wear her own creation on such a prominent platform. Hendricks' character, Patti St. George, faces personal turmoil as the series explores themes of love, ambition, and the societal pressures of the 1870s.

These interviews not only provide a glimpse into the lives and careers of these celebrities but also reflect broader cultural narratives surrounding wealth, familial relationships, and the evolving landscape of entertainment. As summer progresses, the conversations at TODAY continue to resonate with audiences, bridging the gap between celebrity and viewer in an ever-connected digital age.

In summary, the behind-the-scenes interactions at TODAY shed light on the dynamic interplay of personal experiences and professional endeavors that define the entertainment industry today. With upcoming projects promising further exploration of these themes, audiences can expect a season rich with insights and engaging stories from their favorite stars.