Not your average Jewish mother: Lisa Edelstein on Hollywood, identity, and ‘Long Story Short'

Actress Lisa Edelstein discusses her Jewish identity, Hollywood career, and role in Netflix's animated series 'Long Story Short.' She recounts growing up in a Conservative Jewish home, confronting antisemitic stereotypes, and eventually embracing her heritage after meeting her husband. Edelstein also reflects on her early days in the New York club scene and the decision to keep her surname professionally.

Actress and artist Lisa Edelstein, known for playing Dr. Cuddy on 'House' and roles in 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce' and 'The Kominsky Method,' discusses her Jewish identity and her latest role as the matriarch in Netflix's animated series 'Long Story Short,' which follows three generations of a Jewish family. Edelstein grew up in a Conservative Jewish home in Wayne, New Jersey, where she experienced antisemitism and the sting of the Jewish American Princess stereotype. She drifted from tradition in young adulthood but re-embraced it after meeting her husband, creating a 'hip-hop Shabbat' and later 'Shabbat Dungeons & Dragons' for his sons. She also reflects on her early days in the New York club scene, where she went by 'Lisa E' before deciding to keep her surname professionally, feeling that changing it would mean letting 'Hitler would win.' The interview blends written and Zoom conversation, with Edelstein described as warm, funny, and thoughtful.