Actress Jackie Tohn expresses pride in her character Esther amidst mixed reactions to the show’s portrayal of Jewish women.
Jackie Tohn, known for her compelling performance in Netflix’s latest hit series Nobody Wants This, is embracing the complexity of her character despite some backlash. The show explores the unconventional interfaith relationship between “Hot Rabbi” Noah (Adam Brody) and podcaster Joanne (Kristen Bell), but it has faced criticism for its depiction of Jewish women, particularly through the lens of Tohn’s character, Esther.
Tohn, 44, a Jewish woman herself, shared her perspective in an interview with PEOPLE. “It doesn’t bother me because I see a lot of myself in her,” Tohn stated. “I don’t feel like she’s a caricature and I stand by the choices I made.” She acknowledged that while some viewers may find the portrayals problematic, she believes everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
The actress clarified that Esther’s intense loyalty and actions are rooted more in womanhood and relationships than in religious stereotypes. “This character, whether she’s Jewish or not, is going to act pissed when her brother-in-law is breaking up with his six-year girlfriend who is her best friend,” she explained. Tohn emphasized the necessity of heightened emotions in television storytelling, stating, “For conflict to exist, things need to be elevated; otherwise, there’s no narrative arc.”
Although Tohn admits she may not embody Esther’s intensity in real life, she finds resonance with her character. “I don’t go out in public and yell at people, but the underlying emotions of Esther reflect my own experiences and those of the women I grew up with,” she remarked. “We’re ticking the representation boxes, and while not everyone may agree with our portrayal, that’s okay.”
Nobody Wants This has experienced substantial success despite its controversies, which Tohn attributes to its positive representation of Judaism. “This show highlights Judaism in a lovely light,” she said, pointing to the presence of a “handsome, cool rabbi” and the storyline of a woman contemplating conversion for love. “I’m so proud to be Jewish and to be part of a show centered around our culture.”
Looking ahead, Tohn expressed excitement for potential character development in a second season, playfully suggesting that Esther’s family could be introduced, perhaps featuring a celebrity like Fran Drescher or Bette Midler as her mother. “It’s going to be crazy,” she teased, reflecting on the fan enthusiasm for the show’s continuation.
Related topics:
- Allison Holker Opens Up About Financial Challenges After Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ Death: “I Had to Step Up”
- Dylan O’Brien Reveals He Felt His Safety Concerns Were Overlooked Before ‘Life-Changing’ Maze Runner Accident
- Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva Dazzle at Zurich Film Festival for ‘Wisdom of Happiness’ Premiere