I've become a little more unhinged by playing Helen

Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Mackey join filmmaker James L. Brooks to discuss his comeback movie, the political comedy-drama, Ella McCay.

- By LYNN RUSK

JAMIE Lee Curtis has been in the film and television industry for almost 50 years now.

Dubbed a "scream queen" thanks to her starring role in the Halloween horror movies, the 67-year-old finally took home her first Oscar in 2023 for her role in the absurdist comedy-drama Everything Everywhere All At Once, and last year she earned her first Emmy Award for her performance in hit TV series The Bear.

Now she is lending her talents to Ella McCay, a political comedy-drama written and directed by James L. Brooks - his first film in 15 years.

The film, which features Emma Mackey in the title role, follows an idealistic 34-year-old lieutenant governor who juggles her family and work life in a story about people you love and how to survive them.

It also stars Woody Harrelson as Eddie McCay, Ella's father; Spike Fearn as Casey, her brother; and Jack Lowden as Ryan Newell, her high school sweetheart turned husband.

Jamie Lee, who plays Ella's tenaciously loyal Aunt Helen, says she has long wanted to work with Brooks, who co-wrote and directed acclaimed movies like Broadcast News and As Good As It Gets.

"I've been waiting my whole life to play Helen McCay, waiting my whole life to get a letter from James Brooks," gushes Jamie Lee, who is the daughter of screen icons Janet Leigh and Tony Lee Curtis.

"I've been an actress since I was 19, I've done a lot of great work. I've had wonderful parts written for me by incredible directors and writers.

"But it's always about the writing, movies are only as good as the writing. I've been waiting my whole life for this kind of writing. Now, I get to play Helen McCay in a Jim Brooks movie. It's the thrill of my life."