MELISSA PETERMAN - My Dream CAME TRUE

The Happy's Place actress talks about her new show, Reba McEntire and her exciting journey so far

- Susan Hornik

Melissa Peterman admits she was nervous meeting country star Reba McEntire on the set of their first sitcom together, Reba. “I didn’t meet her until the table read,” Melissa, 53, told Closer at the recent Television Critics Press Tour. “She made it feel so comfortable from day one and made sure we all knew we were here for the same reason — to have fun, make a good show, respect each other and be a little grateful for it! And in the 20-some years since, we’ve never really left each other. The show ended, and we’ve been friends ever since!”

Today, Melissa and Reba are back on television together with the new hit sitcom Happy’s Place. “We were waiting for another project so we could actually go to work together again in real life,” says Melissa.

What were you like growing up?

I grew up outside of Minneapolis. I was a theater major in college. As a kid, I loved to read. I loved watching The Carol Burnett Show and Saturday Night Live. I loved to watch the funny people. And then I kind of got into performing in junior high and high school. There was so much power in making people laugh.

Was your family supportive of your dreams of performing?

They were very supportive. Growing up in Minnesota, there was a protectiveness. I know they were afraid a little bit, but they loved me enough to let me try. I remember my parents took my rejections so personally! Like if I didn’t get an audition, or a job, my mother would be like, “Well, what’s the director’s name?! I’m going to call him!” Or I would tell them what the product [for a commercial audition] was, and she would say, “Well, I’m not going to buy that anymore!”

That’s so sweet!