Disney+
Amy Schumer tells us why her new show was inspired by her own mother
As a stand-up comedian, actress, writer, director, executive producer and, most recently, a co-host of the Oscars, Amy Schumer is a woman of many talents. For her new comedy-drama, Life & Beth, she’s handling nearly all of these roles simultaneously – including playing the lead character.
Beth is a wine distributor who enjoys a thriving career and is in a loving relationship with her long-term boyfriend. However, her life soon goes in an unexpected direction…
‘I would say that Beth is very much living in what she thinks is the right way,’ says Amy. ‘She’s doing what she thinks looks cool on paper – and on Instagram! She’s just at that age where she’s being confronted with thoughts like, “Am I really living the life that
I want? Is this satisfying to me? Am I going to make choices to evolve, and actually try to aspire to happiness?”
‘In the fourth episode, there’s a moment where Beth throws her knee-length boots into a garbage truck,’ laughs the star, who has written six of the 10 episodes, and directed four.
‘I think that’s kind of symbolic. It’s like, “Actually, I’m at an age where I don’t need to wear knee-length boots anymore.” It’s all about realising that the things that you thought made you feel good are actually hurting you.’
Aside from her boyfriend, the most important figure in Beth’s life is her mum.
‘Writing this was an opportunity to really explore my relationship with my own mum, which is such a negotiation!’ says Amy, 40. ‘It’s such a huge part of my life. It’s ever-changing and evolving.
‘And as a new mum myself, it really does shift your perspective. You realise how difficult it is, and how you’re just trying so hard to be perfect.’
Tom Spilsbury