In ‘You’re Killing Me,’ Brooke Shields navigates aging and relevance. She has some experience

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Brooke Shields would not consider herself an armchair detective by any means.

She admits she prefers not to figure out whodunit before the end. ‘I don’t enjoy overly graphic details,’ she explained recently. ‘I like having enough hints to feel clever, but I don’t want to solve the mystery completely—I want to be surprised at the reveal and genuinely not know who the culprit is.’

She’s enjoying playing a mystery writer on screen. In the Acorn TV series “You’re Killing Me,” she stars as Allison “Allie” Chandler, the author of the popular Selena St. Cloud mystery novels. When her publisher asks for a new direction, Allie teams up with Andi (Amalia Williamson), a young podcast enthusiast and aspiring writer, to investigate actual crimes in their Maine coastal town. As they solve mysteries together, both women also embark on journeys of self-discovery. The six-part dramedy, created by Robin Bernheim – a frequent collaborator with the actress – begins streaming Monday.

Speaking from AMC Networks’ New York City office via video call, the 60-year-old actress discussed her connection to the role she plays and discovering value in herself that goes beyond age and appearance. The following is an edited version of that conversation.

What made you want to be a part of “You’re Killing Me,” and what specifically attracted you to the role of Allison Chandler, considering where you are in your life and career right now?

It was strange how much the story felt like my own life right now – my kids tease me for saying things like, “No vaporizing in this house!” and I say it like I really mean it. We wanted to explore that feeling of a gap between generations, and we thought it would be fun to create a world where that dynamic could play out in a smart, entertaining, and sometimes risky way. What I really loved about the character Allie is her willingness to be silly and not take herself too seriously. But then, when she needs to, she’s incredibly intelligent and sharp – it’s a great combination. Her relationship with Andi is the perfect balance, which makes it really enjoyable to watch.

She’s really thinking about what she wants her life to be like going forward, and whether she can actually make it happen, or if she just has to accept whatever comes her way. What about that resonated with you?

It’s about finding a balance. You need to feel in control of your life, but not so much that you try to force things to happen. Being open to possibilities is key, and that’s what Andi encourages Allie to do. It’s about understanding yourself while also letting go and seeing where life takes you – something that doesn’t come naturally to Allie. This really resonates with me and my generation. Our kids are grown and independent, and we’re now figuring out who we are without them. We’re asking ourselves what our passions are, what motivates us, and what it means to be a woman at this stage in life.

What’s that been like for you to navigate?

It’s a really unsettling experience, almost like being trapped. It’s completely new territory for many of us, because society doesn’t prepare women for this stage of life – not culturally, and not historically. People often underestimate how strong women are, especially now. There’s a process to go through, a real grieving period. I felt completely lost when my second daughter moved out, but then I realized there was a surprising freedom in it. That’s why I started my company, Commence – to help women explore what they want after raising kids and building a career. There are no set rules, and it can be frightening, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

Growing up in Hollywood, or simply experiencing young adulthood there, does it feel like a particularly formative time for self-discovery? How do you view that period of your life?

I definitely think being part of “You’re Killing Me” was a turning point for me. I’d had job titles before, but for the first time, my opinions actually mattered – I was an executive producer and people wanted to hear what I thought. I hadn’t really spent much time in the Hollywood scene, but I’d worked as a model and actress. It wasn’t until I went to college that I realized I had my own thoughts and perspectives. I’m really embracing that now – sharing my opinions and seeing what happens when I do, all with respect. I’ve lived a full life, and I’m excited to live even more. I’m figuring things out as I go, and that mirrors my character, Allie. She’s experienced a lot, and she’s connecting with someone new in a complicated but meaningful way, and they’re both learning from each other. That’s where I feel I am in my own life right now. And honestly, I feel stronger and more confident than ever before.

I’d like to discuss the relationship between Allie and Andi further. It’s common in any field to worry about staying relevant and being replaced by newer talent. You’ve mentioned feeling that way after graduating from Princeton, wondering if people in Hollywood would still remember you. I’m interested in hearing what you’ve learned or realized about that experience over time.

Youth and beauty come with a certain advantage, but I realized early on that those things don’t last. I understood I wouldn’t always be young or look the way I did when I was starting out. This body has gone through a lot – it’s given me children, survived accidents, and allowed me to perform on Broadway. You have to figure out what truly matters to you. For me, it’s about living a long life, being intelligent, having strong friendships, and being the person I want to be. In Hollywood, actresses are often only valued when they’re young. There are very few exceptions like Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, and Helen Mirren. The opportunities become limited. I knew I needed to develop other skills and interests. That’s why I got an education and explored things like writing and theater. I wanted to be a well-rounded person and find ways to stay creative. If I had just moved to Hollywood and waited for someone to discover me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I used to love watching you on “Suddenly Susan,” especially your physical comedy. I was glad to see you bring some of that same energy to this performance.

I really had to advocate for this role because people often assume I’ll come across as unlikable, foolish, or unintelligent. I explained that those concerns are balanced by the character’s dramatic and emotional depth – that’s where I truly thrive. It might not win an Oscar, but I find it incredibly freeing to play someone who isn’t afraid to be imperfect, flawed, or even look silly. Embracing those vulnerabilities makes the character’s more emotional and dramatic moments feel more genuine and impactful, and that’s the kind of role I enjoy.

Allison’s publisher believes it’s time to retire her popular character, Selena St. Cloud, suggesting she’s been around for too long and that Allison should try to attract a wider audience. I imagine you’ve had similar conversations with people you work with. Could you share a particularly memorable experience like that?

There’s a pervasive idea that a woman’s worth diminishes when she can no longer have children, and this affects all professions. You see it in entertainment, where popularity fades and younger faces are preferred – they’re often seen as more appealing and energetic. This is a challenge women constantly face. My mother taught me early on that new talent will always emerge, and the key is to make space for them, not see them as a threat. It’s not about being replaced, but about finding new avenues to contribute. That’s why I titled my book “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old” – there’s pressure to maintain a certain image. I’ve definitely felt this pressure, but I was fortunate enough to transition into different creative outlets like television, theater, and writing when film roles slowed down, allowing me to continue exploring my potential. This dynamic is reflected in the show I’m working on, where two women with different strengths – one excels at forensics, the other at understanding motives – collaborate instead of compete. Their combined intelligence creates something even stronger than either could achieve alone.

Actress Brooke Shields, known for her role in the Acorn TV murder mystery series “You’re Killing Me,” was photographed in New York City. (David Urbanke / For The Times)

Does acting feel more like natural at this point in your career?

I’ve stopped being so critical of myself. I used to worry about what others thought and constantly second-guess my work, which held me back. Now, I’ve broken through that. Working on shows like “Lipstick Jungle” – and even “Suddenly Susan” before that – helped me realize I didn’t need to be defined by one type of role. I could really embrace my abilities. And now, thinking about the time I have left, I’m determined to go all-in and give it my best effort.

I’m still angry “Lipstick Jungle” didn’t have a longer run.

We were on track to succeed, but the sudden popularity of TiVo eliminated our advertising budget. NBC and the studio lost a huge amount of revenue – not just from product placement, but from commercials altogether. Because people were skipping ads with TiVo, everyone became panicked. As a result, our project was quickly cancelled, despite its potential.

I was really struck by something when I watched your documentary a few years ago: it’s hard now to imagine what fame was like in the ’80s and ’90s. Social media has completely changed how fame works. Looking back, what was that time like for you, and what was it like experiencing it?

For a long time, I avoided thinking about how crazy things got when I was young, but a recent documentary finally made me reflect on it all. I was able to separate myself emotionally from the intense attention – things like being chased by fans at the Cannes Film Festival – so it didn’t completely overwhelm me. My mom kept me visible to the public for specific reasons, but I managed to maintain a normal private life with school and friends, and I still don’t have many friends who work in entertainment. It was a strange kind of unwanted fame, a wild obsession with celebrity that was directed at me, not created by me. I always thought it was absurd, because I never understood what the point of it all was. I still don’t, honestly, unless it can be used to do something positive, or maybe just to get a good seat at a restaurant. It always felt separate from the actual work I did. I think that’s still true today, but now people use the term ‘influencer,’ which is just… strange. I was probably that at six years old! It’s funny to think about being on the cover of Time magazine as a symbol of an entire decade. But I’ve never really seen much value in fame itself.

I sometimes find myself overthinking things. Do you ever wonder ‘what if’? For example, if your career had begun a bit later, do you think you’d have been better prepared for the attention you received when you were young?

It’s easy to get caught up in “what if” scenarios, but that distracts from focusing on the present. When you dwell on negative possibilities, your brain naturally starts listing all the ways things could have gone wrong. It’s really good at finding those negative answers! For example, if I start wondering “What if I’d gotten a different role?”, my mind immediately jumps to all the potential downsides. I try to avoid that kind of thinking. I used to wish I hadn’t become famous so young, because it limited my ability to fully transform into different characters and become the actress I always envisioned.

I’ve realized you can’t dwell on things you can’t change. Honestly, I’m not a naturally calm person, but getting stuck in ‘what ifs’ just leaves me feeling defeated. So, I’m focusing on what I can control and making the most of where I am now. If having a bit of a public profile – being known, I guess – opens doors, like getting a show greenlit on Acorn, then I’m incredibly grateful. There are so many talented actresses out there, and I don’t want to take this opportunity for granted.

I apologize for changing the subject, but I immediately thought of you when I saw this news. You were so candid about your experience after having a baby, and it reminded me that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just announced plans to address the use of antidepressants.

Those are my best friends.

You’ve shared how much medication helped you, and by talking about your experience after having a baby, you’ve made a real difference for others. This new effort aims to help doctors focus on treatments that don’t involve drugs, such as therapy, healthy eating, and exercise.

Well, they should talk to Tom Cruise. Exercise and vitamins — there’s your headline.

Do you have any thoughts on it? Is there anything you’d want to say to him or the public?

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to speak directly to someone like him, as I don’t know him personally. What I can share is that I wouldn’t be here today without medical help – including therapy and adopting a healthier lifestyle, though I didn’t necessarily need to be healthier. My doctor explained that medicine exists to help, and how you choose to use it is up to you. I’ve only seen firsthand the heartbreaking consequences when people can’t get the support they need, and all I can do is acknowledge that reality.

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2026-05-18 13:33