When we think of Andrea Martin, the first image that often comes to mind is her hilarious and unforgettable performances on SCTV.
However, her recent role as Sister Andrea on the Paramount+ series Evil has shown audiences a whole new side of this versatile actress.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Andrea about her experience on the show, and her insights were as entertaining as they were enlightening.
“Gosh, it turns out it is amazing,” Martin began, reflecting on her unexpected journey with Evil. “I had no expectations, really, because I was hired as a guest actress, and they made it into a principal. So it was a huge surprise, really.”
It’s evident that Sister Andrea has become a significant part of the show’s success, and it’s fascinating to hear how Martin herself discovered the character along the way.
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Martin shared an anecdote about her initial days on set, which were a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “I remember the first scene we shot was in a kitchen — David and Mike and I — and we were on location, which really wasn’t usual in the last three or four years that we are mostly shot in studio.
“So I was like a real fish out of water, but I felt safe on the set because I knew Robert and Michelle from The Good Fight. I just came as an actor for hire.”
Playing Sister Andrea has allowed Martin to channel her extensive background in physical comedy into something entirely new.
“I wasn’t inhibited in that way. I was gung-ho to be smashing demons and traveling at high speeds around studio sets. So I wasn’t in the pews in that church. Good God. That was something.”
Despite the physical demands of the role, Martin tackled the challenges with enthusiasm and a touch of humor, making Sister Andrea a character both fierce and endearing.
The role of Sister Andrea also brought out a different kind of strength in Martin, one that perhaps she didn’t fully realize she possessed.
“I wish I could be like Sister Andrea. Maybe, somewhere inside of me, I don’t have fear. Maybe there I am more confident than I give myself credit to be.”
Drawing inspiration from real-life figures like Sister Simone Campbell, Martin infused Sister Andrea with a blend of faith and humor, making her a standout character on the show.
Martin’s reflection on her comedic roots sheds light on the unique tone of Evil. She notes that she was almost offended to hear people think Sister Andrea was funny when she’d been pouring her heart and soul into her.
“If you’ve done comedy all your life like I have, maybe it just seeps in,” she said, and we agreed that full-on dramas often miss the reality of life, which is filled with humor.
This balance of drama and humor is what makes Evil resonate with its audience, providing both thrilling and relatable moments.
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When asked about her favorite moments as Sister Andrea, Andrea’s fondness for her co-stars was evident. “I did enjoy working with Michael Emerson in the beginning. That was fabulous. I think that ingratiated [Sister Andrea] to the fans out there because she stood up against Leland.
“And I had such a beautiful relationship with Mike Coulter. Those scenes were so lovely, trying to give David the faith that Sister Andrea has, being patient with him at the same time, knowing that he had the ability to actually see and feel what she could.
“And then, really, at the end of the season, I got to do more scenes with Katja. And I feel so fortunate to be in a scene with her. She’s an exceptional actress, and I learned a lot from her also.”
As for the future of Sister Andrea and her ongoing battle against evil, Andrea hints at more demon-slaying adventures. “I think just killing demons — eventually, they will kill Leland because he’s the biggest demon… Leland is behind all of it.”
To sum up the final four episodes, Andrea offered a tantalizing tease: “Poignance, truth, adventure.” It’s clear that Evil will continue to deliver the unexpected, with Sister Andrea at the heart of the action.
Andrea Martin’s portrayal of Sister Andrea on Evil is a testament to her incredible range as an actress.
From comedy legend to demon-fighting nun, Andrea brings a unique blend of humor, heart, and heroism to the role, making Sister Andrea a character we can’t help but love.
New episodes of Evil premiere on Thursdays only on Paramount+.