Actress Brandi Burkhardt chatted about starring in the new A24 film “Friendship,” where she plays Paul Rudd’s boss Rebecca Springs at a local news show.
How was your experience in the movie “Friendship”?
It was such a great experience. The tone of comedy in the script—coming from Andrew DeYoung and Tim Robinson—is so grounded and realistic.
You don’t see the jokes coming, which makes it feel totally fresh. It was fun to lean into that kind of honesty in the performance and trust that the humor would land without pushing it.
What did you like most about your character?
Rebecca Springs is your favorite morning show host—warm smile, perfect hair, says things like “Rise and shine!”—but when the cameras cut? She’s kind of savage. Playing that double life was delicious.
Getting to share scenes with Paul Rudd in this twisted Anchorman-style world? I was absolutely living. Definitely a career highlight.
How was it working with Paul Rudd and Kate Mara?
Paul and Kate are both so good at what they do—but in totally different ways. Paul brings this effortless charm and sharp timing that makes every scene feel alive.
He is also exactly who you hope he’ll be—funny, kind, and basically the guy everyone wants to be best friends with.
Kate had this effortless depth—she could do so much with just a glance. She’s incredibly grounded, and there’s a stillness in her work that really pulls you in.
Watching them was a masterclass, and getting to share the stage with both of them made me want to raise my game in the best way.
How does it feel to be an actress in the digital age?
It’s exciting—and a little wild. With streaming, there are more opportunities than ever to tell really specific, unconventional stories and reach global audiences instantly.
At the same time, there’s this pressure to always be “on,” especially with social media playing such a big role in how people connect with your work.
It’s a different kind of visibility—sometimes it’s empowering, sometimes it’s overwhelming—but ultimately, it’s given artists more creative control and more ways to show who they really are. That part, I love.
That’s been true for me in both acting and music. I’ve realized how important it is not just to perform, but to create.
Whether I’m writing a song or helping shape a project from the ground up, there’s power in having a voice in the storytelling—and now more than ever, we have the tools to do that.
Can you tell us about your new music in May?
Yes! My first single back / in / time drops May 31, and it’s the kickoff to a six-song series that leads into my new EP called just / like / this.
Each track will be released every few weeks, so it really lets the story unfold in chapters, so to speak. This music is a fresh chapter for me—it blends my love for 80s and 90s pop with a modern, emotional twist.
Think neon nostalgia meets late-night introspection. The songs explore everything from romance and confidence to time travel (emotionally speaking), and it’s all wrapped in a sound that feels playful, cinematic, and real.
I’ve poured so much into this project, and I’m so excited to finally start sharing it.
What is your advice for young and emerging artists?
Trust your gut. When I was first starting out—whether it was in theater, on set, or in the studio—there were always voices telling me what I should do.
The biggest breakthroughs came when I followed what felt true to me, even if it wasn’t the obvious path.
Create your own work, say yes to what excites you, and don’t wait for permission to begin. Whether I’m writing music or stepping into a role, the goal is the same: make something real. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for honest.
Also, take risks—especially when collaborating. Sometimes, the magic happens when you open yourself up to someone else’s perspective.
You can end up creating something bigger, braver, and more unexpected than either of you could’ve made alone.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success, to me, is about freedom—the freedom to make the kind of work I love, and to keep growing as an artist.
Of course, I hope people connect with it, but it starts with creating something that feels honest and meaningful. But success isn’t just about career milestones—it’s about the kind of life I live.
Being surrounded by people I love, staying grounded, and using what I do to bring something good into the world.
Whether it’s through my music, my work, or just how I show up for others, I hope I leave things better than I found them.
What would you like to tell our readers about ‘Friendship’?
Friendship has this amazing way of catching you off guard. It’s grounded and realistic, but the comedy sneaks up on you—you’re laughing before you even realize why.
Nothing is overplayed, and that’s what makes it feel so real. I hope people walk away thinking about how authentic they are in their lives—and in their friendships.
Tim Robinson is such a unique voice in comedy—he’s doing something totally different, and it’s so fun to watch.
Andrew DeYoung, the director of Friendship, brings this subtle, specific direction that just elevates everything. I can’t wait to see what the two of them come up with next.
To learn more about Brandi Burkhardt, check out her official homepage and follow her on Instagram.
