From 'Thirtysomething' to Today: Mel Harris's Journey
In 1987, the groundbreaking TV drama Thirtysomething burst onto the scene, capturing the hearts of millions with its relatable portrayal of young adults navigating relationships, parenthood, and career challenges. The series, which ran for four seasons and won 13 Primetime Emmys, became a cultural phenomenon. Mel Harris, who played the character of Hope, a writer-turned-stay-at-home mom, recently opened up about her experiences during her time on the show and the lasting bonds she formed with her co-stars. Speaking exclusively to Closer, Mel revealed, “I had no idea the friendships I was making would last a lifetime. This show changed everything for me in ways I never expected.”
Mel, who continues to shine in her acting career, recently starred in the film Queen of Knives, available on Apple TV+ and Prime Video. Despite her busy schedule, she remains hopeful for a Thirtysomething sequel. “We were all set to go into preproduction when the pandemic hit, derailing everything,” she explained, referring to the project that would have reunited her with fellow cast members Ken Olin, Timothy Busfield, and Patricia Wettig. “Like so many other shows that year, ours fell victim to the chaos brought on by the pandemic.”
What Happened to the Sequel?
When asked about the status of the much-anticipated sequel, Mel shared the inside scoop. “The pilot, Thirtysomething (else), was pitched to ABC in 2020 by the original creators. The idea was to revisit the beloved characters, now decades older, exploring how their lives have evolved. Everything was ready—script, cast, the works. But just as we were about to dive into the network read-through, the project got postponed. Amazon owns the original series but has given the green light for the team to shop it around to other networks. We’re all eager to see this story continue and bring it back to the fans who love it so much.”
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Keeping the 'Thirtysomething' Magic Alive
Mel confirmed that she and her fellow cast members still keep in touch. “We have reunions and get-togethers whenever we can. When we see each other, it’s like no time has passed. It’s such a tight-knit group, and that’s rare in the world of television. You don’t often find that kind of camaraderie.”
Exploring New Horizons with 'Queen of Knives'
Mel also discussed her latest project, Queen of Knives, which is a sequel to the 2020 film King of Knives. “This film was a joy to work on because we already knew each other well. There was an instant chemistry, and we had a blast working together, laughing, crying, and creating something truly special. It’s a fantastic piece of entertainment.”
When asked about her character, Mel said, “She’s got a girlfriend! My ex-husband likes to joke that I left him for another woman, but it was his behavior that drove me away. Despite that, we’re still a family, and our family dinners are a mix of laughter and chaos. The script is brilliant, and it adds depth to the character.”
Growing Up in New Jersey
Mel reflected on her childhood, sharing that she grew up in a traditional middle-class household in New Jersey. “My mom was a science teacher, and my dad coached football at Princeton. I was expected to follow in their footsteps, perhaps becoming a criminal defense attorney like the legendary F. Lee Bailey. But life had other plans for me. I started modeling in New York to pay for college, and it completely changed my trajectory. I began traveling the world, experiencing cultures I never imagined.”
Her travels took her to London, Paris, Milan, and Frankfurt. “I’d only been on a plane once before that. Suddenly, I found myself exploring places I had never heard of. It was an eye-opening experience that shaped who I am today.”
Family Support and Early Dreams
Mel’s mother was always supportive of her career choices. “She always told me, ‘You can do anything you want as long as you’re willing to work hard.’ My dad, on the other hand, was a bit skeptical. But I’m grateful for their support, especially my mom’s encouragement.”
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She fondly remembers filming the pilot of Thirtysomething. “It was an incredible experience. We learned so much about each other, like how Polly Draper could cry on cue. None of us could have predicted how popular the show would become.”
