Angourie Rice shares the best thing she learned from Jennifer Garner while working together on ‘The Last Thing He Told Me,’ highlighting Garner’s dedication to maintaining authentic relationships in the entertainment industry.
Angourie Rice is opening up about her bond with Jennifer Garner, revealing the best thing she learned from her while working on The Last Thing He Told Me. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 25-year-old actress shared how Garner’s approach to relationships in the industry has deeply influenced her.
After two seasons portraying Bailey, the stepdaughter of Garner’s Hannah, Rice continues to look up to her 53-year-old co-star as a role model. “Something I learned so much from watching Jen work on The Last Thing He Told Me is she’s genuinely so committed to maintaining friendships in the industry in a way that’s really real and not at all superficial,” Rice said.
A Commitment to Authentic Relationships
Rice highlighted how Garner’s dedication extends beyond just actors to include crew members as well. “In season 2, we had Judy Greer join the cast, and obviously Jen and Judy did 13 Going on 30 together, but also the costume designer for The Last Thing He Told Me worked on 13 Going on 30,” Rice explained. “Jen was good friends with one of the sound technicians on our show and people in the camera department. She’s just so caring in really making those friendships real and making them last. I admire that so much, and it inspires me so much.”
Credit: Apple TV
Rice’s admiration for Garner’s approach is rooted in the fast-paced nature of the entertainment industry. “This industry moves so fast,” she said. “You’re on a movie for two months and then you say goodbye, and you feel like you’re never going to see them again. But you had this special connection and bond, and to know that if you put in the work to make those relationships last, then they will.”
A Mother-Daughter Bond On and Off Screen
The Apple TV series, based on Laura Dave’s bestselling novel, follows Hannah Hall (Garner) as she navigates life after her husband, Owen Michaels, vanishes, leaving only a note for her to protect his daughter Bailey (Rice). While their relationship starts off tense, by season 2, the two have developed a deep, mother-daughter connection that mirrors their real-life dynamic.
“That’s one of my favorite things about season 2, is that Hannah and Bailey have such a strong relationship now and they are a family unit,” Rice said. “I have such a great relationship with my mom personally, so to see a great mother-daughter relationship on screen and to play that feels so special.”
Credit: Erin Simkin/Apple TV
Why Garner’s Approach Matters
Garner’s ability to maintain long-term relationships within the industry is not just a personal trait but a lesson for others. As Rice noted, Garner’s approach is inclusive and welcoming. “It’s also like it’s not closed off, either,” she said. “It’s like, here are her people and also here’s this new person, and you are also welcomed into the circle, which is so nice.”
This philosophy has resonated with many who have worked with Garner over the years. Garner previously told PEOPLE that several of the people she works with today, she first met on her 2001 breakout series Alias. This commitment to fostering long-lasting relationships has become a hallmark of Garner’s career and a valuable lesson for younger actors like Rice.
The Impact on Rice’s Career
For Rice, working with Garner has been more than just an acting experience—it has been a masterclass in how to navigate the entertainment industry with authenticity and kindness. This lesson is particularly important for young actors who are often faced with the pressure to network and form connections that may feel superficial.
“It’s inspiring to see someone so established in the industry prioritize real connections over fleeting ones,” Rice said. This approach not only makes the work environment more enjoyable but also creates a network of trust and mutual respect that can last for years.
Fan Reactions and Future Expectations
Fans of The Last Thing He Told Me have been vocal about their love for the mother-daughter relationship between Hannah and Bailey. The dynamic has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, and many viewers have shared how it resonates with their own experiences.
With season 2 now airing, fans are eager to see how the story progresses and whether the bond between Hannah and Bailey will continue to strengthen. Given the positive reception, there is also speculation about whether the series will be renewed for a third season, allowing the relationship to evolve even further.
For now, Rice’s reflections on Garner’s influence provide a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into creating such compelling characters and relationships on screen. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in an industry that can often feel transient and superficial.
New episodes of The Last Thing He Told Me drop on Fridays on Apple TV, giving fans more opportunities to see Rice and Garner’s on-screen chemistry. As the series continues, viewers can expect to see more of the heartfelt moments that have made the show a fan favorite.
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