Carrie Coon and Tracy Letts are making waves in the theater world with their latest collaboration in the Broadway play Bug, which opened recently at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City. Coon, who has gained significant recognition for her performances in The Gilded Age and The White Lotus, is now taking on a challenging lead role that explores themes of paranoia, conspiracy, and loneliness.
Coon, reflecting on her rising star status, acknowledged the changes in her career over the years. “I think I used to say, ‘The bottom of the B-List,’ but yeah,” she remarked when asked about her previous position in the industry. “But the thing that’s changed for me is that I was on The White Lotus, and now I can be in a Broadway play. That wasn’t true for me five years ago.”
Despite her newfound success, Coon expressed concern about the current state of the arts in the United States. “We live in a country that is fundamentally unsupportive of the arts. So now, in order to do a play on Broadway, you have to do The White Lotus, or else you’re not allowed,” she said. This sentiment highlights a troubling trend where the industry increasingly favors well-known celebrities over talented theater actors, which Coon believes undermines the craft.
Letts, who penned Bug and is also Coon’s husband, praised her remarkable talent. “She has ice water in her veins,” he stated, emphasizing her strength as a stage actress. “For the people who’ve only seen her do The Gilded Age or The White Lotus, they just don’t know what a stage animal she is.” Their partnership extends beyond the stage, as they navigate the complexities of both their careers and family life.
The couple met in 2010 while performing in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. Reflecting on their relationship, Letts noted, “We had a palpable attraction to each other. We just wanted to be with each other.” Their connection blossomed into marriage, and they have shared their lives both on and off the stage ever since.
Coon and Letts emphasize the importance of mutual respect in their relationship. “She knows I’m gonna tell her the truth,” Letts explained. “When she puts on a dress and says, ‘How does this look?’ I’ll say, ‘It doesn’t look good.’” Coon appreciates this honesty, stating, “If you have something to say, whether it’s praise or criticism, you know it’s the truth.” This candid communication helps them navigate the challenges of their demanding careers.
Their partnership has also been tested by the demands of parenthood. Coon faced a tough decision when she was cast in The White Lotus, requiring her to film in Thailand for six months. Letts stepped up to manage their family responsibilities, taking on the daily routines with their young children. “Tracy was doing dinner and bedtime every night,” Coon shared. “That was a really hard six months.”
With their latest project on Broadway, Coon and Letts find joy in their shared passion for theater. “This is where we’re most comfortable,” Letts noted. “You just have a sense of accomplishment and gratification in the theater.” They believe that working together not only strengthens their bond but also reinforces their commitment to their craft.
Coon and Letts are aware of the challenges that come with their professions, but they remain dedicated to their artistry. “I needed somebody who understood what it means to be an artist in America,” Letts stated. Coon added, “And I needed somebody who reminded me that it was important to be an artist, and that it was powerful, and necessary.”
As they embark on this new chapter with Bug, Carrie Coon and Tracy Letts continue to exemplify the resilience and passion required to thrive in the theater community. Their story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of collaboration and the importance of supporting the arts in a challenging landscape.
