Los Angeles, CA – Da’Vine Joy Randolph, a talented actress known for her role in Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” pays homage to Isabel Sanford’s iconic character in the TV comedy “The Jeffersons” through her hairstyle in the film. Randolph, who is meticulous in her approach to portraying characters, explains that she likes to distract herself from her own persona and immerse herself in the roles she plays.
In “The Holdovers,” Randolph portrays Mary Lamb, a catering manager at an elite boys school, who navigates the emotional toll of losing her only child in the Vietnam War. To bring authenticity to her character, Randolph focused on the details, such as the way Mary styled her hair and the wardrobe choices she made. She drew inspiration from Weezy Jefferson’s hairstyle in the first season of “The Jeffersons” and Leah Chase’s appearance as a Black woman running a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Randolph collaborated closely with costume designer Wendy Chuck and studied swatches of fabric to create the perfect look for Mary. She aimed to make Mary relatable and authentic, someone whom viewers would want to connect with and appreciate. By paying attention to these minute details, Randolph succeeded in bringing Mary to life onscreen.
In “The Holdovers,” Mary is portrayed as a caring and selfless character who goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being and happiness of those around her. She extends warmth and kindness to the students and faculty at the school, even though she doesn’t have much herself. Audiences and award voters have been captivated by Randolph’s performance, as she and Paul Giamatti, who plays Paul Hunham, have received recognition during the awards season.
Randolph’s portrayal of Mary is not only a testament to her acting skills but also reflects her personal values and experiences. Coming from a family of educators, with her father as an assistant principal and her mother as a teacher, Randolph understands the importance of education and the sacrifices parents make for their children’s future. She credits her parents’ dedication and hard work for her own opportunities and feels a deep connection to the role of Mary and the sacrifices she makes for her son’s education.
Overall, “The Holdovers” is a film that unfolds as a slice of life, and Randolph’s performance adds authenticity and depth to her character. She acknowledges the hard work and sacrifices that come with pursuing a career in acting but finds solace and fulfillment in knowing that her art can be cathartic and therapeutic for both herself and the audience. She appreciates the recognition she has received for her performance, as it serves as validation for the dedication and effort she has put into her craft.
While the journey of an actor can be challenging and filled with sacrifices, Randolph remains grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the world through her work. She acknowledges the trade-offs and the moments of doubt but is encouraged by the quiet, assured voice that tells her to keep going. And as audiences continue to be moved by her performances, it’s evident that her dedication and talent shine through the screen, reminding us of the enduring power of film.