Christina Hendricks Reflects on Fame in New Comedy Drama ‘Small Town, Big Story’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Christina Hendricks, known for her striking role in the acclaimed series Mad Men, reflects on her transition from rising star to established actress. In her latest project, Small Town, Big Story, Hendricks portrays Wendy Patterson, a successful LA TV producer returning to her small Irish hometown to film a Hollywood production.

Hendricks divulges that the show, which is directed by Chris O’Dowd, is a unique blend of humor and surreal elements, introducing audiences to a tale that teeters on the edge of the unbelievable. “I can’t spoil too much, but the secret at the heart of the show is huge and really weird,” she said.

As Wendy, Hendricks exhibits a layered performance characterized by toughness and emotional depth. “She’s got a real defense mechanism,” Hendricks explains. “Something extraordinary happened to her, and no one has ever believed her. She built up a wall, keeping people at a distance to avoid revealing her big secret.”

The series features a memorable cast, including Paddy Considine, who plays Seamus, Wendy’s only ally from her past. “He’s one of those interesting actors that you see a lot in dramas,” said Hendricks, praising Considine’s switch to a lighter role. “It’s fun to see him in this quirky, lighter comedy.”

Hendricks currently resides in upstate New York but has been living a nomadic lifestyle due to filming commitments. “I’m starting to wonder where I live,” she remarked during a Zoom interview from her home, which she is currently renovating. “Traveling with my husband and our dog makes it feel more like an adventure.”

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Hendricks grew up moving frequently due to her father’s job in the US Forest Service. She credits these experiences for developing a respect for new places and the ability to adapt quickly as an actor. By age 18, she launched her modeling career in New York and later transitioned into acting.

Her breakout role as Joan Harris on Mad Men changed the course of her career in 2007, but Hendricks admits that achieving fame in her 30s felt much more manageable than it might have been a decade prior. “I would have loved it to have happened sooner—it would have given me more opportunities,” she reflected with a laugh.

In portraying Wendy, Hendricks touches on the ever-pressing issues of belief and validation that women face, particularly in patriarchal industries like Hollywood. “When you’re gaslit, you start doubting yourself, which is inherently an uncomfortable experience,” she said. “Wendy’s snarkiness can be seen as armor to assert her authority.”

Wendy’s character also features flashback scenes showcasing a teenage version of herself as a goth, resonating with Hendricks’ own adolescent experiences, sporting black hair before becoming the redhead that she is often recognized as today. “I’ve always felt like a redhead,” she said, expressing her resistance to change her hair color after years of commitment.

Hendricks remains grateful for the guidance she received early in her career, crediting mentors for supporting her navigating the complex Hollywood landscape. “I was lucky to surround myself with people who only had my best interests at heart,” she stated.

With the industry evolving, Hendricks acknowledges the increasing availability of meaningful roles for women in their 40s and beyond. “There are so many wonderful roles these days and they are developing more and more,” she noted.

Ultimately, Hendricks believes Small Town, Big Story is an exciting blend of her past experiences and the kind of character she has always wanted to play. “It was just my weird cup of tea,” she said when discussing her enthusiasm throughout the project.