Billie Lourd, known for her acting prowess, recently revealed her belief that her comedic and acting abilities are deeply rooted in her family’s legacy. Speaking at Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern premiere at the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles on March 25, Lourd attributed her talents to the influence of her late mother, Carrie Fisher, and grandmother, Debbie Reynolds. “I’d say definitely the comedy is in the genetics. They were better at it than me. I can do a fair bit of tap dancing, not as good as… young Debbie Reynolds, but that’s also in the genes, although my mom kind of sucked at tap dancing,” Lourd candidly shared, adding a touch of humor to her reflections.
Though Lourd appreciates her familial ties to comedy and acting, she stresses the importance of carving out her own identity in the industry. “I’m a very distinct personality, definitely different from both of them,” she explained. Lourd believes she’s mastered a unique balance between life and career, a skill she considers reflective of societal changes across generations. The insights she gains from her heritage provide a foundation, yet Lourd’s personal journey adds a fresh perspective.
The Scream Queens star discussed her experiences with the multi-cam series Mid-Century Modern, highlighting the excitement and novelty of performing live. “It’s so much fun. It’s like doing a play. It’s like being in performing arts camp,” she said, indicating her passion for engaging with a studio audience, a dynamic she finds exhilarating and reminiscent of live theater.
Lourd also looks to the future with her children, Kingston, 4, and Jackson, 2, whom she shares with husband Austen Rydell. While she acknowledges the potential for her kids to follow in her family’s footsteps, Lourd is clear about her desire for them to pursue their own passions. “But I don’t want to put pressure on them to do anything [in show business]. But yeah, my kids are hysterical and cool and really good dancers and just awesome,” Lourd told, projecting a hopeful picture of their capabilities. Though the prospect of a family doctor intrigues her, she prioritizes supporting their own dreams.
A testament to her hope and admiration for her children came when Lourd expressed awe at her son mastering bike riding without training wheels at the tender age of 4. “He’s just so good at everything he tries to do, and just watching him try new things and succeed at them and feeling proud of himself, is just such a beautiful thing,” Lourd said, embodying the enthusiasm and pride of a devoted mother. This snapshot into her family life reveals not only the joy and challenges of motherhood but also a legacy passed down through generations, marked by love, support, and the influential threads of comedy and acting.
