Louie Anderson clowns around on FXsBasketsas Christine, a passive-aggressive matriarch devoted to her sons and to Costco.
EW spoke with the 62-year-old comedian about capturing his characters mother nature.
Higher Casting
Anderson credits a bit of divine intervention for landing the role of Zach Galifianakis mother.
Credit: Ben Cohen/FX
to get herself on screen, he jokes.
And to get her son a job.
Still, thereisa far more grounded reason for his casting.
suggested a voice like Andersons, Galifianakis realized he needed Anderson himself to play the part.
When the pair reached out, Anderson didnt think twice about taking it.
I just thought, What a funny idea!'
[She] had a really subtle pursed-lips thing for everyone she didnt like, he recalls.
Mothers have a lot on their mind and a lot of regret.
So I tried to imagine what my mom felt like.
She has a ton of mean thoughts about people, he says.
They just leak out …
I think she doesnt know how to communicate [her thoughts] the right way.
He even taps into Christines maternal instinct when hes not filming.
No, Anderson sighs.
He laughs more than anything.
Basketsairs Thursdays at 10 p.m. A version of this story appeared inEntertainmeny Weeklyissue #1400/01, on newsstands now
