A true example of television royalty, Laraine Newman is a performance pioneer as a founding member of LA’s preeminent improvisational and sketch comedy troupe, The Groundlings, and an original SNL cast member.
Since the 1980s, she has become a powerhouse voice actor, amassing over 250 screen credits and lauded for her chameleon-like ability to vocally portray an incredibly wide range of characters. On Apple TV’s The Sisters Grimm, Newman takes on the role of Granny Relda, an unconventional grandmother figure by any measure.
While tenderly loving and eager to bond with her granddaughters, Relda is also the longtime guardian of Ferryport Landing and its population of fairy tale residents and an experienced investigator of magical events.
We were delighted to connect with Newman over Zoom to discuss the many responsibilities Relda juggles as grandmother, guardian, and general authority figure.
How is Relda different in The Sisters Grimm Season 2 compared to Season 1?
Laraine Newman: The difference is that she’s not having to continually introduce the kids to the wonder and danger of the world that they’ve found themselves in. That was Season 1. The girls now know what’s out there and, of course, there’s more to find.
But at least they really get that they’re in this enchanted world and nothing might be as it seems. As opposed to trying to get the kids to NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT in Season 1, they know not to do it now. “Whatever you do, don’t go to the door at the end of the hall.” Y’know? They get it.
With Sabrina coming into her own as a young woman, she’s becoming more independent and making her own choices. How do you feel Relda’s dealing with that development?
Sabrina is much more cooperative now. It’s a better experience for Relda. And also, Relda’s able to listen to Sabrina. If Sabrina has a better idea, which she sometimes has, that’s so affirming for kids anyway, to be listened to and taken seriously.
What did bringing Puck into the household do to the dynamic of Relda’s home?
Oh, god. It’s so good to have a pain in the ass in the house. Because then, of course, the kids look better.
And the whole thing of giving him a bath! Oh my god. That was just so funny.
Did you improvise the screaming in that scene?
I wish! I would love to improvise more, but no, there was nothing improvised about it.
With the breakthrough in the search for Sabrina and Daphne’s parents at the end of Season 2, how will Relda handle that development?
I can only imagine a reunion with a child… You must be beside yourself with the idea that they’re in some kind of trouble. I don’t know if Relda knows exactly what’s going on with them. How they’re being held. If they’re okay. I don’t know if she knows any of that. But I’m hoping that in Season 3 they do get to reunite. I can only imagine how she must feel, knowing her son might be in danger.
How has the family unit — including Relda, Sabrina, Daphne, Mr. Canis, Puck, and Elvis — changed from Season 1?
It’s kind of one big happy family at that point. I like that the kids are like, “Oh, that’s just Mr. Werewolf Canis. That’s Elvis and his slobbering tongue on my face.” I like that they’re in acceptance about this world.
It gives them a place to go from, where they have more that they have to encounter that’s even more challenging than realizing what they’re living with.
There’s a tension in Ferryport Landing between the Grimms and the Everafters. Does Relda feel more like a caretaker or a jailer?
A jailer in Season 1. A caretaker in Season 2.
It’s an uneasy truce with the Everafters. It’s always a balancing act.
Who do you think she connects best with among the Everafters?
Well, she tolerates Prince Charming (voiced by Abubakar Salim). I don’t know how political I can get, but having someone in a position of power who can be manipulated by flattery is… It’s interesting to watch.
How is Relda’s relationship with Daphne — who is the more enthusiastic and eager sister — different from how she mentors Sabrina?
First of all, Relda enjoys Daphne’s total acceptance of her, and the warmth and sweetness that comes from Daphne. They are adjusting to finding out they have a grandmother. She’s adjusting to the opportunity and chance to finally meet her grandkids and interact with them.
So the receptiveness and sweetness of Daphne is a wonderful thing for Relda. And in Season 2, it’s really more about because Daphne sometimes reluctantly would follow Sabrina in Season 1 because Sabrina was constantly saying, “No, you can’t trust that!” and pulling her away.
Now, it’s more a situation where Daphne’s being her own person. She’s finding her own society at school. She does have the maturity now to realize she’s gotta listen to Relda rather than Sabrina when it comes to any kind of danger.
Do you see Relda passing the Grimm family torch to the girls within the scope of The Sisters Grimm?
Yes, absolutely. That’s how things should be.
Watch The Sisters Grimm Season 2 (6 episodes) Fridays on Apple TV.
