Keri Russell Discusses Beauty Standards and Empathy with 'The Diplomat' Role

Actress Keri Russell has candidly shared her perspective on beauty standards in connection with her character, U.S. Ambassador Kate Wyler, for the third season of the Netflix series 'The Diplomat'. In a recent discussion with People, Russell drew parallels between her own experiences and the scrutiny faced by her character in the show.

The accomplished actress, who gained fame with her role in 'Felicity' in 1998, acknowledged the societal pressures women face regarding their appearance. 'I'm totally empathetic,' she remarked, noting the pervasive judgments regarding women's looks, attire, and hairstyles. 'It's just the nature of our society, but I find portraying Kate particularly enjoyable,' Russell stated, emphasizing her character's humorous and combative demeanor towards such judgments.

Moreover, Russell touched on the increasing prevalence of plastic surgery, a frequent topic of conversation among her friends. 'Plastic surgery is having such a moment right now—affecting men, women, and even young adults,' she commented, highlighting the pervasive influence of celebrity appearance standards. Reflecting on her own portrayal, Russell expressed satisfaction with her on-screen appearance, despite societal expectations for women to look a certain way. Season 3 of 'The Diplomat' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.