As CBS’ comedy Rules of Engagement has now resumed its sixth season, I had the chance to catch a few minutes with series star Megyn Price, who plays Audrey Bingham, the “stubborn, extravagant” wife of Jeff (Patrick Warburton). Megyn shared her thoughts on what’s ahead for the remainder of the season.
“I really feel our writers have gone back to the crux of Jeff and Audrey, and have focused on what makes them fun to watch — the misunderstandings, the bullheadedness of both of them and their shared wildly strong refusal to admit defeat,” she told me. “Every week, I look forward to what fresh disaster Audrey and Jeff will get themselves into.”
If Megyn looks familiar, you probably recognize her from guest spots on several other successful comedies (The Drew Carey Show, Will & Grace) or her starring role as Claudia Finnerty on the sitcom Grounded For Life, which ran for five seasons between FOX and The WB from 2001-2005.
“Grounded was a very special time for me, because we really did become a family. Also, I fell in love with my real-life husband during that time, got married, and kind of grew up. I talk to several of our Grounded writers regularly, and [costars] Donal Logue and Kevin Corrigan are still great friends of mine,” she said. “I would say Rules is a lot more ‘grown-up,’ in that we don’t have any kids on the set, and that definitely changes the dynamic. I also think that all work informs the next job in some way. I’ve done back to back comedy series on television my entire career, so, at this point, I feel more at home on a set than anywhere else.
“I definitely prefer comedy. It has always come easily to me, since I grew up with a bunch of nutjobs. I love the energy on a comedy set, and I am in love with funny people — writers, actors, wardrobe stylists, grocery store checkers — my whole life, I’m drawn to witty people. So, my career didn’t happen by accident. I love spending my days laughing until my belly hurts.”
So who would she say that she finds hilarious? Megyn’s choices for the top laughers include Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Brian Regan and Ken Levine, while she’s also a fan of the longtime TV staple America’s Funniest Home Videos.
As far as her viewing habits, she told me that “I’ve discovered shows that I missed, thanks to Netflix. I just watched every season of Friday Night Lights. What an incredibly beautiful piece of film. It’s in my top ten all-time favorite series. I also love Breaking Bad — the performances and the writing are out of this world. My favorite show currently on the air has got to be Top Chef. Both my husband and I cook like maniacs, so we actually make a television date to watch the show. It’s produced so well, from concept to contestants to each and every challenge. I just love it, and, as much as I love watching the finale, I’m so sad when each season is over.”
In addition to acting, Megyn also has aspirations behind the scenes. “I’m making a move into directing as well as acting. I’ve done over 250 episodes of television as an actress, and I’ve worked with some of the best television directors in the business. They’ve inspired me and allowed me to observe and learn from them, and I think this little baby bird is ready to fly out of the nest!” she said. “Oh, and I think Ryan Gosling should come do [a] dream sequence on Rules.”
Maybe someday? In the meanwhile, you can catch Megyn and the entire cast of Rules of Engagement as they finish out their sixth season, Thursday nights at 8:30 PM ET/PT, and follow Megyn on Twitter at @MegynPrice.