Rachel Brosnahan’s House of Cards Exit Left Her Mother Reeling
Rachel Brosnahan shares how her mother’s emotional reaction to her House of Cards finale revealed the personal toll of her most intense role.
Landing the part of Lois Lane is often seen as a career-defining moment, but it can be a double-edged sword. While the opportunity to embody such an iconic figure is not to be sniffed at, the character is frequently relegated to the sidelines as little more than a love interest. That’s why Rachel Brosnahan’s recent turn in James Gunn’s reworking of the Superman story was so refreshing, even if the film itself divided opinion.
Yet, Brosnahan’s journey to this high-profile role was anything but sudden. Long before she stepped into the world of DC, and prior to her acclaimed performance in The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, she made a name for herself as Rachel Posner in the early seasons of House of Cards. As a sex worker entangled with the morally ambiguous Doug Stamper, played by Michael Kelly, Posner’s storyline was one of the most gripping elements of the political drama’s opening chapters. Initially intended as a minor character, Posner’s arc was expanded due to the writers’ fascination with her, and she quickly became central to the plot.
Family Fallout from a Dark Storyline
Posner’s fate was anything but gentle. After being abducted by Doug, she managed a desperate escape, even injuring him in the process. Forced into hiding, she tried to rebuild her life, only for Doug to eventually track her down. The series left little doubt about her grim end, even if the act itself was left off-screen. This harrowing conclusion resonated with viewers, but it struck an especially raw nerve at home.
In a candid conversation with Imagista, Brosnahan opened up about the impact her character’s demise had on her family.
“I think my mother is still traumatised,”
she admitted.
“She actually called me after watching my final episode – she was so angry! She said that she had been driving around for hours and feeling really messed up, and how dare I not tell her that that was coming before she watched it!”
It’s one thing to receive honest feedback from loved ones, but quite another when they hold you responsible for the fate of a fictional persona.
Balancing Stardom and Family Reactions
Honest reactions from family can be grounding, as many actors have noted. Robert Pattinson, for instance, has often credited his mother with keeping his feet on the ground. Yet, when a relative is genuinely upset over a character’s storyline, it’s a rather unique predicament. Brosnahan’s mother’s reaction was a mix of shock and frustration, a testament to how convincingly the actress inhabited her role.
Of course, Brosnahan could hardly have warned her mother without spoiling one of the most talked-about television moments of the time. The emotional fallout at home was, perhaps, an unavoidable side effect of her success. After all, her performance in House of Cards not only earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination but also paved the way for her subsequent achievements.
Legacy of a Breakout Role
Despite the personal turmoil it caused within her family, Brosnahan’s portrayal of Rachel Posner remains a standout in her career. The character’s journey, from a minor role to a pivotal figure, showcased Brosnahan’s range and depth as an actress. While the series itself has since been overshadowed by off-screen controversies, her contribution to its early success is still fondly remembered by many.