From Beloved Cousin to Grumpy Guy: Ebon Moss-Bachrach Tires of Fans' "Cousin" Chants
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the charismatic actor who stole hearts (and maybe some Emmy votes) with his portrayal of Richard “Richie” Jerimovich on FX’s critically acclaimed series “The Bear,” is finding his newfound fame a double-edged sword. While fans shower him with praise for his captivating performance, the constant barrage of “Cousin!” chants is starting to wear thin.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Moss-Bachrach, 47, opened up about the challenges of unexpected fame. He acknowledges the love and appreciation from fans, but admits the “Cousin” moniker is getting a bit old. “People yell ‘Cousin!’ at me all day,” he says. “Sometimes, you know, you’re just not having a great day. And it’s just like: I’m sorry, man, don’t have much for you.”
Moss-Bachrach’s frustration is understandable. While the character of Richie is a fan favorite, the constant association with the nickname can feel impersonal and one-dimensional. He’s an accomplished actor with a diverse body of work, and being reduced to just “Cousin Richie” might be frustrating.
The Power of Catchphrases
However, the situation also highlights the double-edged sword of catchy catchphrases. On the one hand, they can propel a character (and actor) into the pop culture spotlight. Think Chandler’s “Could this BE any more…?” from Friends or Joey’s “How YOU doin’?” These catchphrases become instantly recognizable and can solidify a character’s place in pop culture history.
Beyond the name
But on the other hand, catchphrases can overshadow the depth and complexity of a performance. Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of Richie in “The Bear” is nuanced and layered. Richie is a troubled soul grappling with addiction and family tensions, yet he possesses fierce loyalty and a deep-seated love for his cousin, Carmen (played by Jeremy Allen White). Moss-Bachrach deserves recognition for his ability to bring this complex character to life, not just for the character’s nickname.
Finding the Balance
The situation begs the question: How do actors navigate the fine line between embracing fan enthusiasm and protecting their artistic identity? Here are some possibilities:
- Acknowledge the Love: Moss-Bachrach can acknowledge the “Cousin” love while politely requesting to be addressed by his name in certain situations.
- Shift the Focus: During interviews, he can subtly steer conversations towards his craft and the challenges of portraying Richie.
- Embrace the Character: While expressing his desire to be recognized for his broader body of work, he can also acknowledge the impact of “The Bear” and his memorable portrayal of Richie.
Ultimately, Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s situation serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between actors and fans. While fan appreciation is a cherished reward, actors deserve recognition for the entirety of their work, not just a catchy nickname. Finding a balance between acknowledging fan enthusiasm and protecting artistic identity is an ongoing challenge for actors in today’s pop culture landscape.