Pop-Culturalist.com

When ABC shockingly decided not to renew Last Man Standing, many (the cast and crew included) believed it was the end of the Baxter family story—that was until Fox revived the hit series on their network. Actress Amanda Fuller, who plays Kristin Baxter on the show, found herself at a crossroads. She had recently joined the cast of Orange Is the New Black as Madison “Badison” Murphy and had to figure out how she would be able to juggle both roles. Pop Culturalist chatted with Amanda about solving that challenge.

PC: For readers who may not be familiar with the series, tell us about Last Man Standing, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Amanda: Last Man Standing is a traditional multi-cam sitcom about a family living in Colorado. Our patriarch is the one and only Tim Allen, whose character, Mike Baxter, runs the retail mecca Outdoor Man. I play the eldest of three daughters, Kristin, who manages the Outdoor Man Grill. The show is essentially about Mike Baxter and how he navigates being at the helm of a family ruled by women. Nancy Travis plays our mama bear and Molly McCook and Kaitlyn Dever play my beloved little sisters. Kristin is an incredibly smart, grounded, and strong woman who had a baby in high school, which derailed her plans to go to college and someday run the world. Now, she does her best to make something of herself regardless of any mistakes she may have made in the past and cherishes the family that has come from those “mistakes”. She loves her son more than anything and is proof that life is what you make of it and to take everything one day at a time. I’ve wanted to be a part of a family on a sitcom my entire career. It’s the dream…well, one of many. So, when LMS came along, it was a no brainer for me. Plus, to end up playing Tim’s daughter for so much of my career after having watched and loved him growing up has just felt very full circle and meant to be.

PC: When the series was revived on Fox, you found yourself at a crossroads. How did that change your process heading into season seven?
Amanda: Definitely. By the time Fox starting talking about bringing the show back, we had all kind of moved on. I had started working on Orange Is the New Black and became a part of the family there and was not willing or ready to leave that behind. At the same time, when LMS was first canceled, we all felt like it was pulled right out from underneath us and we didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye. When you’re part of a family like that for so long, closure is a very important thing, for us creating the show and for the audience. So now out of nowhere, we were being given that opportunity, which I was also not willing to pass up. It was definitely a challenge to say the least. I also have ventured quite a bit into new career goals, like directing and writing, so being able to direct future episodes also made it very important for me to jump back in. Luckily, I have incredible reps who helped ensure my voice was heard and somehow made it work. In the end, nothing is perfect and you can’t have it all, but we did the best we could.

PC: How challenging has it been to manage both your roles on Last Man Standing and Orange Is the New Black?
Amanda: It’s the kind of challenge I live for. I’m a workaholic, so honestly, playing two roles simultaneously that are so drastically different is all I ever want to do and then some. I’m always craving more; it’s never enough…so I say bring it!

PC: What can you tease about Kristin’s arc for the remainder of the season?
Amanda: Navigating raising a son on the brink of puberty this day and age can be challenging, and we might meet some rodents along the way? [laughs] That’s all I can say at the moment.

PC: You’ve been playing Kristin since 2012. Has there been anything surprising about her journey? What has been the biggest lesson she’s taught you?
Amanda: I wouldn’t say surprising; I would say it’s been really nice to experience her growing into the woman she has become. I am proud of who she is. I think she’s capable of accomplishing even more, and I hope we get to see that. Kristin is a great mother. She’s taught me that you can be a successful working woman and a great mother at the same time. I look forward to utilizing that lesson someday.

PC: If you could write a storyline for Kristin, what would it be and why?
Amanda: It would be fun to see her have some quarter-life crisis that leads to a new path taking her away from running Outdoor Man Grill and exploring other passions and gifts she has. Also, maybe a family trip to Fiji? [laughs] Or maybe she joins a rock band and they tour Fiji. I’m just saying.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Amanda: Friends or The West Wing

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Amanda: When Harry Met Sally

PC: Favorite book?
Amanda: Any biography about Marilyn Monroe

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Amanda: To perform or watch? [laughs] Sunday in the Park with George and there are too many plays to choose. It’s impossible.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Amanda: Counting Crows. They were my first love.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Amanda: Sex Education! I couldn’t stop. It was so good.

PC: Hidden talent?
Amanda: Photography

To keep up with Amanda, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Last Man Standing every Friday at 8/7c.

Photo Credit: Leslie Alejandro