Hamilton discusses finding a different kind of strength as attorney Ellyn Garofalo and taking on the role between Stranger Things commitments.
Linda Hamilton has spent decades showing audiences what strength looks like on screen especially as Sarah Connor on the Terminator franchise. In Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, she commands the room through sharp intelligence, confidence, and an attorney’s ability to take control of a conversation.
I spoke with Hamilton for Nerdtropolis about playing defense attorney Ellyn Garofalo, developing chemistry with Kal Penn, and tackling a dialogue-heavy role while already working on Stranger Things. She also shared something she wants more of in her career: comedy.
Written and directed by Thane Economou, Trust Me, I’m a Doctor follows Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, played by Kal Penn, after he is implicated in the death of his former patient, model and reality television star Anna Nicole Smith. Set against the early 2000s tabloid era, the film follows Kapoor as paparazzi descend on his office, police raid his home, and leaked journals expose his private life.
With Garofalo’s guidance, Kapoor must navigate a high-stakes drug conspiracy trial. The film also stars Abbie Cornish.
Linda Hamilton Found Ellyn Garofalo’s Strength in the Script
When I asked whether exploring Garofalo’s intelligence, confidence, and control offered a refreshing kind of power, Hamilton answered immediately.
“Absolutely.”
For Hamilton, the character’s appeal began with the screenplay. She felt the writing gave her a complete foundation before she stepped onto the set.
“I just read that script and went, it’s just all there,” Hamilton said.
She explained that she and Penn both considered it a perfect script. The challenge was capturing the material on camera while remembering the lengthy speeches her character delivers.
“My character, she’s a talker,” Hamilton said.
Knowing the production had limited time for rehearsal, Hamilton arrived with her lines learned. Her preparation gave her room to play with the scenes and respond to Penn.
“And then we just got to work,” she said. “And every single scene was like, attack, attack, attack.”
The intensity suited both the attorney and the pace of the film. Hamilton described quick exchanges alongside longer scenes, all requiring her to stay ready and keep moving.
Finding Her Rhythm With Kal Penn
Hamilton and Penn’s dynamic was one of my favorite parts of Trust Me, I’m a Doctor. Their scenes together prompted me to ask how they developed their working relationship and adjusted to each other’s performances.
“We developed our trust rather immediately, you know, within the first day or two,” Hamilton said.
For her, trusting Penn created the freedom to open up and explore the material together.
“And we built a great chemistry,” she added. “I really loved working with him.”
Hamilton explained that even experienced actors need time to understand a scene partner’s rhythm. Each performer has to recognize where the other is going and how their energy fits into the exchange.
“You don’t want to be too high intensity if he’s laid back,” she said. “So, we found our rhythm rather quickly.”
Hamilton also had a sense of humor about the reputation that follows her famous screen persona.
“People think I’m gonna come and, like, eat them alive or something,” she joked.
She felt Penn became comfortable with her early in the shoot. As their working relationship developed, they could put their energy into the scenes.
Hamilton described finishing one scene, racing off to change clothes, and returning eager to discover what they would do next. She compared the experience to acting school, with constant opportunities to jump into something new.
“And I enjoy that,” she said. “I like the pressure.”
Taking on the Role Between Stranger Things Commitments
Playing Garofalo also meant stepping away from another character Hamilton was already immersed in.
“I was in the middle of Stranger Things,” she explained.
Hamilton left that production to spend six weeks filming Trust Me, I’m a Doctor in Toronto before returning. She admitted that accepting the role felt a little scary with so much already happening.
One concern was whether the character she had been playing on Stranger Things would influence Garofalo’s voice. She had to find a way to switch channels and give the attorney her own presence.
The demanding schedule and limited production resources added urgency. Hamilton felt those constraints helped bring vitality and momentum to the performances because everyone had to commit and get the work done.
“I mean, I’m up to the challenge,” she said.
Hamilton’s enthusiasm came through as she described the shoot. The preparation was substantial, the schedule was tight, and the scenes kept coming. She embraced the pace and the opportunity to work closely with Penn.
Linda Hamilton Is Ready for More Comedy
After so many memorable characters, I wanted to know what makes Hamilton look at a new role and decide it is worth stepping back in front of the camera.
Her answer was direct. “I would love more comedy.”
Hamilton remains grateful for the opportunities she has had, but she acknowledged that some familiar character types can become repetitive.
“It does get a little old to play a humorless woman in the military,” she said. “Like, how many generals and presidents and killers can you play?”
Garofalo offered a character with great moments, less flattering moments, and room for humor. Hamilton was particularly amused by the opportunity to do something that sounds simple: smile.
“I was like, wow, she smiles every once in a while.”
Having room for those different sides of Garofalo helped make the role appealing. Hamilton could explore the character’s personality while taking on the demands of the dialogue and finding her rhythm with Penn.
A comedy pairing for Hamilton and Penn would be an easy sell for me. I told Hamilton I had already encouraged Penn to make another raunchy, R-rated comedy and suggested he bring her along.
Their chemistry in Trust Me, I’m a Doctor left me eager to see them share the screen again. Hamilton’s interest in comedy makes the possibility even more appealing.
Trust Me, I’m a Doctor is now playing in theaters.
Read our interview with Kal Penn about Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
