CHELSEA
FREI

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Chelsea stars in the comedy series The Moodys alongside Denis Leary, Elizabeth Perkins and Jay Baruchel — a lighthearted sitcom about a dysfunctional family of five. Off set, Chelsea writes and creates funny sketches, which you can find on her Instagram. We sat down for a virtual interview with the talented actress to talk about work, life and other random things!

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Photography by Darian DiCianno • styling by Britt Theodora • hair by Marco Santini • makeup by Tina Turnbow

First off, how are you? How has this year been for you so far?

I'm good, thank you! I think it goes without saying that last year was.. intense. Getting back to work earlier this year really helped me feel like myself again.  

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The Moodys is returning for a second season. There's no Christmas tree, the family is back under one roof — what can you tell us about this season? And what is Bridget up to? How was the filming process? I reckon there were loads of COVID health and safety measures put in place throughout the whole production!

This season is ridiculous. Any insane situation you can imagine a family getting into.. I think we get into. We had so much fun and it was by far the most I've ever laughed on a set. The covid protocols were a huge element and while it was a learning curve, I think it made our crew and cast so close because we were in it together. If one person tests positive (and we were tested three times a week), the show would shut down. So we all collectively wanted to be safe so we could stay healthy and keep working. We didn't shut down once which is pretty crazy!

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What was it like seeing the whole cast and crew again, but under very different circumstances, in a very different world than when you were filming the first season?

It was the best. I love this cast so much and we all genuinely get along so well. I feel like everyone says that, but I'm actually not lying! A few takes Elizabeth and I literally had to stop looking at each other because we both couldn't stop laughing. I think we'd all been through a lot over the past year, as the entire world has, but we were all very aware of how lucky we were to be back to work.  

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When you're not filming, you create the funniest sketches on Instagram. What is the creation process like? Does a scene or character just come to you?

Ha, thank you!! I'm very aware that there are people who do MUCH better and funnier insta videos than me, but for me it was just a fun and creative outlet for last year. In terms of how I come up with them, it's usually just inspiration from my friends/family. Last summer I spent toooooo many hours taking bikini pictures of my sister and I was like, this is a character.  

Wearing (left): Ganni shirt and pant set, Frame trench coat, David Yurman bracelets.
Wearing right: Isabel Marant jacket, Alison Lou earrings, Etro belt, Etro Boots, Giovanni Bedin dress

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What has been your favourite sketch so far and why?

The morning after the VP debate when everyone was screaming about the fly on Mike Pence's head, I couldn't stop thinking about who had to tell him. So while I was deeply hungover (I drink during debates, sue me!) I came up with the assistant who had to tell him.

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And while we're at it, let's talk @andovermoms. How did it come about? What was the inspiration?

I think probably five years ago I was home in Andover, in the car with my mom, and she was on the phone with her friend spilling some tea about another friend. And she was whispering. As if this other friend would hear her through the walls of our Rav-4. It killed me. From there I would just make videos about this mom character spilling tea, usually consulting my mom for advice. My mom is the funniest person I know and we have so much fun working on them together. Lately, I've had the literal honor of collaborating with Boston comedy queen Alyssa Limperis and doing our Boston Mom characters together. I have never laughed as hard as walking around West Hollywood talking about Dunkin' Donuts with her.

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Lastly, what are you working on next? Can you tell us something about it?  

I just wrote a feature that's a horror comedy about cancel culture and influencers which I'm so pumped about. I'm in the early stages of getting it off the ground, but my goal is to go into production this year. But this is my favorite part, banging on all the doors, annoying everyone until they listen to me and help me make my movie, it's weirdly where I thrive.

Wearing: Isabel Marant jacket, Alison Lou earrings, Etro belt, Etro Boots, Giovanni Bedin dress

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QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS  

We've got a couple of quick fire questions for you. Just answer with whatever comes to mind first!  

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Current obsession?

Grey's Anatomy. On season 12 baby!!

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Your signature dish?

Annie's White Cheddar Shells, keep chunks in the cheese and add some black peppercorn. Iconic.

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Emoji you use most?

Head exploding

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If you could choose only one item to take with you to a deserted island, what would it be?

Q-tips

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First ever crush?

50 Cent

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Favourite childhood memory?

Ugh so lame but the first play I was in, The Sword Called Excaliber!

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Travel back or forward in time?

Neither, that freaks me out!

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Best movie night snack?

Instant Ramen. Don't tell me that's not a snack!
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Go-to karaoke song?

Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
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Someone you'd love to be for one day?

My sister's dog
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Lastly, how would your friends describe you in one word?

Ridiculous