Actress Amita Rao: From Improv Clown to TV Star

Amita Rao, known for her role as Issa on the FX sitcom 'Adults,' embodies a character with main-character energy, often blurring the lines between her own personality and Issa's.

Rao's background in theater and improv, starting from kindergarten in Virginia, prepared her for a career in acting. After college, she moved to Chicago to immerse herself in the improv scene and later secured a manager after SNL showcases.

She experienced a period of "creative depression" around age 23, which she describes as a time when the "brain and heart and soul" are dormant. Following therapy and medication, she entered a "creative wave" that led to her booking three TV gigs, including 'Adults'.

The show "Adults," initially conceived as a 'Friends' for Gen Z, now aims for a wider audience in its second season. It follows four college friends in New York City and their unconventional Canadian housemate, Paul Baker.

Rao relates to Issa's fearlessness and pure intentions, noting the character's ability to ride the line between boldness and disinhibition. The roommates in 'Adults' are depicted realistically, not adhering to typical sitcom archetypes, and are not defined by their jobs.

The show's cast experienced intense bonding during a three-week pre-season 1 Toronto immersion, deliberately orchestrated by the creators to foster chemistry. This led to the cast becoming close-knit, sharing personal lives and experiences.

In season two, the roommates face new challenges, including interpersonal tension and unexpected situations, such as Issa dealing with domestic animals and relationship drama. The show aims to balance humor with emotional depth.