Molly Gordon Has Game—Even if She Insists She Doesn’t

Anyone who has seen Molly Gordon on FX’s The Bear or in her latest film Oh, Hi!, would recognize her as one of Hollywood’s wittiest rising stars. But despite her impeccable comedic timing and undeniable on-screen chemistry with her castmates, she insists: “I genuinely have no game,” Gordon tells ELLE.

She proved that wrong with last weekend’s Venice Film Festival. On Saturday, she arrived at the Frankenstein screening wearing an archival Armani column gown embellished with pearlescent sequins. Fresh from her flight, Gordon and her team—including stylist Jared Ellner, makeup artist Melissa Hernandez, and hairstylist Barb Thompson—experienced instant kismet upon spotting the dress. For her ocean-inspired beauty look, the actress chose simple, dewy makeup using Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation and Concealer, topped with Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter for a fresh glow. Beachy waves completed her red carpet glamour, achieving the dreamy mermaid aesthetic she envisioned.

Fans can see her next at this year’s Emmy Awards on September 14 alongside the cast of The Bear. Below, Gordon discusses her Venice Film Festival prep routine, her favorite moments from season 4 of The Bear, and advice for complicated situationships.

This whole weekend, we seemed to be going for mermaid and Venetian witch. I wore a dress to the dinner the other night that was so beautiful and I loved the color, and this premiere dress just connected to that vibe in such a great way. I went into my fitting straight off a plane, and when we saw it, it was kind of like a spiritual orb that we all ran towards! I was just so happy that it fit. I live in New York, and usually dress in a lot of black, so it was nice to play with color here and connect with the Venetian water.

Having good people around me, like Barb Thompson, Melissa Hernandez, and Jared Ellner. They make me feel confident, and therefore comfortable on the carpet. Then, yes, a little wine, a good meal. Oh, and deodorant is essential—you’ll sweat hard here.

It’s very simple now. As I entered my late 20s, adult acne appeared. I used to have 37 steps, and now I think, Actually, let’s just do a couple of simple things. I also have an incredible facialist who guides me.

Listen to music and talk! I love hearing about my friends’ lives and gossiping with them. Then, definitely some good music!

Logan was so lovely. I don’t know what other male actor would have been cool being tied up for an entire movie. He is an absolute icon. He also helped greenlight the movie and took a chance on a smaller film with a female director—so yea, I love him.

I don’t have advice—I’m not Esther Perel—but Oh, Hi! explores how you should never beg someone to be with you. My favorite dating story was in high school. I grew up in L.A., and this guy broke up with me because he was too stressed about Coachella.

Yes. He was like, “You have to get to the venue on time and make sure you don’t miss the artist...so many logistics.”

I think curiosity is the most attractive quality, and I love asking questions. So I’m giving myself that compliment. And whenever someone is curious with me, I think, Well, we’re married now!

I’m thrilled for the show! I’m going with Courtney Storer, who creates all the amazing food featured on the series. Hopefully, she’ll make me an incredible lunch beforehand!

The scene under the table with everyone together. It’s rare, especially with so many different worlds within our show, to shoot together. Afterward, we all went for dinner and ice cream as Chicago was turning to summer. It was just so special. I love everyone I work with.

I’m glad she got to speak her truth this season. I’d encourage her to continue living authentically and be honest, not afraid of what honesty might bring. But yes, we shall see.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.