Sharon Horgan is no stranger to filming intimate scenes,
but even with years of experience, her latest on-screen moment with Michael Sheen in Best Interests was particularly uncomfortable.
The 54-year-old Irish actress and writer recently revealed that filming a sex scene in a cramped train car bathroom for the drama series was an excruciatingly awkward experience.
During an exclusive interview with Page Six, Horgan described the scene as “so awkward” and admitted she wasn’t entirely sure why it felt more difficult than previous ones.
She explained that despite having performed intimate scenes before
—often earning teasing remarks from her daughters about including such moments in her work—this particular setup felt especially embarrassing.
Why the Scene Was So Uncomfortable
While filming the scene, Horgan found herself feeling unusually self-conscious. She noted that sex scenes can sometimes make actors feel as though they’re being watched by a group of “peeping Toms,” making the whole experience feel intrusive.
“You just feel like everyone’s a peeping Tom and you want to say, ‘F–k off, what are you doing? Get that camera out of here!’” she joked.
Despite the awkwardness on set, Horgan admitted she was pleased with the final result. The scene, while challenging to shoot, ultimately served its purpose in the series, depicting a moment of raw and realistic intimacy between her character and Sheen’s.
The Story Behind Best Interests
Best Interests is a powerful drama that tells the heartbreaking story of a couple grappling with an impossible decision about their child’s medical care. Horgan stars alongside Michael Sheen, 56, as they play parents to Marnie, a 13-year-old girl with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. When Marnie’s condition worsens and she is placed in intensive care, her doctors suggest discontinuing treatment. This leads to an emotionally charged battle between her parents, who struggle with differing views on what is best for their daughter.
The series takes a deep dive into the complexities of parental love, ethical dilemmas in healthcare, and the emotional toll such decisions take on families. The intensity of the subject matter makes the show a gripping and thought-provoking watch.
Horgan’s Personal Connection to the Role
For Horgan, the story resonated on a deeply personal level. She has often gravitated toward projects that explore the intricacies of family relationships and human emotions, and Best Interests is no exception. The actress has spoken about how the show’s themes struck a chord with her, and despite the emotional weight of the story, she was drawn to the complexity of the characters and the moral questions they face.
On-Screen Chemistry with Michael Sheen
While the sex scene may have been awkward to film, Horgan had nothing but praise for her co-star, Michael Sheen. The two actors brought authenticity to their roles, portraying a couple caught in an incredibly painful and life-altering situation. Their performances highlight the emotional depth of their characters, making their struggles all the more compelling for viewers.
Though their characters are fighting for their daughter’s life in the series, the intimacy between them showcases a different side of their relationship—a moment of closeness amid the turmoil. It’s a testament to Best Interests’ storytelling that even a seemingly simple sex scene can carry so much emotional weight.
Horgan’s Daughters Tease Her About On-Screen Intimacy
One of the more humorous takeaways from Horgan’s interview was her daughters’ reaction to her frequent on-screen love scenes. The actress shared that her children often tease her, questioning why she repeatedly writes herself into intimate moments early in her projects.
“They take the p–s out of me because they’re like, ‘Why do you have to write yourself having a sex scene in the first five minutes of that show?’” Horgan revealed with a laugh.
Despite their playful teasing, it’s clear that Horgan approaches these scenes with professionalism, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the story rather than serving as gratuitous moments.
A Realistic Take on Love and Life’s Struggles
One of the reasons Best Interests has resonated so strongly with audiences is its unflinching portrayal of real-life struggles. The show doesn’t shy away from the raw, messy, and often heartbreaking moments that come with love, parenthood, and medical crises.
Horgan’s and Sheen’s performances bring depth and nuance to their characters, making their journey feel authentic. Whether it’s a moment of conflict, deep sorrow, or even awkward intimacy in a train car bathroom, Best Interests delivers a slice of real life in every scene.
Final Thoughts
While the train car scene may have been a challenge for Sharon Horgan to film, it’s just one of many moments that make Best Interests a compelling and deeply human story. The drama’s exploration of love, loss, and moral dilemmas ensures it will leave a lasting impact on viewers.
With strong performances from Horgan, Sheen, and the rest of the cast, Best Interests is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates gripping storytelling and emotional depth. And for Horgan, even if the experience of filming certain scenes was uncomfortable, the end result was worth it.
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