Arden Myrin is stepping into the spotlight like never before as LeeAnn Kreischer in Netflix’s new comedy series Free Bert. Known for her scene-stealing supporting roles, Myrin now takes center stage as the emotional anchor of the Kreischer family — and she couldn’t be more grateful for the moment.
In her interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Arden opened up about becoming a leading lady for the first time, what drew her to the role, and how she approached playing the real-life wife of comedian Bert Kreischer without turning it into an impression.
A Long Road to the Leading Role
For Myrin, landing Free Bert felt like a full-circle moment.
“I’ve always been thankful to work as a character actress,” she shared. “But you still wonder — why not me? This is the first time I’ve ever been the leading lady, and it just feels surreal.”
That surreal feeling hit hard when she saw her face on a Times Square billboard promoting the show — something she never imagined growing up in a small Rhode Island town with no stoplights and a single general store.
Becoming LeeAnn Kreischer
Rather than copying the real LeeAnn Kreischer, Arden chose to play the role from the heart.
“I didn’t want to do an impression,” she explained. “I talked to people who knew her, but I wanted to capture her spirit instead.”
What stood out to Myrin most was LeeAnn’s strength and loyalty. She described her character as the emotional backbone of the family — someone grounded, loving, and unshaken by Bert’s chaotic energy.
“She’s not threatened by him. She’s not jealous. She knows who she is,” Myrin said. “She’s powerful enough to say, ‘This is my man.’”
Why Their Marriage Is the Heart of the Show
One of the things that drew Arden to Free Bert was how the show portrays marriage differently from typical sitcoms.
“I didn’t want her to be a scolding wife,” she said. “I wanted them to feel like Lucy and Ricky — a team going into chaos together.”
Myrin emphasized that LeeAnn isn’t there to tame Bert — she understands him. She accepts his wild ideas while also knowing when to stand her ground. The result is a relationship built on mutual respect, humor, and real affection.
That dynamic, she believes, makes the series more relatable than viewers might expect.
“Love doesn’t have to look perfect. It can be messy and still be loyal,” she said.
More Than Just a Comedy
While Free Bert is packed with outrageous humor, Arden believes audiences will be surprised by how much heart the series has.
“It’s like Modern Family meets Married with Children meets Curb Your Enthusiasm,” she said. “But there’s real emotion under all of it.”
She also hopes the show brings back something that’s been missing from television — a true sitcom with a strong family core.
“We don’t get many sitcoms anymore,” Myrin said. “I hope people find it and realize how fun and heartfelt it actually is.”
What’s Next for Arden Myrin
Beyond Free Bert, Myrin has plenty on her creative plate. She recently appeared in the final season of The Righteous Gemstones and is developing an off-Broadway musical titled Space Cowgirl. She also continues hosting her long-running podcast, Will You Accept This Rose?, which she’s been doing for over a decade.
But for now, she’s savoring this milestone moment.
“I feel ready,” she said. “It took so long, but let’s do this.”