Connie Britton is excited about the comparisons being drawn between her “Friday Night Lights” characters and current political figures. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Britton, 57, discussed her new film Here After and reflected on the similarities she’s noticed between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz and her iconic role as Tami Taylor alongside Kyle Chandler’s Eric Taylor.
Britton expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled by it. It’s wonderful.” She has shown support for the Kamala Harris-led campaign, participating in a “White Women for Kamala” Zoom call in July, right after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race and Harris was anticipated as the new Democratic nominee—a prediction confirmed at the August Democratic National Convention.
Connie Britton praises the Walz family’s authenticity and values, aligning them with her ‘Friday Night Lights’ characters
Tim Walz was officially announced as Harris’s running mate on August 6. As people have become more familiar with his background, many have noted the resemblance between his relationship with Gwen and the fictional Taylor couple.
Britton shared her admiration, stating, “I adore Tami Taylor and Coach Taylor because they represent real values.” She finds a similar authenticity in the Walz couple, appreciating their alignment with her own values and praising Walz as an exceptional individual.
She further highlighted her respect for Walz’s achievements, particularly noting his background as a coach. “I have immense respect for anyone who has been a teacher,” she added, explaining that the coaching role depicted in Friday Night Lights symbolizes not just leadership but also community respect.
Britton praised the genuine quality she perceives in Coach Walz and his family, stating, “There’s a true authenticity to them that I deeply admire and have been longing for in today’s politics.” She believes the comparison to the Taylors is spot-on.
Regarding Friday Night Lights, which aired for five seasons on NBC from 2006 to 2011, Britton previously expressed doubt about a reboot. “I’m sure there will be a cast reunion, but I don’t see a return to the story with this cast,” she told Entertainment Tonight in July 2021.
She mentioned hearing rumors about a possible new version of Friday Night Lights but was uncertain about its feasibility. “Given that we’ve already had a film and a series, a new iteration with a completely different cast might not be the best idea,” Britton reflected.
