Eliza Coupe, renowned for her portrayal of the sardonic and unyielding Dr. Jo Mahoney in "Scrubs," is now actively reclaiming her narrative and fiercely responding to critics. At the Hollywood premiere of Netflix's new mystery drama, "The Residence," the 43-year-old actress captivated audiences with her role as Margery Bay Bix, a White House residence staff member. However, it wasn't solely Coupe's latest acting gig that generated buzz.
Clad in daring eye makeup and a dazzling, deep-plunging gold sequined gown, Coupe unveiled a striking, disheveled-chic appearance that polarized her fans. Some hailed her edgy glamour, while others flooded social media with concerns, branding her "unrecognizable" and even questioning her well-being.
In response, Coupe is setting the record straight with clarity and confidence. A few days after the event, she took to Instagram, sharing a montage of raw selfies and behind-the-scenes videos, sans makeup and radiating with genuine smiles. "This is what I really look like!" she declared in the caption, accompanied by snapshots from her camera roll spanning the past three weeks. "#thisiswhatireallylooklike #truth #haterscanhate #ichooselove #rememberwhoyouare #transmute #elevate #rise #and #shine #love." Coupe alleged that the red carpet photos had undergone "substantial alterations" and utilized this platform to reclaim her image, playfully grimacing and grinning in videos that provided fans an unfiltered glimpse of her authentic self.
Her followers showered her with compliments, with some dubbing her a "smokeshow" and "gorgeous." However, a segment of her audience continued to express their worries. One commenter penned, "Girl, you are a very beautiful woman, but you are not looking good right now." Another said, "Beautiful inside and out," while a third exclaimed, "Absolute smoke show!!" Another fan chimed in, expressing an instant girl crush on Coupe since meeting her a few months ago, attributing it to her "insane beauty, charisma, and energy." They added, "You're such a special soul and it's reflected in all sides of you... You're radiant." Another follower expressed concern, stating, "I hope you’re okay. I hope you get the help you need."
However, Coupe isn't merely seeking headlines; she's in the midst of a profound personal and spiritual transformation, which she has openly discussed in recent years. During an episode of "The Funny Thing Is" podcast last month, the actress revealed that following her 2018 divorce from Darin Olien, she turned to ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic brew, as a means to purge herself of toxic emotional baggage.
"I broke into sobs, and it was utterly overwhelming," she recounted of the second ceremony, her voice tinged with emotion. "In that moment, I was granted an intimate glimpse into the depths of my own soul." Though she hailed the experience as transformative, Coupe emphasized, "I don't foresee a need to revisit that path again."
Coupe has embraced a holistic lifestyle, an amalgamation of yoga, spiritual healing, and journaling.She is presently immersed in the creative depths of authoring two self-help books, akin to a sailor lost in the vast, enchanting ocean of her literary endeavors."Coyote Woman and the Odyssey of Soul Contracts," a profound exploration of soul contracts, and "Journal It the F-ck Out," a guided journaling book designed to aid readers in navigating through trauma and fostering personal growth.
Coupe has also openly shared her battles with food, body image, and addiction. "Some might label it an eating disorder, but for me, it was simply a part of my life's journey," she confessed during a podcast. "Food was my chosen drug, and it was a 12-step food program that ultimately led me to quit drinking." For seven years, Coupe meticulously measured every meal as part of her recovery, battling against harmful habits such as over-exercising and bulimia.
Yet, perhaps the most profound transformation in Coupe's life has been in the realm of love. In 2023, she publicly celebrated her newfound love with professional skateboarder Billy Marks, penning a heartfelt Instagram post: "A husband love post... This extraordinary wizard is my closest confidant and the love of my entire life. Everything he embodies serves as a reminder of my true self."
Following her tenure on "Scrubs," Coupe is venturing into the realm of mystery drama with her latest role in "The Residence," a creation of Paul William Davies. In this series, she embodies Margery Bay Bix, a woman ensnared in the intricate web of the White House staff residence and its deep-rooted connections to the First Family.
Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower's book, "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House," and brought to life by Paul William Davies, this eight-episode series intertwines political intrigue and dark humor into a gripping murder mystery that captivates from the very first frame. "The Residence" is now available for streaming on Netflix.
