Rachel Sennott finds herself at what she thought was a regular bar, only to realize it’s a juice joint. Taking it in stride, she embraces the sunny Los Feliz day, seated outside with a fresh beet and carrot-turmeric concoction. Amidst sips, she reflects on her methodical approach to carving a niche in Hollywood as an actress, writer-producer, and aspiring feature director. Sennott’s journey, punctuated by her witty sensibilities, unfolds against a Los Angeles backdrop that seems almost like a parody she could have penned herself.
Before her indie darling status in 2019, Sennott gained online notoriety for an 18-second video lampooning clichés in movie trailers set in L.A. Wearing a crop top and stylish shades, she quips, “Come on, it’s L.A. … If you don’t have an eating disorder, get one, b—-.”
As a 27-year-old member of a burgeoning generation of comedic talents shaping Hollywood, Sennott’s unapologetic humor and self-awareness stand out. In an era where young women are often objectified online, she proactively engages with the narrative, injecting her own spin. Her bikini photo bears the caption, “Congrats to my little brother on graduating,” toying with Instagram thirst traps. Another post challenges body image perceptions: “If you don’t have anything nice to say about my happy trail DON’T say anything at all!!!”
Her exaggerated online persona mirrors her on-screen work. Even in HBO’s “The Idol,” where she portrays a pop star’s often-ridiculed assistant, her ability to own the joke is evident.
Sennott laid her foundation at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and her fast-paced city life transitioned smoothly to Los Angeles, where her well-planned schedule propels her from one engagement to the next. She mentions a marketing meeting for her latest film, “Bottoms,” a sex-positive comedy opening in theaters soon.
“Bottoms,” co-written and produced by Sennott alongside director Emma Seligman, delves into a raunchy teen comedy narrative. The film centers on two unpopular lesbians who establish an after-school fight club to get closer to their crushes. Sennott and Seligman broke through with their 2021 film “Shiva Baby,” which blends comedy with horror to capture modern female anxieties.
Seligman, who co-wrote both films, recalls Sennott’s meticulous approach, driven by her Virgo traits. Sennott’s whimsical day planner guided their meetings, encapsulating short-term and long-term goals. Seligman humorously credits Sennott’s “Virgo skills” for their productive collaboration.
From New York to Los Angeles, Sennott’s journey resonates with authenticity. She transitioned from network sitcom “Call Your Mother” to Hollywood, all the while maintaining her internet presence and engaging followers with candid insights.
As a youth, Sennott directed her siblings in home productions, honing her voice early on. Comedy replaced her drama school pursuits, and stand-up provided an outlet to control her narrative. Her humor evolved from personal anecdotes to bawdier reflections on dating and relationships.
Clad in a fitting room with a pile of clothes, Sennott assesses her choices. A pink slip dress prompts her to ponder, “Does it look too virgin-y?” This candid curiosity mirrors her ability to engage with her art and her audience, always with a touch of her signature wit.
