Armando Iannucci Denies Kamala Harris Inspired Veep Character

Armando Iannucci, the creator of the award-winning show “Veep,” recently sat down for an interview with The Guardian to address the speculation that Kamala Harris inspired the character of Selina Meyer portrayed by Julia Louis Dreyfus. Contrary to popular belief, Iannucci adamantly denies any intentional connections between Harris and Meyer. He acknowledges the similarities in their political trajectory – both female senators elevated to the vice presidency before potentially stepping into the president’s role – but asserts that it is all merely a coincidence.

Iannucci sheds light on the behind-the-scenes process of creating a show that resonates with audiences by emphasizing the importance of research. According to him, he and the cast of “Veep” engaged in extensive conversations with political insiders, including former employees of the vice president’s office. By immersing themselves in the world of politics, they were able to craft a narrative that felt genuine and true to life.

In an unexpected comparison, Iannucci draws parallels between Selina Meyer and Donald Trump, attributing her vanity and vindictiveness to traits commonly associated with the former president. However, he clarifies that any resemblance to real-life figures is purely coincidental, and he vehemently refutes the notion that Meyer is based on Kamala Harris or any specific political figure.

Veep’s Viewership Spike and Political Timing

Following Joe Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris after dropping out of the presidential race, “Veep” experienced a surge in viewership of over 300%. While some may interpret this as a nod to Harris’ political aspirations, Iannucci emphasizes that Meyer’s character is far from a flattering portrayal, characterized by her flawed and often despicable nature.

Despite the comedic satire depicted in “Veep,” Iannucci expresses his support for Kamala Harris and hopes that viewers will not conflate the character of Selina Meyer with the real-life Harris. He acknowledges the challenges of navigating politics and aims to separate the fictional narrative from the political reality, underscoring the role of entertainment in offering a lens through which to examine and critique contemporary events.