Judith Light reflects on women’s stories, industry shifts, and the magic of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival
Judith Light, the two-time Tony and three-time Emmy Award-winning actress, has long been a force in entertainment, portraying complex women who resonate deeply with audiences. From her breakout role as Karen Wolek on One Life to Live—a performance that earned her two Daytime Emmys—to her powerful turns in Who’s the Boss?, Ugly Betty, and Transparent as well as her recent guest role in Poker Face which won her a Primetime Emmy Award, Light has consistently brought depth and nuance to her characters. Her work extends beyond the screen, with acclaimed performances in Broadway productions like The Assembled Parties and Other Desert Cities, proving her versatility across mediums.
Judith Light
Light’s career is marked by a commitment to telling stories that matter, whether in drama, comedy, or socially conscious television films. Her portrayal of real-life figures, such as Jeannie White in The Ryan White Story, showcased her ability to humanize pivotal moments in history. Now, as president of the Fiction Jury at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Light continues to champion meaningful storytelling while reflecting on her own journey in the industry.
During a roundtable interview at the festival, she delved into the evolution of women’s roles on screen, the challenges of ageism and sexism, and the ever-changing landscape of streaming and entertainment.
Women’s Stories: Universal, Not Just American
When asked about the trajectory of American women as mirrored in her roles, Light was quick to reframe the conversation. "I wouldn't say that it's an American woman. I don't think they're American stories. I think they are stories about women," she said. "Some of the women who have lost their voice, some of the women who have been sideswiped... a lot of the movies that I did talked about those different kinds of women." Referencing her role in The Ryan White Story, she highlighted the universality of these narratives. "When you look at somebody like Jeannie White, she is from rural Indiana. Who is that woman? Each one of them is completely different, but they represent all of those women... And what does it mean to be that kind of human being with that kind of psychology? And how do you work your way into the world?" For Light, these roles have been transformative—not just for audiences, but for herself. "The things that I've gotten to do, which have been incredible gifts for me, have not only transformed or inspired other people but have transformed and inspired me as well."
The Craft: Preparation and Partnership
Light’s performance as a formidable district attorney in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit left a lasting impression, prompting a question about her approach to intense roles. "That's the writing," she demurred, deflecting praise. But when pressed on her process, she revealed her dedication to preparation. "Anthony Hopkins says something that I think is really incredibly valuable: Know the script, know the script, know the script. Read the script, read the script, read the script. All the clues are always in any script that you do." She emphasized collaboration as key to her performances. "If you know the lines and you arrive on the set, and you are connected to your cast, the other people, your director, your lighting person, your AD... you are a team. You don't do this alone, so you've got support around you all the time."
Sexism, Ageism, and the Fight for Change
The festival’s focus on women in television led to a discussion about industry progress—and the work still to be done. "It's all there," Light acknowledged. "There's racism and sexism and gender bias... As long as we are speaking to it and calling it out and saying what it is, all of that will make a difference." While she sees improvement, she knows the battle isn’t over. "Women knowing how powerful they are will actually make a dynamic change in the system." Ageism, too, remains a hurdle—but Light refuses to let it define her choices. "I turn a bunch of stuff down because a lot of things are... familiar from the last thing I did. I always want to be seeking something that's different." For her, storytelling must serve a greater purpose. "How will it be a project that will be of service in some way? How is it that we are reshaping our world?" She praised journalists for their role in shifting perspectives, calling them essential allies in amplifying voices.
Streaming, Mergers, and the Unknown Future
The conversation turned to the seismic shifts in entertainment—streaming wars, studio mergers, and the digital revolution. Light admitted the landscape is unpredictable. "We're going to have to see how all of that plays out... Isn't it grand that we have so many different platforms that we can perform on?" She acknowledged audience frustrations—"Why do we have to keep paying for all of these different platforms?"—but remained optimistic. "We don't know what's gonna happen... So keep doing the things that move you and empower you."
The Joy of Musicals and the Magic of Monte-Carlo
Light, who has starred in Broadway musicals, believes the genre will endure. When asked if musical theater has a future, Light answered affirmatively: "Absolutely. The audience wants it... People need to be uplifted." As for the festival itself, she was effusive. "There is no place like this on earth... It's the perfect place to put this festival." She praised the organizers for fostering creativity and global connections. "This festival is so important... There's another aspect here that is powerful and substantive...and creating relationships and friendships and ongoing creativity and artistry that it comes from the south of France, from here to around the world. And there's something very moving to me about that".
The Jury: A Family in Four Days
Light spoke warmly of her fellow jurors. "Smart, creative, kind, generous, listening, invested, excited, vibrant... If we didn't agree, there was nobody who was putting anybody down." The collaborative spirit, she said, was remarkable. "In four days, how do you form a family of people that is connected in that kind of way?"
The Woman in the Mirror
Finally, when asked about the reflection staring back at her after decades of embodying different women, Light’s answer was introspective. "Every character I play comes to me for me to investigate something about myself... I have looked in me because in me are all these different aspects." Whether playing a dying poet in Wit or a fierce attorney, she doesn’t separate herself from the role. "I bring her, but I also bring myself." For Judith Light, the mirror doesn’t just reflect an actress—it reveals the countless lives she’s brought to life, and the stories that continue to shape her.
As the Monte-Carlo Television Festival celebrated another year of storytelling, Light’s presence—both as jury president and as a luminary of the screen—reminded everyone why her voice remains indispensable in the ever-evolving world of television.
During a roundtable interview at the festival, she delved into the evolution of women’s roles on screen, the challenges of ageism and sexism, and the ever-changing landscape of streaming and entertainment.
Women’s Stories: Universal, Not Just American
When asked about the trajectory of American women as mirrored in her roles, Light was quick to reframe the conversation. "I wouldn't say that it's an American woman. I don't think they're American stories. I think they are stories about women," she said. "Some of the women who have lost their voice, some of the women who have been sideswiped... a lot of the movies that I did talked about those different kinds of women." Referencing her role in The Ryan White Story, she highlighted the universality of these narratives. "When you look at somebody like Jeannie White, she is from rural Indiana. Who is that woman? Each one of them is completely different, but they represent all of those women... And what does it mean to be that kind of human being with that kind of psychology? And how do you work your way into the world?" For Light, these roles have been transformative—not just for audiences, but for herself. "The things that I've gotten to do, which have been incredible gifts for me, have not only transformed or inspired other people but have transformed and inspired me as well."
The Craft: Preparation and Partnership
Light’s performance as a formidable district attorney in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit left a lasting impression, prompting a question about her approach to intense roles. "That's the writing," she demurred, deflecting praise. But when pressed on her process, she revealed her dedication to preparation. "Anthony Hopkins says something that I think is really incredibly valuable: Know the script, know the script, know the script. Read the script, read the script, read the script. All the clues are always in any script that you do." She emphasized collaboration as key to her performances. "If you know the lines and you arrive on the set, and you are connected to your cast, the other people, your director, your lighting person, your AD... you are a team. You don't do this alone, so you've got support around you all the time."
Sexism, Ageism, and the Fight for Change
The festival’s focus on women in television led to a discussion about industry progress—and the work still to be done. "It's all there," Light acknowledged. "There's racism and sexism and gender bias... As long as we are speaking to it and calling it out and saying what it is, all of that will make a difference." While she sees improvement, she knows the battle isn’t over. "Women knowing how powerful they are will actually make a dynamic change in the system." Ageism, too, remains a hurdle—but Light refuses to let it define her choices. "I turn a bunch of stuff down because a lot of things are... familiar from the last thing I did. I always want to be seeking something that's different." For her, storytelling must serve a greater purpose. "How will it be a project that will be of service in some way? How is it that we are reshaping our world?" She praised journalists for their role in shifting perspectives, calling them essential allies in amplifying voices.
Streaming, Mergers, and the Unknown Future
The conversation turned to the seismic shifts in entertainment—streaming wars, studio mergers, and the digital revolution. Light admitted the landscape is unpredictable. "We're going to have to see how all of that plays out... Isn't it grand that we have so many different platforms that we can perform on?" She acknowledged audience frustrations—"Why do we have to keep paying for all of these different platforms?"—but remained optimistic. "We don't know what's gonna happen... So keep doing the things that move you and empower you."
The Joy of Musicals and the Magic of Monte-Carlo
Light, who has starred in Broadway musicals, believes the genre will endure. When asked if musical theater has a future, Light answered affirmatively: "Absolutely. The audience wants it... People need to be uplifted." As for the festival itself, she was effusive. "There is no place like this on earth... It's the perfect place to put this festival." She praised the organizers for fostering creativity and global connections. "This festival is so important... There's another aspect here that is powerful and substantive...and creating relationships and friendships and ongoing creativity and artistry that it comes from the south of France, from here to around the world. And there's something very moving to me about that".
The Jury: A Family in Four Days
Light spoke warmly of her fellow jurors. "Smart, creative, kind, generous, listening, invested, excited, vibrant... If we didn't agree, there was nobody who was putting anybody down." The collaborative spirit, she said, was remarkable. "In four days, how do you form a family of people that is connected in that kind of way?"
The Woman in the Mirror
Finally, when asked about the reflection staring back at her after decades of embodying different women, Light’s answer was introspective. "Every character I play comes to me for me to investigate something about myself... I have looked in me because in me are all these different aspects." Whether playing a dying poet in Wit or a fierce attorney, she doesn’t separate herself from the role. "I bring her, but I also bring myself." For Judith Light, the mirror doesn’t just reflect an actress—it reveals the countless lives she’s brought to life, and the stories that continue to shape her.
As the Monte-Carlo Television Festival celebrated another year of storytelling, Light’s presence—both as jury president and as a luminary of the screen—reminded everyone why her voice remains indispensable in the ever-evolving world of television.
