Laura Dern Had to Hire a Security Team After Appearing on 'Ellen's Coming Out Episode

Laura Dern didn’t realize the impact of appearing on the coming out episode of Ellen DeGeneres‘s sitcom Ellen.

The 52-year-old actress says she was “grateful” to take on the role playing a lesbian who helped Ellen realize she’s gay.

“Greatest thing I could’ve ever been part of, honestly. An incredible honor….I was excited. I didn’t think twice about it. It was a great opportunity. And then the calls started coming in once I’d said yes, from a couple of advisers in Hollywood who were out gay men, [telling me] to not do it. A lot of people in my life really worried. And I was like, ‘This is ridiculous,’” Laura told Vulture.

She added that she didn’t know that many people were not at a place of acceptance like she was, which she realized when there was a bomb threat on set.

Laura continued, “We only did it for what, ten days? We all spent the next couple of years really struggling in work and safety. It was radical to experience that. It was the only time I ever experienced having to have to have full security detail.”

Laura says that even though she didn’t work for a year after the show, “the gift” and the “the intimacy” of her role was an insight for her, which she will carry for the rest of her life.

“It’s shaped and continues to shape who I am as an advocate, as an activist, as a parent. It’s a profound thing when you see someone bring their truth, but also all the layers of shame and fear that have been put onto you because of feeling like the other, whatever your experience is. So I’m forever grateful,” Laura concluded.

Pictured inside: Laura appearing at the 92Y Speaker Series on Sunday (December 1) in New York City.