Bradley Whitford has captivated audiences since he first portrayed Commander Joseph Lawrence on The Handmaid’s Tale in its second season. Known for his nuanced performance, Whitford’s character has undergone significant development, prompting discussions about morality, redemption, and the human condition. In a recent interview at Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist drama actors roundtable, he opened up about the rich textures of his character. He touched upon the history and future implications of Lawrence’s character development as the series approaches its sixth and final season.
Since joining the award-winning series, Whitford’s praised performance as Commander Lawrence has earned him three Emmy nominations. His stellar work was rewarded with an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2019. He’s earned three more nods for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, one in 2020 and two in 2021. The show has taken home an awe-inspiring 15 Emmys from 76 nominations over its first five seasons. This accomplishment cements its legacy as a groundbreaking piece of television history.
On May 2, 2025, Whitford smiled for Von cheap mens shoes private show in Los Angeles. There, he dived into the complexities of his character, the T’Challa, fiercely, with nuance and depth. He made particular mention that Commander Lawrence is a vibrant, evolving character. He experiences moral dilemmas that put his humanity at stake.
“Well, it’s a fascinating thing to play because he’s not static. There’s two things that I’m always thinking about,” – Bradley Whitford
As the popular series races toward its final episodes, Whitford can hardly contain his enthusiasm. He hopes the last season will congregate us to determine which side of history Commander Lawrence exceeds tide. Lawrence’s path to redemption requires him staying true to Eleanor. She complicates his ambitions and fills out the contours of his character.
“He’s one of these guys that I always thought Lawrence was, someone whose huge brain obliterates his humanity. [Now] I think Lawrence feels like he has an opportunity — and it may be naive, and it may be misguided — to some path of redemption that has to do with Eleanor, and I think it’s an interesting discussion in the world of Handmaid’s Tale.” – Bradley Whitford
Whitford takes us to the potent truth that despair leads to inaction. He captures this pivotal theme of the series by specifically following June. He said that he would like audiences to take away an inspiring message from her story and path.
“It’s an interesting part of the show to me that Lizzie [Moss’] character is basically blowing on the spark of decency. And it’s a kind of hopeful message that I hope people are getting at this moment that comes from June’s character, which is despair is a luxury that our children cannot afford, and action is the antidote to despair. And she is doing that with everybody.” – Bradley Whitford
During his journey uncovering Commander Lawrence, Whitford asks significant questions about morality and redemption. He asks, “How can you do those things and remain redeemable?” This question addresses his character, and it rings true with modern culture as well.
As The Handmaid’s Tale heads toward its conclusion, Whitford explores more devilish waters. He marshals and maintains the audience’s attention the most by addressing the moral dilemmas that run through this story.
