Margaret Cho says she passed on a role in one of television’s buzziest new shows because she feared crossing the border during Donald Trump’s administration. The comedian and actress admitted she worried her outspoken criticism of ICE and Trump could create problems if she traveled to Canada for filming.
Cho opened up about the situation during a recent appearance on the “I Never Liked You” podcast, where she revealed the show she turned down was HBO Max’s hockey romance drama “Heated Rivalry.”
Margaret Cho blames Donald Trump and ICE for loss of Heated Rivalry spot
“Last year, I got a pilot script for a show that I really loved, but it shot in Canada,” Cho explained during the interview. “I was so scared because I’m so vocal about hating ICE and hating this administration.”
The actress said the fear became overwhelming enough that she ultimately declined the opportunity altogether. “I was like, I will get detained at the border and I will be put in ICE detention if I go,” Cho said as per Page Six.
The Emmy nominee later confirmed the project was “Heated Rivalry,” the breakout sports romance series centered around two rival professional hockey players who fall into a complicated relationship while competing on opposing teams.
The show has quietly become a major streaming success since premiering last year. It stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie and has already built a passionate fanbase online.
Ironically, Cho admitted she still ended up watching the series anyway, which apparently made the regret sting even more. “I’ve watched it. I’ve hosted some rewatch parties,” she said. “It kills me because of Trump.”
At one point during the conversation, Cho joked that while watching Hudson Williams onscreen, she kept thinking, “That’s my child!” because she had originally been considered for the actor’s onscreen mother. Still, Cho also praised the actress who ultimately landed the role, calling her “wonderful and iconic.”
Now, with a second season of “Heated Rivalry” reportedly in the works, Cho hinted she may not be completely done with the series just yet.
“I asked them,” she teased. “We’ll see.”
TELL US — DO YOU THINK POLITICAL FEARS SHOULD EVER FACTOR INTO AN ACTOR’S DECISION TO TAKE A ROLE?
