> At a Glance
> – Mary Elizabeth Ellis says her A Man on the Inside character mirrors her real-life search for a new passion
> – The 46-year-old actress took up kickboxing 5-6 years ago with stunt-trained friend Kendra Smith
> – Season 2 of the Netflix comedy debuted November 20
> – Why it matters: Shows how later-in-life hobbies can boost confidence and creativity
Mary Elizabeth Ellis is swapping scripts for striking pads. Speaking at a recent Paley Center event in New York City, the star revealed how kickboxing has become her off-screen outlet-just as her Netflix character Emily embarks on a similar journey in A Man on the Inside.
On-Screen and Off-Screen Parallels
Ellis, 46, told News Of Los Angeles that Emily’s Season 2 arc-discovering fresh purpose after caring for her grieving father-echoes her own mid-life reset.
> “It’s like, who am I? What am I still into? And for me it’s kickboxing,” she said.
The actress began training five to six years ago alongside stunt performer Kendra Smith, tackling fight combos and stunt drills that make her “feel tough all the time.”
- Workouts include heavy-bag rounds, footwork drills, and stunt falls
- Sessions double as social time with her stunt-coordinator friend
- Ellis jokes she’s “probably” not as skilled as she imagines
Season 2 Focus: Personal Healing
While Season 1 centered on Emily supporting her widowed dad, the new batch of episodes-released November 20-shifts focus inward.
> “She starts to look at herself… in her own grief,” Ellis explained. “I get to work on healing myself a little bit more.”
The comedy also stars Ted Danson, Max Greenfield, and Mary Steenburgen.
Cast Highlights
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Ted Danson | Charles Nieuwendyk |
| Max Greenfield | Jack Berenger |
| Mary Steenburgen | (ensemble) |
Key Takeaways
- Ellis credits kickboxing with renewed confidence at 46
- Her character’s growth mirrors the actress’s real-life pivot
- Season 2 explores self-care after family caregiving
From stunt kicks to emotional kicks, Ellis proves it’s never too late to find your next passion project.
