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The first season of Nobody Wants This became one of the surprise hits of 2024, racking up 57 million streams during its first three months on Netflix. Critics and audiences alike swooned over the unlikely, will-they-won’t-they romance between rabbi Noah (Adam Brody) and agnostic podcaster Joanne (Kristen Bell), who, in addition to faith, exes, and overbearing parents, had to navigate the antics of their self-described “loser siblings.”
And while we’d agree that Morgan, Joanne’s sister and podcast co-host, has some issues to iron out, the actress who plays her is on a certified winning streak.
Raised in Denver, Justine Lupe graduated from the Denver School of the Arts before attending Julliard in New York City. She’s appeared in indie darlings, such as director Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha, and streaming sensations, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Succession, in which she played the escort-turned-wife of Connor Roy. “I am very endeared to clear writing where I can really hear what’s intended,” Lupe says. “I want to feel the whole vision for the piece.”
The second season of Nobody Wants This, which premiered on Oct. 23, examines what really happens between Noah and Joanne after the first kiss. But the series also gives Lupe’s character a chance to grow, albeit in a very Morgan (read: slightly off the rails) way: She’s dating her therapist. “That is not kosher and right,” Lupe says. “But there’s something bizarre and fun about it that I wanted to explore, while tapping into her vulnerability.”
With Lupe’s character venturing into unchartered territory, we decided to ask the Los Angeles–based actor about her old stomping grounds. Here, she shares some of her favorite spots in Colorado.
Editor’s note: The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
5280: What’s your ideal Colorado day?
Justine Lupe: Oh my gosh. It’s so hard. I haven’t lived in Colorado since I was 17. But I’d say my ideal day would be camping in Ouray. I used to do it when I was a kid with my family. We’d go up and play in the riverbeds, go on hikes, go down into the town. It’s just so charming and gorgeous. The landscape there is like no other. I would love to go camping on a beautiful July day.
If a friend is visiting Denver, what do you recommend they do while they’re here?
I always tell them just to go up to the mountains, because the mountains are so, so stunningly beautiful. It’s a little bit tough because whenever I go home, I’m pretty docile. I go into my home, and I’m very cozy. I will walk to Crestmoor Park and the pool, which is in my family’s neighborhood.
What’s your go-to restaurant in Denver?
The Cherry Cricket was always my favorite place for a burger when I was 17, but I don’t even know if it holds up.
What school taught you more about acting, Juilliard or Denver School of the Arts?
Denver School of the Arts introduces you to different aspects and kinds of theater. The similarity is that you’re just doing theater all the time. You’re always putting your brain into a play. You’re doing scene study. You’re trying all kinds of new things. But Juilliard is like a rigorous boot camp. You’re practically in there six days a week, from 8 a.m. to sometimes 10 p.m. It’s your entire life. It’s a very singular experience. Nothing could prepare me for what Juilliard was like. I do think I learned how to throw myself into my work through Denver School of the Arts. It trained me to try new things and experiment.
Where’s the best place in Denver to see art?
I loved seeing theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. I also worked there during the summers as a camp counselor for theater. The Denver Art Museum was incredible. My dad worked there for over 20 years, so I went there a lot. It just acquainted me with art in a more thorough way. The idea of artistry and what an artist is was very integrated into who I was from my childhood. There was also Curious Theatre Company. I used to love the Mayan Theatre and going to movies there. I love Tattered Cover and how beautiful that space is.
