Not even David Rasche’s wife of 43 years, Heather Lupton, nows the ending of “Succession.”
Rasche, the talented veteran of TV and films, plays Waystar Royco senior executive Karl on the hugely popular HBO coming to the end of its four season run. The finale, set for May 28th, runs 90 minutes and may be the highest rated show on the cabler ever.
With Logan Roy (Brian Cox) dead, the family, including conniving Cousin Greg and everyone on the board, is positioning for one final showdown. And that will come in the last episode, which seems like it will also feature Logan’s funeral.
Last night at the premiere of “Book Club 2,” I had the pleasure of running into the Rasches. I confessed to David that I remembered him as brash, comic relief from “Ryan’s Hope” in the early 80s. He’s had a huge career since then. In recent episodes of “Succession,” Karl has reamed out a couple of characters including Kendall. He and Peter Friedman’s Frank have turned into a Greek chorus, but have moved from restrained observations to blunt threats.
Rasche said, “Wait til you see the last episode. You won’t believe what happens.” Oh my god, I said– really? Is there a duel? A death? Cousin Greg fakes everyone out and wins? “I can’t tell you,” Rasche said. “But it’s big.”
His wife, Heather, sat with us during dinner. “I’m sure you know what happens,” I said. She shook her head. “I don’t! He hasn’t said a thing.”
Very ominous.
Following up from my overnight story, some other guests last night included the great Karen Duffy, plus Tribeca Film Festival chief Paula Weinstein– who insists the Tribeca Film Festival will go on despite the strike, plus Talia Balsam. An accomplished actress, Talia is also the daughter of two famed Hollywood actors — the late Martin Balsam and 89 year old Joyce van Patten. Joyce is the sister of late Eight is Enough star Dick van Patten. Talia is married to “Mad Men” star John Slattery, who directed a movie in the Tribeca Fest. She was also married from 1989 to 1993 to George Clooney. Some resume! And she’s one of the best people to run into!
