I would get picked up anywhere between five to seven in the morning, and the trainer they sent me would come an hour before then and have me work out for forty-five minutes. What did that translate into in terms of a normal workday? On Dead Like Me, you were onscreen most of each episode. I talked with her recently about acting and coffee. She sources, roasts, and grinds to order some amazingly wonderful varieties of beans which can be purchased at Muth Rosten Haus or through her eBay store. I sent her another message letting her know that she was certainly the best actress from whom I had ever tried to purchase coffee. I was struck by how well-informed she was.

She responded, describing how the quality is hugely improved by ensuring that the beans are “single origin” and why it makes that level of difference. So, when I saw that she was opening an eBay store, I was intrigued to see that it featured high-end coffee beans. It was an irreverent way to look at a process that is assumed to be the most profound event in the existence of the individual. The character she played on the show, Georgia “George” Lass, exemplified the rudderless existence of the young but whip-smart underachiever who is suddenly thrust into life, or in her case by her death (seriously, watch the show, it is good) and her subsequent realization that the universe isn’t going to wait for her to feel like a grown-up before handing her the unwanted responsibilities of one. She’s played many roles involving surprisingly heavy subject matter like incest and abuse, interracial families and secret abortions in the 1930s, and coming out as a lesbian to a parent and community that are not supportive. Thus, my particular fondness for a show called Dead Like Me, which starred Ellen Muth, an actress who had previously made a name for herself, beginning in her early teens. I like entertainment that is well-written and makes me look at things from another angle.

Ellen muth married