The relationship led to Byrne laying more permanent roots in the US, setting up home in New York City. The couple welcomed their first son, Rocco, in February 2016 and their second son, Rafael, in November 2017. Cannavale is also dad to an adult son Jake, 28, from a previous relationship.
“I still feel very much like an Aussie,” Byrne tells WHO. “Australia will always be home.”
Keeping two careers cooking while raising kids isn’t easy for the couple, who have worked together on films such as Adult Beginners, Spy, Annie and Seriously Red.
“Like any working parent, you’re always juggling and finding a way to work it out,” says Byrne. “Finding that balance between work and family is hard, but you just have to take it day-to-day. I just try to be as organised as I can amongst the chaos, but it’s always a challenge.”
Rising to that task has informed what projects Byrne takes on, too. “This business is so bonkers so it’s really just what comes your way and where you’re at in your life at that time,” she tells WHO. “When you have children, what you want to do and what you don’t want to do becomes much clearer.”
Aside from the miniseries Mrs. America in 2020, Byrne’s first television series since Damages was Physical, a comedy set against the backdrop of the aerobics craze of the ’80s.
“It’s a really fun season and really exciting. We have Zooey Deschanel joining the cast as my rival aerobics coach,” Byrne tells. “There is a real rivalry there, which is a lot of fun.”
Also fun, she adds, is the crazy and colourful wardrobe that perfectly encapsulates the era. “We have gone bigger and bigger and more and more to get just the right authentic retro look,” says Byrne.
“Every leotard has to fit me within a millimetre of its life. It has become like a suit of armour with the tights and the hair. Every season is like being transported back in time.”
Byrne’s other Apple TV+ comedy, Platonic, is also a throwback of sorts to the 2014 movie Bad Neighbours, re-teaming Byrne and co-star Seth Rogen with writer and director Nicholas Stoller.
As for a much-discussed Bridesmaids sequel, Byrne isn’t ruling it out. “Never say never,” she tells us. “It would be fun to find out what all of them are doing now. It’s just a case of everyone being available and finding the right story to tell.”
Next up, Byrne is re-teaming with Cannavale again on the upcoming comedy film Inappropriate Behaviour, co-starring Robert De Niro.
“There’s no planning,” admits Byrne of her winding career path. “I just take it on a case-by-case basis … As long as I can keep being creative, I’m thrilled.”
Stream Platonic now onApple TV+with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.