Quick Talk With Amanda Peet

2 minute read

The actor has co-written her first picture book, Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein (out Oct. 20), about a Jewish girl who wishes her family celebrated Christmas. Her HBO show Togetherness returns in January.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

I had an inferiority complex as a Jewish mother. This is my response to the feelings I had about not having Christmas.

How do your kids feel about not doing Christmas?

They went through a period where they were asking a lot of questions all the time: “Why can’t we have our house decorated?” “Why don’t we have a tree?” “Why don’t we have Santa?” Everything is so pretty and romantic and they were feeling left out. I think they’re starting to understand that it’s not the end of the world.

You and your husband, Game of Thrones showrunner David Benioff, are both in the HBO family. What would a crossover episode of Togetherness and Thrones look like?

Someone’s head would probably be chopped off. And there would be a lot of naked people running around Eagle Rock [Los Angeles].

In the past, you’ve joked that you tried to get yourself onto Thrones–are you still working on that?

Yes. Apparently my Jon Snow impression was dreadful, so I don’t think they’re going to be calling me anytime soon.

You’ve also said that you’ll leave your husband if Jon Snow really did get killed off at the end of last season. How is that going at home?

Well, David’s not here right now, but the divorce is under way until I see physical evidence that can save our marriage. I am kidding, but I’m not really kidding–I’ve never been so angry in my life.

Many people share your anger.

And they’re right.

–S.B.

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