You Know Its Funny When a Man Throws Things Hes Passionate Quote From Madam Secretary

Hollywood has taken notice of Téa Leoni's powerful portrayal of a fictional secretary of state in the CBS breakout drama "Madam Secretary."

Leoni plays Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA operative pulled into politics by her former boss, now president of the United States.

While she is one of the most powerful women in Washington, McCord faces the delicate challenge of balancing a demanding career and family life.

An Emmy contender for Best Actress in a Drama, Leoni spoke to TheWrap about her character's real-life inspiration [it's not who you think], her costar Tim Daly and Los Angeles traffic.

Also Read: CBS Renews 'Madam Secretary,' 'Scorpion' and 'NCIS: New Orleans'

What was the toughest thing you had to do this season?
Not laugh. We have a cast of comedians. After every very serious take, there was always some sort of tomfoolery so we've got a huge, huge blooper reel from the first season.

What was the most fun thing you got to do this season?
Getting to work with some of the great — Oh! Sorry, I'm driving and almost got rear-ended. Excuse me. That was not a fun thing from the first season — Having these amazing guest stars. Hanging out with Bob Schieffer and pretending like I was on "Face the Nation," that's as close as I was ever going to get to him.

Let's say someone has been living under a rock and has never heard of "Madam Secretary." What would you say to convince them to watch it?
Honestly, it was [the real] Madam Secretary who put it best. Madeleine Albright told me that what she loved about the show was that it was making foreign policy acceptable, real and fascinating. I'm paraphrasing, slightly. And enthusiastic.

Also Read: CBS Sets 'Supergirl' Premiere, 'CSI' Finale Dates

CBS

Who else on the show deserves an Emmy and why?
I would really have to push for Tim [Daly] in that one. It's a bit of a groundbreaking role, but he's managed to make it work. I wonder if people would be willing, in a way, to accept and be able to rally behind this character, the man alongside a very powerful woman. This is the most modern man we've seen. In the wrong hands, it could be rejected and that would be tragic. Tim has made Henry [McCord] graceful and hot.

Are you a binge-watcher or a once-a-weeker?
I'm a binge-watcher. I don't have a once-a-week available. I couldn't have every Monday at 8 p.m., or Friday at 10. When I can, I just grab it like potato chips. I sit down and eat the whole bag. The last thing I binge-watched was "Orange Is the New Black" with my daughter, who is transfixed by the show. And "Psych," because my kids are really into it. I basically binge-watch what my children want to watch. It's not quality time, but it's quantity time with the kids.

If you could add a new category to the Emmys, whether serious or silly, what would it be and why?
Hmm… Hard to do while I'm driving… Boy, I wish that was a category. Best Driver. I've got to tell you — I'm an excellent driver. I'm probably a better driver than I am an actor. I'm talking to you from the 101-South [freeway in Los Angeles]. I'm a New Yorker, I don't drive [as much] and I drive better. I want an award for that… Honestly, the entire problem are the guys in the left lane. It's for passing only. I know this. I could get an Emmy for that.

Also Read: 'Madam Secretary' Preview: Search for Suspected Traitor Juliet Intensifies (Exclusive Video)

You previously said your father inspired your portrayal of Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord. What qualities do you see in him that you tried to convey as Elizabeth?
My father [prominent New York corporate lawyer Anthony Pantaleoni] is one of the greatest diplomats I've ever met. He's the most even-keeled, diplomatic, fair person. He's very reliable that way. Women take a lot of flack in politics when they are so-called passionate about something. When a man in politics is passionate about something, he's committed. When a woman is passionate in politics, she's emotional. In a lot of ways, I've looked to both of my parents, who are both great diplomats and very passionate people. I've watched my dad, through his passion and through his emotion, he's always done a beautiful job of making the deal work. I want that from Elizabeth. I want it to be believable that this woman can care very deeply and yet can be one of the greatest diplomats of our time.

CBS renewed "Madam Secretary" for a second season of 24 episodes.

TheWrap's Emmy Party: Stars of 'Empire,' 'Silicon Valley,' 'American Crime,' 'Jane the Virgin' (Photos)

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"American Crime" creator John Ridley
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"Silicon Valley" stars Thomas Middleditch and Kumail Nanjiani
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The London Hotel in West Hollywood
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"Empire" star Kaitlin Doubleday
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"American Horror Story" star Finn Wittrock
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Justin Baldoni and Jaime Camil
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"Modern Family" executive producer Christopher Lloyd
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TheWrap's cover star "American Crime's" Richard Cabral and guest with Elvis Nolasco
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"Chasing Life" star Richard Brancatisano
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"Dark Matter" star Marc Bendavid
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"Jane the Virgin" stars Jaime Camil, Yael Groblas, and Justin Baldoni
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"Scandal" star Joe Morton
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"Power" creator and executive producer Courtney Kemp Agboh
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"Justified" star Joelle Carter and Danielle Panabaker
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"The Flash" star Danielle Panabaker
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"The Flash" star Rick Cosnett
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"Rectify" star Abigail Spencer
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"The Flash" Danielle Panabaker and "The Originals" Leah Pipes
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"Modern Family" creator Christopher Lloyd and son Eli
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"The Slap" star Michael Nouri and "Bosch" star Titus Welliver
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"The Night Shift" star Robert Bailey Jr. and Christina Smith
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"American Crime" star Elvis Nolasco
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"You're the Worst" stars Kether Donohue and Desmin Borges
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"American Crime" creator John Ridley and "Being Mary Jane" star Stephen Bishop
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TheWrap Editor in Chief Sharon Waxman, "Empire" star Kaitlin Doubleday, and Executive Editor Joseph Kaspch
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MySpace Founder and present CEO of SGN Chris DeWolfe
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"Survivor's Remorse" Erica Ash and "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll" star Elaine Hendrix
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Wrap's Editor in Chief Sharon Waxman and executive editor Joseph Kapsch flanked by "Jane the Virgin" stars Yael Grobglas, Justin Baldoni and Jaime Camil
"Complications" star Lauren Stamile and Beth Riesgraf
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"American Crime" star Richard Cabral
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"UnREAL" star Breeda Wool
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"Jane the Virgin" star Yael Grobglas
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"Bosch" star Jason Gedrick
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"Wet Hot American Summer" creator David Wain
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"Power" star Lela Loren
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"Jane the Virgin" stars Justin Baldoni, Anthony Mendez, and Jaime Camil
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Disney Channel "Teen Beach Movie 2" John DeLuca
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"The Expanse" Cas Anvar and "Homeland" and "Blood and Oil" star Shaun Toub
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"Being Mary Jane" star Stephen Bishop
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"Silicon Valley" star Suzanne Cryer
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"Jane the Virgin" Yael Grobglas
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"Ballers" star Donovan Carter
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"Empire's" Kaitlin Doubleday and "Episodes" Mircea Monroe
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"Jane the Virgin" stars Justin Baldoni and Jaime Camil smooch TheWrap Editor in Chief Sharon Waxman
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"Sex&Drugs&RocknRoll's'" Elaine Hendrix, "Better Call Saul's" Patrick Fabian, "Dark Matter's" Marc Bendavid, "Chasing Life's" Richard Brancatisano and "Complications" actresses Beth Riesgraf and Lauren Stamile gather for a group shot
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"The Last Ship" star Travis Van Winkle
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"black-ish" star Jeff Meacham
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"Homeland" star Shaun Toub
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"The Expanse" star Cas Anvar
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"The Fosters" star Keean Johnson
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"Better Call Saul" star Patrick Fabian
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"Ray Donovan" star Kerris Dorsey
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"Survivor's Remorse" star Erica Ash
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DJ Resin Eight
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"The Comeback" star Robert Michael Morris
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"How to Get Away With Murder" composer Rupert Parkes and guest
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Elaine Hendrix and Patrick Fabian
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"Survivor's Remorse" Erica Ash and "Ray Donovan's" Pooch Hall
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