“Veep” Creator Clarifies Kamala Harris Was Not the Inspiration for Selina Meyer

Kamala Harris’ presidential run may have boosted viewership for the show “Veep,” but its creator, Armando Iannucci, clarifies that any similarities between Harris and the show’s main character, Selina Meyer, were unintentional.

In an interview with The Guardian, Iannucci firmly stated that Harris did not inspire Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character, despite some viewers drawing parallels between the two. The likeness, he explains, is purely coincidental.

Iannucci acknowledges why people might see a connection between Harris and Meyer, noting the shared narrative of a female senator who becomes vice president and then steps into the presidential role.

However, he emphasizes that these parallels are not the result of any intentional inspiration from Harris’ career. Instead, they are a byproduct of the show’s dedication to realism, achieved through extensive research.

The show’s authenticity stems from the creators and cast spending significant time consulting with people involved in politics. This included conversations with individuals who had worked in the Vice President’s office in past years, ensuring the portrayal of political dynamics was as accurate as possible.

This meticulous research is what gives “Veep” its crystal ball-like quality in depicting political scenarios.

Iannucci also mentioned that Vice President Meyer in “Veep” was more of a reflection of Donald Trump, particularly in her vanity and vindictiveness, rather than Kamala Harris. He expressed his hope that viewers would not associate Selina Meyer’s negative traits with Harris, the Democratic nominee for president at the time. His intention was never to base Meyer’s character on Harris.

Following Joe Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris and his exit from the presidential race, “Veep” experienced a viewership increase of over 300%. Iannucci noted this surge, although he suggested that it wasn’t necessarily flattering, given Meyer’s notorious character.

Despite this, Iannucci expressed his support for Harris and hoped that her association with Meyer’s flaws would not impact her public perception.