*Natasha Rothwell is living her dream, and audiences are the lucky beneficiaries. With the release of her new Hulu series “How to Die Alone,” Rothwell steps into the role of creator, star, and co-showrunner, bringing a deeply personal and comedic exploration of life, love, and everything in between. The premiere marks a major career milestone for Rothwell, who couldn’t be more thrilled.
“I’m really trying to keep ten toes down and be present,” Rothwell shared in a recent interview. “It’s such a gift to be able to do what I love for a living. I was happy to do it at any level as long as I worked with people who inspired me. But to be here, in this position—it’s something I didn’t even know was in store for me.”
*How to Die Alone* centers around Mel (played by Rothwell), a 35-year-old woman grappling with her expectations for her life versus where she’s actually landed. The show touches on the often painful realizations of entering your 30s and confronting the pressures to be at a certain point in life. Mel idolizes larger-than-life figures like Lizzo, using them as a yardstick for her own perceived shortcomings. Rothwell explains, “It’s a hard thing to pause and look at your life and realize you’re not where you thought you’d be. And you start playing around with that dangerous word, ‘should.’ I should be doing something else. I should be somewhere else.”
Mel’s journey is filled with humor, but the layered exploration of identity, anxiety, and social pressures gives “How to Die Alone” its emotional depth. “So often, particularly for plus-size Black women, we’re not allowed to show our range in the roles we get,” Rothwell said. “I just wanted to write truth. I wanted to put myself on the page, and I wanted to feel seen. I’m just so grateful that it’s being received the way it is because it’s telling me that more people want to see themselves represented.”
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The series also takes an unconventional approach to relationships, including Mel’s dynamic with her ex, Alex (Jocko Sims.)
“So often, we dramatize breakups to be wrought with drama and hate. Sometimes it’s just sad. It’s sad to see someone you didn’t love well or didn’t know how to love, and you regret not getting it right,” Rothwell explained.
The exes’ relationship isn’t about placing blame but acknowledging that sometimes timing and personal growth don’t align.
As a comedian, Rothwell is known for her sharp wit, but *How to Die Alone* also shows her skill at balancing humor with heart. “I didn’t want to be pigeonholed into this binary that Hollywood tends to see actors in—you’re either serious or funny. I’m human first, and I hold all of the emotions,” she emphasized.
Rothwell’s authenticity allows her to navigate her character Mel’s messy, relatable journey while making space for laughter along the way.
The timing of the funny lady’s success feels particularly significant as she reflected on what it means to realize your dream and then dream even bigger.
“When you get your dream, you have to dream bigger,” she said. “I’m thinking about what’s next, but I’m also trying to enjoy the moment at the same time.”
For fans eager to dive into the story, “How to Die Alone” will be available to stream on Hulu on September 13.
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Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
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