"Threw my phone": The White Lotus star Natasha Rothwell on the death of Jennifer Coolidge's character in Season 2

The White Lotus season 3 is all set to premiere on February 16th on HBO. A key character will be missing this season and fellow actor Natasha Rothwell recalls being shocked when she heard about it. The fans were surprised by the death of the much loved Tanya McQuoid, played by Jennifer Coolidge, in the season 2 finale. Rothwell played Belinda Lindsey on season 1 and will reprise the role in season 3. Per Today show she said:

‘I was probably the most rabid fan of Season 2. (I) remember the moment Jennifer died. I screamed and, like, threw my phone across the room, grabbed my phone, texted Jennifer. I’m like, ‘Holy … what? And then, yeah, she was just like, ‘I couldn’t tell you.’

Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus cheekily responded:

‘How do you go about replacing Jennifer? It’s not just the creative part, but she’s a very good friend, and also a big part of the show just as a person. I’m not friends with the cast the way that I’m friends with Jennifer.’

Jennifer Coolidge had won a Golden Globe and Emmy award for her portrayal of Tanya McQuoid. She spoke about the upcoming season last year. As per Today, she said:

‘I had a blast. I think (Season 3) is going to be good. There’s going to be all sorts of good stuff in it, probably great sex stuff. You know how Mike White writes — it’s never, never a dull moment. I think he’s going to slay with this one.’

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Who is Belinda Lindsey in The White Lotus?

Natasha Rothwell plays the role of the spa manager at the Hawaii location of The White Lotus in season 1. During the season, she becomes acquainted with the wealthy heiress Tanya, who was mourning her mother. In order to help her career progress, Belinda forms a friendship with Tanya. She offers to help Belinda financially in starting her wellness business. Then again, a new romance in Tanya’s life gets her distracted and she withdraws her offer, leaving Belinda dejected. Though she gives her a large about of money, it isn’t enough for Belinda to start her dream venture. In season 3, Belinda returns to The White Lotus Thailand location as part of an exchange programme.

The White Lotus premiered in 2021 and was a runaway success from season 1. The season 3 of the show comes with a shining ensemble cast of Natasha Rothwell, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Lalisa Manobal, Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Aimee Lou Wood, Sam Nivola and Tayme Thapthimthong. The first episode premieres on February 16th.