Melora Hardin, widely recognized for her work in The Office and Monk, has shared a startling yet humorous memory from the early days of her acting career. The actress recently recalled being bitten by a monkey while filming the 1990s legal drama Equal Justice, a series that also featured Sarah Jessica Parker in a lead role. The incident, though minor, left a lasting impression and offers a glimpse into the unpredictable realities of television production.
Melora Hardin Recalls the Unexpected On-Set Incident
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hardin, now 60, revisited the moment when a scene involving a monkey took an unexpected turn. While performing her role, she was required to interact closely with the animal. During filming, the monkey suddenly bit her. The bite did not cause bleeding but did break the skin. According to Hardin, the situation was handled quickly and calmly. A Band-Aid was applied, and filming resumed without delay. She said she felt fine and was ready to continue working almost immediately.
Working With Animal Co-Stars Isn’t Always Easy
Reflecting on the experience, Hardin explained that monkeys can be particularly challenging animals on set. She described them as high-energy and anxious, traits that can make them unpredictable during filming. Drawing comparisons from her long career, Hardin mentioned similar experiences working with capuchin monkeys on popular television productions such as Friends. She noted that while animals can add charm to a scene, they also require patience and caution from cast and crew.
About Equal Justice and Hardin’s Role
Equal Justice aired on ABC from 1990 to 1991 and followed young prosecutors navigating intense cases in a New York district attorney’s office. Sarah Jessica Parker portrayed Jo Ann Harris, a recent law school graduate eager to prove herself in a demanding workplace. Hardin appeared in the show’s second season as Doris, a guest character involved in a case dealing with sensitive social issues. She shared scenes with Jane Kaczmarek’s character, adding emotional depth to the storyline.
Looking Back With Humor and Perspective
Years later, Hardin says she still laughs about the monkey bite. She emphasized her love for animals and said she has always been comfortable working around them. Joking about how industry norms have changed, she added that such an incident today might even lead to legal action, something that never crossed her mind at the time. With a career spanning more than four decades and over 100 film and television credits, Hardin views the incident as just one of many unusual moments actors face early on. The story highlights her professionalism and resilience, traits that have defined her enduring success in Hollywood.
