MACON, Ga. — If you're a fan of The Good Wife or The Good Fight, you probably know a character named Elsbeth Tascioni. Macon native Carrie Preston will star as the detective in a new CBS series called Elsbeth.
Preston is a Central High School graduate turned star in a new CBS spinoff. Former Theatre Macon artistic director Jim Crisp met Preston and her brother when she was 13-years-old.
"It was immediately apparent that these were unusually talented, young people. That their talents were native and extraordinary," Crisp said.
Crisp and Preston worked together when she appeared in shows like Our Town and Cherry Orchard.
Preston went on to study and perform at The Julliard School in New York.
Jim Crisp said he's not surprised Preston has made it to this level. When seeing her perform at a young age and into her adulthood, Crisp said Preston was very intelligent about the business and very goal-oriented.
"She had that singular focus. It was like a laser beam that just she knew where she was going and she was going there and nothing was going to stop her or get in her way," Crisp said.
Crisp believes Preston is getting this show because so many people fell in love with the character.
"Some have to really work to own the stage. She never really had to work at it. She just owned it," Crisp said.
Crisp believes everyone should tune in and support her. He said Preston should be viewed as a hometown hero.
"It’s like seeing your hometown boy who played for the football team who was quarterback. You know went through Central or one of the schools here and is now playing in the NFL. That’s what it’s like. That’s what it’s equal to. Why would you miss that why would you not tune in," Crisp said.
Preston is also an Emmy Award winner. Her show, Elsbeth, premieres Thursday at 10 pm on 13WMAZ.