“Darling, it’s Palm Springs! This place is so gay, even the trees are named Joshua.” That’s Nathan Lane’s opening line in the pilot of *Mid-Century Modern*, a new Hulu series from *Will & Grace* creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. The show follows three gay men of a certain age who move in together in Southern California’s “mecca of modernism.” The result is laugh-out-loud funny—and fans of Lane’s legendary career in theater and film will be thrilled to see him returning to his sitcom roots, reminiscent of his roles in *The Nanny* and *Modern Family*.

*Vogue* spoke with Lane about working with executive producer Ryan Murphy, leading with gratitude, his red-carpet style, and his thoughts on the fate of his iconic *Sex and the City* character, Bobby Fine.

**Vogue:** What first drew you to the character of Bunny Schneiderman?
**Nathan Lane:** Two words: Ryan Murphy. I was filming the miniseries *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story*, and he called me saying he’d had dinner with Max Mutchnick, who pitched this show. Ryan read the script, found it hilarious, and said they’d written the part with me in mind. The elevator pitch was “the gay *Golden Girls*,” and despite that, I read it—and it was as funny as he promised. (Do you hear that noise?)

**Vogue:** I don’t!
**Lane:** Oh, it’s gone now. Probably the Trump administration listening in. (They have to.) Anyway, I thought it was a great setup for a series. Then I Zoomed with Max and David Kohan, and it was love at first sight.

**Vogue:** Were you a *Golden Girls* fan?
**Lane:** People were obsessed with that show to a disturbing degree, and it meant a lot to the gay community. I admired those women—they were brilliant, funny actresses—but I wasn’t *that* obsessed. It was a great show, beautifully done. Beyond the premise of friends living together (and me moving in with my mother, played by Linda Lavin), our show carves its own path.

**Vogue:** It’s refreshing to see queer characters who aren’t all in their 20s. Why do you think that’s rare?
**Lane:** Ask the studio heads. Max and David had this idea for years, but Ryan Murphy made it happen. He’s powerful enough to say, “Let’s shoot this pilot.” The script is smart and funny, but Ryan’s backing was key. Hulu loved the pilot, and the process moved fast—unusual in TV. Having Ryan in your corner doesn’t hurt.

**Vogue:** Is there anything you’ve learned later in your career that you wish you’d known earlier? Less anxiety, maybe?
**Lane:** Oh, there’s always anxiety. [Laughs.] No matter how old or successful you get, you’re always wondering, *What’s next?* At this stage, I’m just grateful to still be working—whether it’s playing Dominick Dunne (*Monsters*), a role like this, or theater. Variety is the goal, and “gratitude” is the word that comes to mind.

**Vogue:** Since this is *Vogue*, I have to ask: Do you have a favorite red-carpet look?
**Lane:** Well, all I…

(*Matt Bomer, Nathan Lane, and Nathan Lee Graham in *Mid-Century Modern*. Photo: ©Hulu/Courtesy Everett Collection*)The only thing I’d ever wear to an award show is a tuxedo, just like every other guy, right? Well, unless you’re Billy Porter. Tuxedos are practical—they’re like a uniform, but a stylish one. I’m not really into fashion, so I don’t have a favorite outfit.

Last question (and you don’t have to answer): We know from *And Just Like That…* that your original *Sex and the City* character, Bobby Fine, has passed away. Any theories on how he died?

Honestly, I only found out from Julie Halston. She mentioned she was joining the series and then casually told me I was dead! [Laughs.] Is it not explained in her scenes? Does she just say I died? I guess COVID would make sense. Let’s go with COVID—or maybe Julie murdered me.

*(This conversation has been edited and condensed.)*