Calling Dr. Elliot Reid, we need to know why you are so cool, positive, kind, and a fashion czar! Scrubs season 2 aside….. Sarah Chalke is all that and more. our whirlwind photoshoot while she was in NYC for a second was a blast. we invaded her hotel room and ran around nearby streets to capture as best we could this truly gifted female force who happens to be a blonde Canadian bombshell to boot! so scroll on down as she chats Scrubs, style, skincare tips, favorite way to unwind and her top bare essentials
the bare magazine: can you share your thoughts on what makes Scrubs such a hit and resonate with so many people?
Sarah Chalke: I think it resonates with audiences because it’s about real friendships and relationships. It’s about a group of friends going through life together. And as the theme song says, “they can’t do this all on their own.”
bare: do you enjoy the range of the show — from hilarious to more heartfelt emotional moments?
SC: It’s my favorite part as an actor. No two days are ever the same. You’ll get to do physical comedy in the morning and then have a scene where you’re losing a patient in the afternoon. We want the audience to laugh and cry and we want to show how life can be hard, painful, ridiculous and beautiful all in the same day.
bare: what do you love about your character, Elliot? are there qualities about her that you wish you possessed? does she continue to be a challenge for you as an actor?
SC: I love playing Elliot. I love that she is messy and vulnerable and awkward but also strong, resilient and cares so much. It’s crazy, and a testament to the writing, that 25 years later, it’s still fun, interesting and challenging to play her. It’s been such a unique experience getting to play a character at 25 and then again at 50 and to try and incorporate her lived experience.
The challenge in the revival was finding how to walk the line between keeping the essence of the character from 2001 and bringing her into 2026 and what audiences expect in a comedy today. We had a lot of fun playing with different scenes and figuring out how far and broad we could still go and when we had to rein it in.
The part I love most about playing Elliot is everyone I get to play opposite of. It is the most collaborative, creative fun environment. The experience of working on a set every day with a bunch of comedians has been the biggest gift.
bare: let's discuss your cool personal style that we got a peek at on our shoot! how would you describe it and what are your go-to designers, brands and shopping destinations?
SC: I love fashion. I like low key, timeless pieces for every day. I love Anine Bing, Louboutin heels, Mother jeans, Zimmermann dresses, YSL everything. L’Agence (which is the suit I wore in the photoshoot.) I also have 3 nieces who are passionate about fashion and have very cool style and taste. They take me shopping and let me know what the kids are wearing(and saying:)).
Shopping Destinations-
In Vancouver, my favorite spot is Ami Boutique where I got my black Golden Goose coat, my R13 blue jeans and the Frank And Eileen white shirt that I wore in the photoshoot.
I love Clare V. I love vintage jewelry stores. I love a hoodie. Aviator Nation are the softest. I’m from Vancouver where Aritzia was born and you need their Superpuff to stay warm there.
My favorite place to shop in New York City is here in SoHo and just wandering for an afternoon and stumbling upon amazing places.
bare: can you share a bit about your passion for jewelry? do you love vintage/hand-me-downs?
SC: I love vintage jewelry. I got that from my mom. My mom and I love going to flea markets and she has an amazing eye to spot hidden treasures. I love thinking about all the lives and adventures an old piece of jewelry has witnessed.
bare: as you enter your 50's, what advice/tips can you give other women as they confront some maybe similar challenges as you?
SC: I think for women, your 50’s can be your most empowering chapter yet. I think with age and life experience, knowing what truly matters combined with knowing yourself is a pretty powerful thing. I’m excited for all of it — the challenge is finding and prioritizing the time to actually do some of the things you’ve been dreaming about.
bare: your skin is incredible. it has nothing to do with getting Botox because you said it didn't work for you - so what's the secret? diet? great skincare/facials? good genes!?
SC: My mom. She just turned 80 and looks amazing and has only relied on sunscreen and skincare. It definitely is an interesting thing to age, and to age in this business. I love 111 Skin skincare. I get facials as often as I can.
Staying hydrated and green smoothies. Sunscreen every day. I love Glowscreen by Supergoop. Sleep, although that one is often elusive.
bare: what is your favorite way to relax, recharge and escape?
SC: My favorite way to recharge is nature. I love to go hiking with the dogs. I love to ski, I love being outside. I love a hot bath with a candle and a book.
bare: please list your top 5 Bare essentials (people or things you can't imagine your life without).
SC:
The people in my life are definitely my first and most essential “Bare Essential.”
My dog Sadie
Laughing
Matcha
Le Labo Santal perfume.
