‘The Dropout’: Elizabeth Holmes Reportedly Did Dance When Alone
Throughout Hulu’s TV miniseries The Dropout, Amanda Seyfriedportraying Elizabeth Holmes notably dances to release bottled-up emotions and increase her confidence. The Theranos CEO reportedly actually did dance when she believed she was alone as a former Theranos employee recalled noticing their boss “fully rocking out” in her office.
Former Theranos employee recalled Elizabeth Holmes dancing when she thought no one saw
During an episode of The Dropout podcast, of which the Hulu miniseries is based, former Apple product manager Ana Arriola spoke about their experiences working with the disgraced entrepreneur.
Described as someone who helped design the iPhone and portrayed by Nicky Endres in the series, Arriola remembered Elizabeth Holmes’ “unique private sense” and dancing in private.
When the current Microsoft executive arrived early to work, Arriola recalled their boss “rocking and slamming her head to hip-hop music; just fully rocking out. And I was like, ‘Huh, OK. I don’t think I was meant to see that.’”
The former Apple product manager also remembered speaking to Holmes about her attire – noting she previously wore “frumpy Christmas sweaters” – claiming the CEO became interested in her idol Steve Job’s wardrobe. According to Arriola, they eventually directed her to Issey Miyake, who created the Apple founder’s notable black turtleneck, “and the rest is couture history.”
The real Elizabeth Holmes reportedly had nothing to do with ‘The Dropout’
Speaking to FastCompany.com in March 2022, the creator Elizabeth Meriwether, of New Girl fame, explained Elizabeth Holmes had nothing to do with the series as she adapted it from the ABC podcast.
Meriwether also noted she didn’t interview the disgraced entrepreneur. Therefore, she sourced her material to fully flesh out Holmes as a person from those who worked with her. Using Arriola as an example, as they noticed their boss dancing when she thought no one saw, the creator implemented those details.
While she noted she hasn’t interacted with the former Stanford student “in real life,” Meriwether realized that “as a character,” the Theranos CEO isn’t someone who deals with their emotions in the best way. As a result, the creator decided to implement the dancing into various scenes displaying Holmes letting loose when she thought no one saw to release bottled-up emotions.
“Dancing is the thing that she does when nobody’s watching,” Meriwether added. Noting she didn’t consider the miniseries a documentary, the writer explained she wanted to explore more facets of Holmes to appear more balanced to the viewers, pointing out that many people only saw her as a “satire” with the faked voice and Jobs-inspired attire. Therefore, Meriwether hopes to show a different perspective regarding Holmes and her way of thinking.
Kate McKinnon originally cast to portray Elizabeth Holmes
In April 2019, Hulu ordered The Dropout, a miniseries based on the Rebecca Jarvis-hosted ABC News podcast of the same name that chronicles the story of Holmes and her failed health care technology company.
Around that time, reports claimed Kate McKinnon would executive produce the show and star in it as Holmes. But, the Emmy-nominated actor decided to leave the series. It isn’t clear why she chose to step away.
However, it’s possible she opted to lend her resources to Peacock miniseries Joe vs. Carole, based on a feud between animal rights activist Carole Baskin and zookeeper Joe Exotic that ended in him jailed for an attempted murder-for-hire in which McKinnon portrays Baskin.
Regardless, the show moved forward with Amanda Seyfried starring as the polarizing entrepreneur. The Dropout airs Thursdays on Hulu.
