Michelle Randolph’s ‘Master Class’ with Helen Mirren & Harrison Ford—What She Learned from the Legends!

For Michelle Randolph, working alongside acting legends Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford on 1923 is nothing short of a dream come true. The 27-year-old actress, who plays Elizabeth Dutton, wife to Jack Dutton (Darren Mann), shares her admiration for the iconic duo and how their passion for their craft has impacted her own performance.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Randolph expressed her awe for Mirren, 79, and Ford, 82, calling them “the greatest of all time.” According to the actress, their dedication to their roles and their unwavering presence on set created a learning environment unlike any other. “Helen and Harrison both just love what they do, and they’re so there on set and so present and conversational,” she says. “And getting to do scenes with them—I was getting a master class every day. Every single day.”

Working with such seasoned professionals not only provided Randolph with invaluable lessons in acting but also a sense of comfort and openness. She describes Mirren and Ford as “so open” during their scenes, making it easy for her to learn from their vast experience. Despite this, Randolph admits that on the inside, she was often “freaking out” during their scenes together. “Because I’m like, [I] must rise to this level,” she confesses. “I was mesmerized every time either of them delivered any lines to me.”

Randolph’s gratitude for the opportunity to work with Mirren and Ford was amplified by the unexpected break between the show’s first and second seasons, which was largely caused by the writers’ strike. Reflecting on the time off, Randolph says it was a blessing in disguise. “Season 1, it happened so fast, and then having that year off to really digest what I had just gotten to do, going into season two was so great because I just really could be present and so grateful for the opportunity to work with these, I mean the greats of all time.”

As for what fans can expect in 1923‘s second season, which premiered on February 23, Randolph promises viewers won’t be disappointed. She explains that while Elizabeth’s character arc in season 1 focused on her transition into the Dutton family, season 2 will showcase her growth and newfound strength. “In season 1, Elizabeth was kind of coming into this family and everything was unknown. And I think in season 2, we see her find her strength,” she teases. “Now that she’s a Dutton, we get to see her really come into herself, which is exactly what was so fun to play about it. We get to see this evolution of who she’s becoming.”

With new episodes of 1923 season 2 premiering Sundays on Paramount+, Randolph’s performance promises to be a highlight as fans witness Elizabeth’s growth on screen. And with the chance to learn from two of Hollywood’s finest, it’s clear that Randolph’s own journey as an actress is only just beginning.