Why Rhea Seehorn Took Beta Blockers Before the Golden Globes

Rhea Seehorn had an unforgettable night at the 2026 Golden Globes. The Better Call Saul star won Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Drama for her role as Carol Sturka on Apple TV’s Pluribus.

Carol is one of the few characters who isn’t affected by the forced happiness that grips most of the world in the series.

During her acceptance speech, Seehorn joked, “My speech says, ‘Get a prescription for beta blockers,’ but I did not. Sorry! I’m going to do my best. I’m sorry, I am just a little shocked!”

Her humor came as she admitted feeling overwhelmed by the win. The category was competitive, with nominees including Kathy Bates for Matlock, Helen Mirren for MobLand, Keri Russell for The Diplomat, Britt Lower for Severance, and Bella Ramsey for The Last of Us.

So why the beta blocker reference? According to the Cleveland Clinic, beta blockers are prescription medications that “slow down your heart rate and relax your heart and blood vessels.”

They’re usually prescribed for heart problems, high blood pressure, and certain other medical conditions, but they’re also sometimes used to manage performance anxiety. Celebrities have been known to use them to calm nerves before public appearances or speeches, which makes Seehorn’s joke hit home for anyone who’s ever felt stage fright.

Seehorn has been earning praise for Pluribus for some time. Earlier this month, she took home the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series. She described the series as a mystery that even she doesn’t fully understand. “Carol’s very smart. She’s doing the best she can as you see as the series progresses to try to unravel what is going on and get some real answers. But I don’t know, and I must admit that I was perfectly happy to say, ‘Oh, that’s not my job.'”

Pluribus is streaming now on Apple TV, and fans can watch Seehorn’s award-winning performance as Carol, navigating a world of happiness and control with wit and determination.

Seeing Rhea handle her nerves with humor is a reminder that even award-winning actors get stage fright. It’s both relatable and inspiring. What do you think about using beta blockers for performance anxiety, necessary or overkill? Share your thoughts in the comments.