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Emily Deschanel Recounts Early Bones Struggles and Hart Hanson’s Support on ‘Fail Better’ Podcast

She credits a season-one wake-up call for lateness with prompting creator Hart Hanson to introduce accommodations that reshaped her preparation.

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Overview

  • Deschanel says 14- to 16-hour shoot days and her childhood ADHD and dyslexia diagnoses triggered panic attacks as she struggled to memorize technical dialogue.
  • A minor commute accident left her 30 minutes late to a season-one set, prompting creator Hart Hanson to deliver a studio-backed reprimand.
  • In response to the reprimand, Hanson provided practical accommodations including a larger trailer, scheduled downtime and a line-running partner.
  • Deschanel notes she never arrived late again and Bones went on to span 12 seasons and 246 episodes.
  • Her reflections highlight the importance of mental health support and tailored accommodations for neurodiverse performers in high-pressure productions.