Monkey Business: ‘The Office’ Star’s On-Set Bite Incident

Key Takeaways:

• Melora Hardin recounts a harrowing encounter with an animal actor on the set of the ’90s procedural Equal Justice, starring Sarah Jessica Parker.
• Hardin was bitten by a monkey during filming, but the injury was not severe and she was able to continue with the scene after receiving medical attention.
• The actress has had extensive experience working with animals on set, including horses and monkeys, and remains an animal lover despite the close call.
• Hardin reflects on her career, which spans over 100 films and TV series, and includes notable roles in The Office, Monk, and 27 Dresses.
• The incident on Equal Justice was not an isolated event, as Hardin also had a similar experience with a monkey on the set of Friends.

Introduction to Melora Hardin’s Career
Melora Hardin is a veteran actress with a career spanning over 100 films and TV series, dating back to when she was just 6 years old. With a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry, Hardin has had her fair share of memorable on-set experiences, including working with animals. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hardin shared a harrowing encounter with an animal actor on the set of the ’90s procedural Equal Justice, starring Sarah Jessica Parker. The incident involved a monkey that bit Hardin during filming, leaving her with a cut on her skin.

The Incident on Equal Justice
The incident occurred during the filming of an episode of Equal Justice, where Hardin guest-starred as Doris. The episode featured Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Jo Ann Harris, teaming up with Jane Kaczmarek’s Linda Bauer to crack a case against a pregnant addict. Hardin recalls that she had to work with a monkey during the filming of the episode, and the animal bit her, cutting her skin. Although the injury was not severe, it was a harrowing experience for the actress. Hardin reflects that the monkey was "high strung" and "hyper," which made it difficult to work with.

Working with Animals on Set
Hardin’s experience with the monkey on Equal Justice was not an isolated incident. She has worked with animals on set numerous times, including horses and monkeys. One notable experience was her encounter with Marcel the capuchin on the set of Friends. Although the experience with Marcel did not result in an injury, it was still a challenging one for Hardin. She notes that working with animals can be unpredictable and requires a great deal of patience and understanding. Despite the challenges, Hardin remains an animal lover and has a deep appreciation for the importance of animals in film and television productions.

Reflections on the Incident
Looking back on the incident on Equal Justice, Hardin is able to shrug it off and laugh about it. She notes that if a similar incident were to happen today, it’s likely that the actress involved would sue. However, at the time, Hardin simply received medical attention and continued with the filming of the scene. The incident did not deter her from working with animals on set, and she has gone on to have many successful experiences with animal actors. Hardin’s ability to reflect on the incident with perspective and humor is a testament to her professionalism and dedication to her craft.

Conclusion
Melora Hardin’s career is a testament to her talent, dedication, and perseverance. With over 100 films and TV series under her belt, she has had her fair share of memorable on-set experiences, including working with animals. The incident on Equal Justice was a harrowing one, but it did not deter her from continuing to work in the entertainment industry. Instead, it has become a notable anecdote in her career, one that she can look back on with perspective and humor. As an animal lover and a seasoned actress, Hardin continues to inspire and entertain audiences with her work.