Lori Loughlin has 'new appreciation' for law enforcement after playing a cop

Actress and convicted felon Lori Loughlin has "new appreciation" for law enforcement after playing a police officer in the upcoming Prime Video drama On Call.

In her first major television role since her conviction in the college admissions scandal, Loughlin plays for the first time in her career a police officer — namely, a lieutenant — in the procedural drama centered on two partners (played by Troian Bellisario and Brandon Larracuente) as they respond to emergency calls on the streets of Long Beach, Calif.

Related: Troian Bellisario, Lori Loughlin play cops in exclusive first-look photos from On Call

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Loughlin said prep for the role involved the cast participating in ride-alongs with real-life police officers. "It was really exciting and gave me a whole new appreciation for law enforcement," said the actress.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

"I was game for anything," said Loughlin. "Like when I first showed up, they were like, 'Your highlights are gonna go,' and I was like, 'Fine.' No makeup, dark hair pulled back . . . I jumped at the chance. I was so excited." Of the role,  "I didn't know I had it in me to be that badass," quipped the Full House alum.

On Call marks Loughlin's biggest role since her 2019 arrest for her involvement in that year's criminal conspiracy to influence college admissions decisions, coined Operation Varsity Blues. She and her husband Mossimo Giannulli both pled guilty to conspiracy charges for their involvement. She served two months in prison and was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine, while her husband served five months.

Related: Lori Loughlin was 'totally game' for self-deprecating Curb Your Enthusiasm appearance

Her first acting role following the conviction was a two-episode arc on When Calls the Heart spin-off series When Hope Calls, in which she reprised her role as Abigail Stanton. Loughlin also notably appeared on an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm earlier this year, playing a parody of herself and even poking fun at her felony conviction. In it, Larry David helps Loughlin secure a membership at a country club she's been blackballed at due to her involvement in Operation Varsity Blues.

In her first magazine interview with First For Women post-conviction, Loughlin alluded to the controversy without directly referencing it. "Every day we’re met with different obstacles, but it’s all in how you approach things," said Loughlin. "I just have to be myself and persevere and try not to let in negativity. Everyone has good times and bad times. That’s life. I think you just have to pick yourself up. Nobody said life was going to be a breeze."

On Call premieres Jan. 9 on Prime Video.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly