During her rise from the Twin Cities theater scene to a small-screen sensation, Melissa Peterman has kept the same phone number and email address. She also has maintained her love for Minnesota. Despite a busy schedule that has included starring roles (“Reba,” “Baby Daddy”), guest appearances (“Young Sheldon,” ”Last Man Standing”), game shows (“Person, Place or Thing”) and reality TV (the upcoming Hallmark+ series “Finding Mr. Christmas”), Peterman has always made a point of returning home at least three times a year.
During a visit to the last State Fair, she stopped by Opitz Outlet in St. Louis Park, where she found an Oscar de la Renta dress she wore while presenting at the 76th annual Emmy Awards with her frequent co-star Reba McEntire.
Peterman spoke to us earlier this month from the dressing room of her new sitcom, “Happy’s Place,” which premieres at 7 p.m. Friday on NBC.
Q: Let’s talk about that dress.
A: OK. I already had some stuff pulled for the Emmys, but I always stop by Opitz, because I usually find something amazing. I saw that dress and knew it was something I could pull off. It needed someone tall in it. I had only seen one Oscar de la Renta dress there before and I’m still kicking myself for not getting it. I carried it in my lap, gently wrapped in a bag, on the plane ride back to Los Angeles. When I tried it on for my husband, he mentioned that it didn’t show off my legs, which is one of the things I like about myself. But it made me feel regal.
Q: What was it like to be at the Emmys? Who did you meet?
A: I usually watch at home in my sweatpants, so being there was a thrill. Ayo Edebiri from “The Bear” came up and said she was a fan. I got to talk to Christian Siriano about “Project Runway.” After Reba and I presented, Steve Martin said, “Good job.” I was like, ”OK, I’m done now.”
Q: Were you nervous onstage?