Rhea Seehorn had an unforgettable night at the Golden Globes. Nominated for the first time and winning on her very first try, the actress took home the award for Best Actress in a TV Drama for her role as Carol Sturka in Apple TV’s Pluribus. While the win itself was a career milestone, it was her unfiltered, nervous acceptance speech that quickly caught the internet’s attention.
As her name was announced, Seehorn appeared visibly stunned. Walking to the stage, she laughed through her nerves and admitted she hadn’t followed her own advice. “My speech says, ‘Get a prescription for beta blockers,’ but I did not. Sorry. I am going to do my best. I am sorry, I am just a little shocked!” she said, instantly resonating with viewers.
The offhand remark triggered a surge of online searches, with many wondering what beta blockers are and why someone would mention them in a high-pressure awards moment.
What are beta blockers?
Beta blockers are a class of medications that reduce the effects of adrenaline on the body. They work by blocking beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. By reducing the body’s physical stress response, beta blockers help ease symptoms like shaking, racing heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, migraines, glaucoma, arrhythmias, heart failure, and to prevent second heart attacks. In performance settings, some people also use them to manage stage fright by controlling physical anxiety symptoms rather than emotional ones.
Why did Rhea Seehorn reference beta blockers in her speech?
Seehorn’s comment wasn’t meant as a medical endorsement, but as a relatable joke about anxiety. Winning her first Golden Globe was clearly overwhelming, and the mention reflected how unprepared she felt for the moment.
Her honesty struck a chord online. Social media quickly filled with reactions from people sharing personal experiences. One user wrote that beta blockers helped manage a high heart rate when ADHD medications didn’t. Another simply asked, “What are beta blockers?” while others thanked Seehorn for openly acknowledging public-speaking anxiety.
One widely shared comment read that beta blockers “genuinely changed my life” by stopping physical symptoms like shaking hands and a trembling voice during presentations, allowing the speaker to focus instead of spiraling.
After the beta blocker joke, Seehorn composed herself and went on to praise her fellow nominees. She also acknowledged how intimidating industry events can be, saying, “Actually, to all the women in this room: I have been to a lot of these parties that get pretty scary for someone like me sometimes.”
The actress then thanked Pluribus creator Vince Gilligan and expressed gratitude for being able to do the work she loves. “I am still so grateful that I get to do this for a living, and this is incredible icing on that cake,” she said.
Known to many fans for her acclaimed role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, Seehorn’s performance in Pluribus has been widely described as a “masterclass in acting.” Her Golden Globes win not only cemented that praise but also endeared her further to fans who appreciated her vulnerability.
In the end, Rhea Seehorn mentioned beta blockers simply because she was human, nervous, overwhelmed, and stunned by a long-awaited recognition. And for many watching, that honesty made the moment even more powerful.
