Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: GERRI KELLMAN

Lara Rosales

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Gerri Kellman sitting on an armchair and resting her head on her hand on 'Succession.'

Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and non-binary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said examples to follow.

DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for HBO’s Succession, particularly Gerri Kellman’s arc. Proceed at your peril.

Fast Facts

Closeup of Gerri Kellman's face wearing glasses on 'Succession.'

Gerri Kellman (J. Smith-Cameron) is introduced on Succession Season 1 Episode 2, “Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory,” as Waystar Royco’s General Counsel. The role of Gerri was supposed to be a man, but Smith-Cameron’s audition changed the trajectory of the character. At the same time, Kellman was only supposed to be in a few episodes until Smith-Cameron’s participation became extremely valuable for the course of the narrative.

During her first appearance, Gerri comes to the hospital after Logan Roy’s stroke to help the Roy siblings navigate the aftermath and figure out who will be in charge of the company while Logan recovers. As the series goes on, Gerri is always present or in consideration when the future CEO of the company is discussed.

RELATED: Top 10 Roman/Gerri Moments on Succession in Chronological Order

Gerri’s personal life is rarely discussed on the show. On Succession Season 1 Episode 2, “Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory,” Roman Roy mentions her husband Baird. It is then that we learn that the couple were Shiv Roy’s godparents and that Baird passed away. Later on, during Season 3, we learn she has daughters as she takes a photo of her name on TV and says it’s for them.

As a Waystar employee and someone who knows the family very intimately, Gerri Kellman is at every event, dinner, wedding, birthday, or celebration. At every one of those, the General Counsel can be found with a martini in hand — a drink that becomes her signature drink throughout the series.

The Real Deal

Gerri Kellman looking at Roman Roy on 'Succession.'

It was Roman Roy who first labeled Gerri Kellman as a “stone-cold killer b*tch,” and that is pretty much the attitude her character has throughout the season. However, if one pays close attention to the character, you’d see she is also a nervous wreck. She can be seen fidgeting with her hands, biting her nails and pursing her lips.

RELATED: Why Fanfiction Has Such a Big Role in Fandom Culture

The one time she always seems to be in control, no matter what is happening within the company, is during her relationship with Roman. These two characters, who seem to be complete opposites, come together during Season 2 and pretty much remain so until Season 4’s plot comes between them. They are an unlikely alliance that starts with phone sex and ends with Roman firing Gerri Kellman.

Why She Matters

Gerri Kellman at her desk with her hands behind her head on 'Succession.'

Throughout the entire series, Gerri Kellman remains true to herself. Even if she deviates from her path to have a semi-romantic relationship with Roman Roy, she always looks out for her own interests. She may have covered crimes and hidden bodies for Waystar Royco, but she only plays for one team: the Gerri Kellman team.

So, be like Gerri Kellman. Be ready to cover up crimes. Always know how to answer the phone. Serve your own interests. Be prepared to be interim CEO. And always have a signature drink.

Succession is currently streaming on MAX.

https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/j-smith-cameron-projects-succession-gerri-kellman/

Lara Rosales

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