Two husbands, two nominations: a wife’s dilemma

Jane Kaczmarek is no fan of unscripted series -- although she admits to having a weakness for “American Idol.” But the star of Fox’s “Malcolm in the Middle” will find herself Sunday night in what could be seen as TV’s latest reality project: “When Husbands Collide.”

Both her real-life, off-screen husband, Bradley Whitford of “The West Wing,” and her on-screen husband, Bryan Cranston, are competing against each other for a Golden Globe in the best supporting actor for television category.

Kaczmarek -- who is also nominated for a Golden Globe as best actress in a comedy for her role as Lois, the no-nonsense disciplinarian on “Malcolm” -- will have two people to root for, two tables to visit, two husbands to thank, should she win.

The dilemma, such as it is, will be one of the rare bits of TV awards tension at the Golden Globes, an event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel that usually focuses most of its attention on the feature film categories. Appearing in the project as herself, and watching the trio with great interest, is Cranston’s wife, actress Robin Dearden.

“This is just so surreal,” Kaczmarek said as she sat in a Hollywood coffee shop Wednesday, accompanied by the two main men in her life. “The coincidence of these two guys getting nominated for the same thing is just bizarre.”

Though the situation is real, it’s more feel-good comedy than antagonistic drama. During a two-hour breakfast, the three displayed obvious mutual affection and respect, grounded by their mutual theater backgrounds and the fact that they all achieved success on television at the same time, in their late 30s and early 40s.

And the only competition between Cranston and Whitford was over which one could make Kaczmarek crack up more with their frequent, often off-color, one-liners.

“Let’s just talk about Jane, this is all about Jane -- ‘America’s Mom,’ ” Whitford joked as they all posed for a photo outside the restaurant. “Yeah, we’re just focus pullers -- like Liza’s dancers,” added Cranston, referring to Liza Minnelli. “Put all the focus on her.”

Later, when Kaczmarek mentioned that she is often mistakenly referred to as an Emmy-winning actress, Whitford, who won an outstanding supporting actor Emmy two years ago for his role as Deputy White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman, quipped, “Yeah, I don’t even let her touch mine.” Cranston popped in, “Keep a camera and a security monitor on it at all times. Don’t even let her near it.”

Kaczmarek praised Cranston for the Christmas gift he gave her: an Asian-styled necklace accented with an orange rose decoration. Said Whitford in mock challenge, “I almost got the same necklace for her. Are you sleeping with my wife?”

The conversation regularly veered off at hyper-speed in several directions, touching on the subjects of remodeling, schools, carpools, and the birth of Kaczmarek’s and Whitford’s third child two months ago. Their voices at times filled the restaurant, prompting the establishment’s other patrons to look with amusement at the actors.

Both men demonstrate a sly, dry wit. Cranston is much sharper than Hal, his befuddled TV persona, expressing an introspective side while discussing politics or his passion for acting. Whitford is more thoughtful and more personable than his cocky “West Wing” character.

Cranston said the three have bonded because of shared acting experiences. “We all got to this stage late in life, and it’s so great because it would have been unhealthy to have this kind of success in our 20s.”

Pre-”Malcolm,” Cranston, 46, had small parts in several films such as “That Thing You Do” and “Saving Private Ryan,” as well as Astronaut “Buzz” Aldrin in the HBO miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon.” Whitford, 43, was also in numerous films such as “Philadelphia,” “A Perfect World,” “Awakenings” and “RoboCop 3.” Kaczmarek, 47, is a veteran of several TV series, including “Cybill,” “Frasier” and “Hill Street Blues.” Her movies include “Falling in Love,” “D.O.A.,” “Pleasantville” and “The Chamber.”

Eventually, the Golden Globes ceremony and the mixed blessing of awards shows came up. Both Whitford and Kaczmarek have been nominated three times for Golden Globes but have never won. Whitford is the only Emmy Award winner among the three.

“It’s so absurd,” he said. “Actors are having these great creative experiences for their lives, and then they put them on these reality shows -- these awards shows -- where viewers can see how they respond under pressure. And then they show them walking out, humiliated that they didn’t win. It’s absurd to think they’ve lost because they come out empty-handed.”

“That’s so true,” Kaczmarek said. “I don’t even remember who won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor last year.”

“Stanley Tucci,” said Whitford, spitting out expletives through clenched teeth (Tucci won for HBO’s “Conspiracy”). Cranston exploded with laughter.

Competing against Cranston and Whitford in the category this year are Alec Baldwin and Donald Sutherland for HBO’s “Path to War”; Jim Broadbent for HBO’s “The Gathering Storm”; Sean Hayes for “Will & Grace”; Dennis Haysbert for “24”; Michael Imperioli for “The Sopranos”; and John Spencer for “The West Wing.” The Golden Globes don’t award separate supporting actor or actress awards for comedies, dramas or movies and miniseries.

“How did all these people get in one category?” said Cranston. “It doesn’t make sense.” Added Whitford, “There’s a better chance of me becoming a professional baseball player than winning. Instead of award shows, they should have real competitions. ‘The West Wing’ cast should rumble with ‘The Sopranos.’ We should debate them.”

But both Kaczmarek and Whitford said they were happy that Cranston was being recognized for his contribution to “Malcolm.” Kaczmarek and Frankie Muniz, who plays the teenage title character, have received most of the attention, while Cranston was largely overlooked until last year, when he received his first Emmy nomination. Kaczmarek has been nominated three times for an Emmy.

But ultimately, Kaczmarek, who has little affection for reality TV, proves it by undermining whatever drama might exist in choosing which husband to root for: “Just going to the same party will be a blast.”