Ozark's Laura Linney has revealed that working with Broadway legend Len Cariou was often an emotional experience.

The 86-year-old Canadian star of the screen and stage is a legend amongst actors for originating the role of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and also portrayed Henry Reagan opposite Tom Selleck in Blue Bloods for well over a decade.

They both star in MGM+'s critically acclaimed new comedy drama American Classic, which is led by Kevin Kline as fading theatre star Richard Bean, who decides to move back to his home town after a public meltdown goes viral on social media.

Linney portrays Richard's ex-girlfriend Kristen, who is now the mayor of the town and married to his brother, Jon (played by Jon Tenney). Also in the stellar ensemble cast is rising star Nell Verlaque as Jon and Kristen's 18-year-old daughter, Miranda.

Speaking at the series' UK premiere in London ahead of its release on MGM+ this Saturday (11th April), Linney described Cariou as an incredible resource of advice for the younger cast.

"What you lean on and what you crave and what you need as a young person, particularly when you're surrounded by people that can actually help you along the way, is always meaningful," she explained.

"Len Cariou, who plays our father, was the original Sweeney Todd. He is a legend in the theatre, he is a titan and we are so lucky to have him. To see him and Nell interact together every day, it just made me weep all the time."

The Ozark icon and star of films such as The Truman Show teased how American Classic draws its humour from satirising the ego of actors, exemplified by eccentric Broadway A-lister Richard.

Throughout the first season, fans will follow the Beans as they attempt to revitalise their old theatre with a production of the classic play Our Town, contending with their complex family history and Richard's arrogant ideas for how things should be done.

The series' two-episode premiere this Saturday began with a surprising revelation about Cariou's character Linus, Richard and Jon's father, and sets up the cosy yet often hilarious drama that promises to celebrate the magic of the theatre.

"There's something about the theatre that does not exist in film, because we have time together," Linney continued. "What the theatre has that film and TV don't have is time. It allows things to grow on its own timeline and you have to sort of get out of its way and earn the depth that comes after doing it over and over and over again.

"When you're in the theatre one of the best and worst things you can do to an older actor is ask for advice, because you're going to get it. And you could get it for over an hour at a time.

"But there is a passing down, there is a responsibility that older actors have with younger actors to really pass it on and have it continue.

"To see Len and Nell on set was really wonderful," she added, poignantly.

And the series' writer-director Michael Hoffman added: "That went on a lot. Everybody sharing stories of their life in the theatre."

Stage enthusiasts and comedy fans should definitely make sure American Classic doesn't pass them by, so make sure to add MGM+ to your Prime Video subscription this weekend.

American Classic continues Saturdays on MGM+ via Prime Video.