Until “Ms. Pat,” Belli had actually moved away from comedies, directing more dramas like “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Black Lightning,” “Station 19” and “Sweet Magnolias.” But she has also focused more of her energy teaching at USC, where she was on the faculty between 2010 and 2018, and co-authoring books including “The Sitcom Career Book and Acting for Young Actors.”
“For me, being a teacher has been as important as being a good director,” Belli tells me. But don’t get her wrong — she’s still looking forward to the Emmys. “I wouldn’t bet on me in Vegas,” she says. “Would I like to win? Of course. Will I write a speech? Of course, because that’s the professional thing to do. Will I have my shoes on so I can quickly walk up to the stage? Probably not.”
