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She stars in the CBS hit "Elsbeth" as the title character, solving crimes around the Big Apple. But this Macon native hasn't forgotten her Southern roots and brings a warm, inspired vision to endeavors onscreen and off. Carrie Preston STORY BY JULIA MORRISON | PHOTOS BY MATT ODOM T A K E S C R E A T I V E J O Y S E R I O U S LY O N S C R E E N V iewers tune into CBS because they love the bubbly, creative, can-do attitude of Elsbeth on screen. "Elsbeth takes up space in all of the best ways," declared Variety, who also said Elsbeth was "outlandish, witty and full of joy." Surely, actress Carrie Preston — who originated Elsbeth Tascioni through the Robert and Michelle King-created cinematic universe of "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" before getting her own spinoff — couldn't possibly be like that in real life? After all, Hollywood is famously known for its shallow, standoffish types. But Preston is from Macon, Georgia, so an innate sense of Southern hospitality and charm is in her bones. And trust me, she hasn't forgotten it. The same way that Elsbeth's effervescence feels like a breath of fresh air and she's able to handle any challenge, so Preston strode into Central Park and laughed as she scrambled rocks in high heels for the MM photo shoot. She invited our team into her apartment, where she kicked off said heels and gave us restaurant recommendations in the neighborhood. She peppered her interview answers with gratitude towards other performers, crew members, local names Maconites would know, and her siblings and parents. "We're a pretty tight family," she said. "Macon roots and all." With a distinguished career spanning theatre, film, television, directing, and producing, the Emmy Award-winning performer is about to premiere season four of "Elsbeth." Despite being at the top of her game, she still shares the same wonder in the world as her character: "I know people always ask, 'What do you want to do next?' And I'm like, 'I could have never dreamt of this!' These things have come as a surprise, and I love that." Macon roots and all Preston was born in Macon, the daughter of Pam and Ray Preston. She attended Bibb County public schools for the duration of her education, starting at McKibben Lane Elementary School before graduating from Central High School in 1985. She caught the theatre bug originally from her older brother, John G. Preston, also an actor. But Preston was firmly invested in acting while still in grade school, auditioning for her first Macon Little October/November 2026 | maconmagazine.com 51