The actress and producer has revealed how supermodel Gigi Hadid ended up making an unexpected appearance in Hulu’s new comedy series.

Gigi Hadid Surprised Viewers in Episode Three

June 03, 2026 – Fans of Hulu’s new comedy Not Suitable for Work were stunned when Gigi Hadid unexpectedly appeared in the third episode. The supermodel made a memorable cameo as Catherine, the glamorous and fiery girlfriend of Bill Gibson, played by Jay Ellis.

Her appearance immediately became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the show’s premiere, with viewers praising the unexpected casting and Hadid’s comedic timing. Now, creator Mindy Kaling has opened up about how the surprise guest role came together.

Image Credit: Disney/Gwen Capistran

Mindy Kaling Already Knew Gigi Hadid Was Funny

According to Kaling, she had previously worked with Hadid when the model provided a voiceover appearance on Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. Although the project was very different, Kaling was impressed by Hadid’s natural sense of humor and personality.

However, she admitted she wasn’t sure whether Hadid had any interest in appearing on camera in a scripted series. When the opportunity arose for a memorable guest role in Not Suitable for Work, Kaling and her team decided to reach out and see if Hadid would be interested.

To their delight, she agreed. The creator described herself as feeling incredibly fortunate that the supermodel accepted the invitation.

The Character Needed a Big Personality

Kaling explained that Bill’s girlfriend had to make an immediate impression because Jay Ellis’ character himself is larger than life. Since Catherine only appears briefly, the scene needed someone capable of commanding attention instantly.

The team believed Hadid was the perfect choice. Kaling thought it would be hilarious to see one of the world’s most famous models portraying the temperamental and dramatic character, and she believes Hadid exceeded expectations.

In the episode, Catherine storms into Bill’s office wearing a luxurious fur coat over pajamas and confronts him for forgetting their anniversary, creating one of the series’ funniest moments.

The Cast Had No Idea

Part of the fun surrounding the cameo came from the fact that many cast members had no advance warning. Actress Ella Hunt, who plays A.J., revealed that she was shocked when Hadid suddenly arrived on set.

Hunt recalled seeing a stylish blonde woman in an impressive coat before realizing it was actually Gigi Hadid. The actress joked that she initially approached the supermodel simply to compliment her outfit.

Will Angus, who portrays Davis, also admitted he was caught off guard and described the experience as surreal. According to him, Mindy Kaling somehow always manages to bring surprising people into her productions.

Image Credit: Disney/Gwen Capistran

Could Gigi Return?

Although the appearance was brief, Kaling hinted that viewers may not have seen the last of Catherine. The producer revealed that she has already thought about possible ways to bring the character back if the series receives another season.

She praised Hadid’s performance and suggested there are opportunities to further explore the over-the-top personality that audiences met during episode three. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the comments have already sparked excitement among fans.

Not Suitable for Work Marks a New Chapter

Not Suitable for Work follows five ambitious twenty-somethings navigating careers, friendships, and relationships in New York City’s Murray Hill neighborhood. The ensemble cast includes Ella Hunt, Avantika, Nicholas Duvernay, Jack Martin, Will Angus, and Jay Ellis.

The series represents the latest project from Mindy Kaling, whose previous successes include Never Have I Ever, The Mindy Project, and The Sex Lives of College Girls. Like those shows, Not Suitable for Work combines humor with themes surrounding relationships and personal growth.

Gigi Hadid Continues Expanding Her Career

While Hadid is primarily known as one of the world’s biggest supermodels, her cameo demonstrates a willingness to experiment with new opportunities. Over the years, she has appeared in music videos, reality television, and voice acting projects, but Not Suitable for Work marks one of her most notable scripted appearances.

Fans have responded positively to the performance, with many calling for more acting roles in the future. Her comedic timing and willingness to embrace the exaggerated character impressed viewers who may not have expected to see her in such a role.

Image Credit: Gigi Hadid/ Instagram

Celebrity Cameos Have Become a Mindy Kaling Trademark

Surprise guest appearances have become a signature element of Kaling’s projects. Throughout her career, she has attracted high-profile stars to make memorable appearances in her series.

From Never Have I Ever to The Sex Lives of College Girls, Kaling has demonstrated an ability to bring together unexpected talent. Hadid’s cameo appears to be the latest example of that trend and may not be the last surprise viewers encounter this season.

Final Thoughts

Gigi Hadid’s unexpected appearance in Not Suitable for Work quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the show’s premiere. Thanks to Mindy Kaling’s previous experience working with the supermodel and her confidence in Hadid’s sense of humor, viewers were treated to a memorable and hilarious cameo.

With Kaling already considering ways to bring Catherine back in a future season, fans may not have seen the last of Hadid’s larger-than-life character. For now, her surprise appearance has added another standout moment to Mindy Kaling’s growing list of successful television projects.

FAQs

Q1. Who does Gigi Hadid play in Not Suitable for Work?
She plays Catherine, the dramatic girlfriend of Jay Ellis’ character Bill.

Q2. How did Mindy Kaling cast Gigi Hadid?
Kaling previously worked with Hadid on Never Have I Ever and later reached out to ask if she wanted to appear on screen.

Q3. Which actor plays Bill in the series?
Jay Ellis portrays Bill Gibson.

Q4. Did the cast know about Gigi Hadid’s appearance?
Many cast members reportedly had no idea she would be appearing until she arrived on set.

Q5. Could Gigi Hadid return in another season?
Mindy Kaling has hinted that she would love to bring the character back in the future.