Taylor Dearden Reveals Why The Pitt Bans Phones And Forces Cast To Truly Connect

The Pitt’s Taylor Dearden shared why there’s a “no phones” rule on set during an E! News exclusive interview at the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1 at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

Taylor Dearden has to unplug whenever she’s on the set of The Pitt.

After all, the actress—who plays Dr. Mel King on the medical drama—confirmed during the 2026 Actor Awards March 1 that phones are indeed banned on set. (Click here to see all the celebs on the red carpet.)

“It’s a John Wells rule,” Taylor told Keltie Knight on Live From E!: Actor Awards 2026, referencing The Pitt‘s executive producer who’s also directed three of its episodes. “It’s to keep us within the world, which I love it personally.”

She continued, “It keeps us engaged and involved with our scene, but also with each other. So, when we do have a second to sit, we have to talk and be interactive. It really helps the team building.

As for how loved ones—including dad Bryan Cranston and mom Robin Dearden—could reach her in a moment’s notice? “I would I leave my cell phone in my dressing room,” she explained, “and I give the number of the production to friends and family for emergencies.”

The Pitt is nominated for two prizes at this year’s Actor Awards, including Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for lead star Noah Wyle.

Warrick Page/HBO Max

So, what advice has Taylor’s actor parents given her on how to navigate a busy red carpet?

“Create a character that’s good at it,” she said. “I’m trying to learn the character as it is all new to me.”

But the 33-year-old also knows she can lean on her castmates. As costar Shabana Azeez previously told E! News, they’ve become “a family” in real life.

Taylor Dearden arrives at the Actor Awards 2026 red carpet

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

“It doesn’t feel like it’s gotten glossy or different,” the 28-year-old—who plays third-year medical student Victoria Javadi—said of the vibes on set despite The Pitt‘s success. “It’s a really sweet place to be.”

To see more The Pitt stars, as well as other celebs, at the 2026 Actor Awards, read on…