Tea Leoni plays the fictional title character on the hit CBS political drama "Madam Secretary," and she gave The Wrap an unexpected announcement about who her real-life inspiration is for the show.

At first glance, one might think that Leoni played of the real-life role that former Senator and presidential candidate Hilary Clinton had embodied from her time in the office of Secretary of State. But that is not accurate at all.

"My father [New York attorney Anthony Pantaleoni] is one of the greatest diplomats I've ever met," Leoni told The Wrap. "He's the most even-keeled, diplomatic, fair person. He's very reliable that way."

In the interview, Leoni said this is the way she wanted to portray her character, as someone who is diplomatic and passionate.

"I've watched my dad, through his passion and through his emotion, he's always done a beautiful job of making the deal work. I want that from Elizabeth," Leoni said.

Leoni plays the fictional character Elizabeth McCord, who was a former CIA operative before assuming the duties of the presidential appointment to Secretary of State. She struggled balancing her career with family life, which proved in every episode last season to be a demanding challenge.

When asked if she could sum the show up for someone who has never watched it, Leoni pointed to the words of an influential woman from the past.

"Honestly, it was [the real] Madam Secretary who put it best. Madeleine Albright told me that what she loved about the show was that it was making foreign policy acceptable, real and fascinating. I'm paraphrasing, slightly. And enthusiastic," Leoni said.

She is considered a leading candidate for an Emmy for her role in the show, but she also cited another on the show that put up an Emmy-worthy performance.

"I would really have to push for Tim [Daly] in that one. It's a bit of a groundbreaking role, but he's managed to make it work," Leoni said. "I wonder if people would be willing, in a way, to accept and be able to rally behind this character, the man alongside a very powerful woman."

"Madam Secretary" will return to CBS this fall with all new episodes.