Tell us about your background:
- I’m an ARMY brat with my degrees in Business but my heart long in acting/entertainment. I had to put acting on the back burner for many a year before finally getting the opportunity to pursue it full-time. The details are trivial, really.
What is the worst job you have ever had:
- The worst job I ever had had to be working for Wal*Mart. They stuck me in the worst departments during the worst times of the year. For the holidays I was in Layaway and the day after Christmas they stuck me in Customer Service for returns. You want to see some angry, sketchy folks…sheesh. I reached my limit when they asked me to clean the bathroom after someone had an emergency of sorts. I refused. They didn’t fire me, but I quit very soon after. What a miserable place.
What would be your dream acting job:
- I would make that plural. To work steadily and successfully as an actor on any myriad of projects, be it television, film or theatre, that would challenge me as an actor, keep me debt-free and allow me to take a vacation at a moment’s notice.
Who are some of your acting influences:
- There are so many. Men and women alike, anyone that instilled me with a feeling of anger, glee, sadness, remorse, elation, etc. I know if I start naming five, I’ll end up naming 20, and then remember 50 more after the interview is over. Any handful of actors that have provoked me into feeling something as a result of their performances or experiences. Some have won awards and some, actors and non, have been a part of my life.
Comedic Inspirations:
- Mel Brooks, Benny Hill, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Red Skelton, Madeline Kahn, Kevin Klein (though he’s phenomenal at dramatic work as well) and Danielle Dupont of the Washing Well Wenches.
Favorite Film and why:
- Agh…I don’t have one, single favorite. I can’t say one sticks out far above the others. It all depends on my mood. Amelie is a sweet, lighthearted, fun story. Zeffirelli’s Romeo & Juliet is my favorite film version of my favorite Shakespearean play (tragedy). A Fish Called Wanda always cracks me up. The Red Violin is beautiful. Big Fish and What Dreams May Come are brilliantly creative and heartbreakingly heartfelt. Hoffman’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is magical and among the few modernized versions of Shakespeare’s works (my favorite comedy) that I like. Chicago is great and one of the few musicals I enjoy. Reservoir Dogs…badass. My favorite zombie movie has to be Shaun of the Dead because it’s hilarious and it has zombies. I’m not nutso about zombies…but a COMEDY…about ZOMBIES? Come on. Riot. Also, Hot Fuzz’s strategically placed comedic gems were under appreciated. History of the World…I grew up on it, how could I not love it? Boondock Saints (whoa), No Country for Old Men (holy goodness), Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, Pan’s Labrynth, Life is Beautiful, A Midnight Clear…and I JUST saw Iron Man. I don’t know if I would classify it as a favorite but I was impressed. Really. I know I’ve missed others that knocked my socks off. See? This is what happens when you ask about favorites.
Favorite TV series and why:
- This one is easier. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Hands down. These morally challenged, naïve characters appeal to my twisted little heart. I don’t recall any TV series making me laugh so often…even if uncomfortably so.
What were your first thoughts (and be honest) when you read the script:
- I truly, honestly and genuinely laughed; I was relieved to not have to lie about liking the script. I’ve read numerous screen plays and pilots most of which have been horrendous and lacking in plot, wit or entertainment value overall, among any other possible category you could think to mention (Kudos to writers in general. I’m not implying that writing is easy). The script is simple, smart and humorous. I’m a big fan of non-sequiturs, too, which are provided en mass. The characters diverse, real and likable; even the ones you aren’t supposed to like. They’re plausible people in plausible situations and their charm lies in their quirks. I still chuckle when thinking about it. I was and remain tickled.
How do you feel about your character:
- The character of Maggie and I are very similar. Though our backgrounds are different, personality-wise we’re nose to nose. I feel she’s a touch more serious, dry-witted and perhaps a wit bitter, but overall I can’t say it was difficult “finding” her. I like myself, so suffice it to say, I like Maggie as well.
What is the best part about working on this sitcom:
- It seems like such a cliche answer but in all honesty the people. Everyone involved with this sitcom, both in front of and behind the camera, has been wonderful. Everyone was so supportive, we all looked out for one another, we all got along. There were no inflated egos, there was teamwork abound and a lot of laughs. Everyone had good energy and a great time.
Why should people watch this show:
- Why shouldn’t people watch this show? I will be the first to admit that I don’t watch a lot of television. Partly because most shows don’t really appeal to me. A lot of the situations are kind of flat or overdone to a fault. I simply don’t find them entertaining anymore. Access Denied is something a little different from the norm. I don’t want to call it risqué, but it certainly isn’t your mama’s sitcom. It’s got a bit more bite without being lewd or gratuitous.
Any final comments on Access Denied?