Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Bonnie Bedelia Is Bent on Busting Camille Braverman Loose

'Parenthood' matriarch gets love from the fans and finds catharsis in writing a memoir

spinner image Bonnie Bedelia as Camille Braverman, the matriarch in the NBC show Parenthood. Born Bonnie Culkin in 1948, Bedelia grew up in a New York City slum with three siblings (brother Kit is the father of actor Macaulay Culkin). Bedelia's mother, a writer and editor, died when she was just 16. She is now writing a memoir of her life.
From Holly McClane, aka Gennero, in "Die Hard" to Camille Braverman in "Parenthood," Bonnie Bedelia has made a career of playing it strong.
NBC Universal, Inc

When Camille Braverman, the materfamilias that Bonnie Bedelia plays on NBC's Parenthood, returned from a month of art lessons in Italy this season, her husband, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson), wasn't the only one sighing in relief. So were the show's loyal viewers, who flooded message boards with variations on the theme of "Thank God Camille Braverman's back!"

That was just another layer of the affection that has built up over the last five seasons for the satisfyingly complex show and the matriarch of the Braverman clan. Fans often approach Bedelia in public to let her know that Camille is the mother they've always wished they'd had. For an actress who has fought the label "underappreciated" throughout a 55-year career in TV, film, and theater, the belated recognition is gratifying.

spinner image member card

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

Join Now

But it's only part of the story.

Married since 1995 to 65-year-old actor Michael MacRae, the 66-year-old actress is now revisiting the hard times and high times of her life for memoir in progress. Born Bonnie Culkin in 1948, Bedelia grew up in a New York City slum with three siblings (brother Kit is the father of actor Macaulay Culkin). Bedelia's mother, a writer and editor, died when she was just 16.

After a brief flirtation with ballet, Bedelia turned to acting. She won over moviegoers as a pregnant marathon dancer in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) and as a pioneering female drag racer in Heart Like a Wheel (1983). She also played Holly McClane, the woman who Officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) battled the baddies to save in Die Hard (1988) and its first sequel (1990). A cascade of star vehicles and character roles followed.

Bedelia took a break from shooting the last few episodes of Parenthood's fifth season to share her hopes for Camille Braverman — and for herself.

spinner image Peter Krause as Adam Braverman, Max Burkholder as Max Braverman, Monica Potter as Kristina Braverman, and Bonnie Bedelia as Camille Braverman in a scene from "Parenthood." When Camille Braverman, the materfamilias that Bonnie Bedelia plays on NBC's Parenthood, returned from a month of art lessons in Italy, her husband, Zeek (Craig T. Nelson), wasn't the only one sighing in relief . So were the show's loyal viewers, who flooded message boards with variations on the theme of "Thank God Camille Braverman's back!"
(Left to right) Peter Krause as Adam Braverman, Max Burkholder as Max Braverman, Monica Potter as Kristina Braverman, Bonnie Bedelia as Camille Braverman.
NBC Universal, Inc.

Q: Do you feel the same tug between ambition and devotion to family that Camille does?

A: Yeah, of course. No matter what troubles you may be having with your children, at some point you have to say, "I have a life, too!" If everything stays overfocused on Camille's children, who have been there since she was practically a baby herself, she could turn resentful. I think Camille deserves a little freedom.

Q: Camille seems to glow when she's painting.

A: Thank you. I'm a painter myself, and I've just started doing portraits of our cast family. I had done a portrait of my husband, and he liked it so much he asked me if I would do one of myself to go with it. When I was finished, I noticed it looked more like Camille than me! That gave me the idea to do paintings of Zeek and the rest of the cast family. If we go another season — which I'm hoping we will — maybe I can have a little Parenthood exhibit.

Q: Would you like to play a more sharp-edged character next?

A: Oh, I would love the change-up.

Q: You're writing a memoir — what has that been like?

A: When you actually sit down and remember [all that's happened], a lot of it is extremely cathartic. I wind up sitting there, weeping.

Q: You went from difficult surroundings to incredible success with the New York City Ballet, Broadway, daytime TV and balancing acting gigs, not to mention with raising two sons (Uri, born in 1970, and Jonah, born in 1976). Do you feel your story is unique?

A: It's a story not easily told. Whenever I tried to explain it before, people would ask why we were in that financial situation: "Weren't your parents educated?" There are so many facets to my childhood, and really I had the most amazing parents. My mother told me at a very young age that I had integrity, talent and heart, and that I could be whatever I wanted to. My belief in myself was completely galvanized and fortified by my mother; sometimes unsubstantiated, mind you — but that's how you get to where you are. You have to believe.

Flowers & Gifts

Proflowers

25% off sitewide and 30% off select items

See more Flowers & Gifts offers >

Q: So who should play Bonnie Bedelia when they make a film of the memoir?

A: [Laughs] You know Sophie McShera, the gal who plays Daisy on Downton Abbey? She reminds me of me! People who know me really well often say, "Oh, Daisy looks just like you when you were really young."

Stacy Jenel Smith writes the celebrity news columm Beck/Smith Hollywood.