UPFRONT/THE A LIST
5 Surprising Things About Patricia Clarkson
1. She played Lilly Ledbetter to honor her mom
I lost my remarkable mother last year. Like Lilly, she bloomed jobwise later in life. She became a Louisiana state legislator and was one of the only public officials not to leave the city during Katrina. I went down and helped her. My father was the love of my mother’s life—well, my father and the city and us … I’m not sure which she loved most!
2. Her first home in New York City was the YMCA. Her second was … more problematic
My parents couldn’t afford for me to be here, so I worked as a hostess in a diner while living at the Y. Then I moved to an apartment with the nicest super you’ve ever known. I stayed there until I went to Yale two years later. And that’s about the time [the super] shot four people in his apartment, including his wife.
3. She is very much pro-vanity (though not for work)
When I’m acting, I have absolutely no vanity. When I’m not acting, I’m going to put some lipstick on, get my hair blown out, wear sexy clothes. I probably should have had a few injections, but didn’t because I don’t think my body would react well—it only likes wine and bourbon.
“I learned synchronized swimming at this fancy girls’ camp. I can still do a dolphin turn.”
4. She has never wanted to get married, but ...
I don’t need to have a man. And I love my solitude. But I’ve had really remarkable men, and I’ve got a little … activity going on right now, and am very thankful. [Laughs]
5. She has never missed an episode of Dancing With the Stars
Lilly Ledbetter was a local ballroom dancer, and in the movie I had to hold my own with professionals. But Dancing With the Stars? I kind of idolize them. Dear friends know when it’s on because I cannot be interrupted. —As told to Judith Newman
The Golden Globe–winning actress (The Station Agent, Sharp Objects), 65, stars in Lilly, the inspiring story of Lilly Ledbetter, the equal-pay and women’s rights activist.