AARP Hearing Center
Using college wisely
I decided in high school that I wanted to act, and to major in theater in college. But I didn’t know anyone who did that for a living. My mom thought it was frivolous. She and my dad grew up during the Depression and saw college — they’d both attended — as a privilege, not to be wasted. As soon as my mother started seeing me in shows, though, she said she started thinking, Oh, maybe she’s onto something here.
Being an ‘it’ girl, again
Designing Women was a hit, but the reaction to Hacks has been just enormous. The attention is lovely, but it’s kind of baffling. The advice I would give to other actors is, you know, just don’t go away. Eventually they’ll find you again. [Laughs.]
Ignore (most of) the naysayers
I try not to read all reviews. It’s not healthy. But if I get a great review and someone sticks it under my nose, I’m very happy to read it!
Drama or comedy?
If I had to do one or the other, I would probably pick drama, because you can always be funny in your personal life. And if you’re funny all the time at work, maybe … you’re more of a drama queen at home? [Laughs.]
The reason she won’t get naked
God bless people who are that uninhibited. But when I had the opportunity to do that, I thought, How could I face my poor father? He'd be embarrassed in front of his friends. Although I’ve thought a couple of times recently, Well, maybe I could have briefly gone topless. I mean, they still look good — not as good as they did, but pretty good!
