Erik: Well, here we are again – another interview! Once again, my timingsucks – I always seem to pick a time when you’re running even harder thanusual...
Deborah: It never rains but it pours - things just seem to come up. I’vebeen working on another movie, and I’ve been auditioning a lot – it’s pilotseason…
Erik: This is another film, not The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll andMr. Hyde?
Deborah: Yeah, it’s tentatively titled Surprise, Surprise. Ican’t reveal any of the plot details right now, since the film’s still inediting. I have no idea what the release date will be. But I can tell you thatI play an aging movie star, and she’s a real ballsy broad! I haven’t had a rolethat ballsy since I was kicking ass as a cyborg in Nemesis! (Laughing)
I’ve also been busy doing commercial work. I have a commercial coming out forthis super eye cream – it really works! It’s all based on the fact that it hasa very tiny molecular structure, and is very easily taken up by skin cells.Gets rid of all those under eye lines! And then there’s all of my charity andvolunteer work…
Erik: Can you tell us a bit about that?
Deborah: Well,one program I’m very involved with is Spirituality forKids, which gives kids a spiritual base, and teaches them that they canpositively impact the world by sharing and proactively taking control of theirdestiny. They never have to be victims, no matter what their background. Theprogram supports over 200 inner city kids a week.
I’ve also been out of the country a lot lately. Mostly Mexico, but I was inCanada too…
Erik: But you never made it up to the Laurentians over Christmas…
Deborah: No – I love Canada, but in winter, I tend to gravitate toMexico…
Erik: Yeah, I can relate…
Deborah: But I’ll be up there over the summer. We’ll have to hook upthen…
Erik: Yeah, especially since we live about a half hour apart. Up here,that’s like living in the same ‘hood. Anyway, time to go to our first question,which comes courtesy of Johnny from Montreal:
About Body Double: I recall that in order to give you a “feel”for the character of Gloria Revelle, De Palma had you watch the performances ofseveral actresses in different roles. Which actresses, and in what roles,inspired your interpretation of Gloria?
Deborah: The Liv Ullmann role in Scenes from a Marriage, and theKathleen Turnerrole from Body Heat. Brian De Palma had medo scenes fromthose films to develop a feel for the Gloria character – the sensitivity andvulnerability of Liv Ullmann, with the erotic passion of the Kathleen Turnerrole.
Erik:Speaking of Body Double, that flickwas very controversialwhen it was first released back in ’84. I’ve always wondered if De Palmaintended the film to be essentially a black comedy - a response to his detractors,who accused him of misogyny and ripping off Hitchco*ck. Many of the scenes, likethe “spinning kiss” and “Driller Killer” sequences, are way over the top, andthe plot depends heavily on coincidence. Was De Palma just having a little jokeat the expense of his critics?
Deborah: Well, it’s an interesting theory Erik, but I’m not sure Iagree. I don’t think he was joking at all – it’s just the way he envisionedthose scenes. There’s no denying his creative genius: De Palma is very meticulouswhen it comes to every visual detail. Every frame is beautifully laid out, andhe knows exactly what he wants. I remember the executive producer offering asuggestion once, and Brian just ignored him. It was a Brian De Palma film,after all, and exclusively his vision.
I think we’ve talked about my objection to that whole “Driller Killer” sequenceyou mentioned, because I also thought it was crazy: who stands around like thatwhen their life is threatened? I said “Just let me punch him once or bonk himon the head with the lamp! Or just take off out of there…”
Erik: My point exactly…
Deborah: …but Brian just said “Pathos, Debbie, Pathos”… It’s all aboutacting, about seeming fragile so that the scene works. And, upon reflection, Ihave to admit there have been times in my life where I haven’t reacted to asituation the way I might have thought I would, because sometimes you’re justin shock. So maybe Gloria’s illogical reaction is just because she’s in shock;the whole situation is pretty surreal…
Erik:What’s your opinion of the quality of movies and TV shows that arebeing produced in Hollywood today? And how do you feel about Reality TV shows?
Deborah: I really love movies and I can appreciate most of them for someaspect or another, be it a great, inspired performance, an interesting plotidea, or a positive message. I really enjoy art films; it’s such a shame theyaren’t widely seen. I can even appreciate a lot of frivolous films if they’refun and if they convey a positive message - if there’s a moral to the story.Especially if it’s a kids’ movie.
As far as TV goes, it’s all over the map as far as I’m concerned. There aresome really good shows, like Commander in Chief, but there are someatrocious ones as well. Reality TV? I’m so over Reality TV, I couldthrow up. It’s gone from bad to worse, seeking out ever-lower commondenominators, appealing to people’s basest instincts. It’s more than the factthat it’s taking jobs away from actors – this stuff is pure crap. Period.
Erik: (Laughing) So, do you have an opinion on Reality TV?
Deborah: (Laughing)I think I expressed my opinion…
Erik: Several fans asked variants of the following related questions:
You’ve worked with a lot of different actors over the course of your career.Who have you particularly enjoyed working with? Who did you learn the mostfrom? Did anyone ever serve as a mentor?
Deborah: I’ve really enjoyed working with almost everyone I’ve had thegood fortune to work with, and I’ve learned from just about all of them aswell!
I’m always a little uncomfortable mentioning specific names, because I don’twant to offend anyone by way of omission. But Jeff Goldblum comes immediatelyto mind, as does Tony Todd who recently worked with me on The Strange Caseof Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And of course, I loved working withLarry Hagman, who’s one of the most gracious and appreciative actors I’ve everworked with. He really took me under his wing, and taught me a lot. I’m sohappy and excited for him for the success he’s had! He’s just so giving andsupportive, and full of gratitude. He’s not the least bit egotistical, he’sjust very thankful for his good fortune.
Erik: Over the course of your career, you’ve played both Good Girls andBad Girls. Do you think you’re better at playing a heroine or a villain, andwhich do you prefer? You do seem to have fun with those Bad Girl roles!
Deborah: I used to be cast in “Girl Next Door” type roles, which was fine,but more recently, I’m often cast as a villain, and I love it! I like allroles, but the role of the villain is more visual, you get to do someinteresting things. As De Palma once told me, “Violence and sex are visual”.Nice Girl roles don’t get as much conflict, not as much dramatic traction.
Erik: In a thread on our old message board, we had a long discussionabout the difficulty actresses over the age of 25 have in getting work. You’vehad to contend with that yourself, but you’ve managed to keep working. How haveyou managed to accomplish that?
Deborah: Perseverance! I love it so much; I just don’t want to give itup. I love acting, and I continue to take acting classes, so I’m continuallyimproving and evolving as an actress, keeping myself sharp.
Erik: What are your thoughts on the sexism and ageism that continue toprevail in Hollywood?
Deborah: It sucks. It’s unfair, but I think it may be finally changing.Shows like Desperate Housewives give me cause for hope. We’re finallyseeing women over 25 featured in popular, mainstream shows.
Erik: Speaking of going beyond the Hollywood stereotypes, what do youthink of Kirstie Alley’s Fat Actress? Does it ring true to life?
Deborah: She’s tremendously gifted, and more power to her forchallenging the stereotype! Did you know that only 10% of people have thatectomorphic body type? The remaining 90% of actresses are starving themselvesto achieve that look. It’s not very realistic or true to life. The camera adds15 – 20 lbs, so you have to be a “0”, a “1” or maybe a “2”. HeatherLocklear is a “0”. It’s ridiculous that everyone feels that they have to beskeletal.
Erik: It reminds me of that Family Guy episode where Chris isdiscovered as a great artist (“You are no longer Chris – from now on, you willbe known as Christobel!”). He gets to date Kate Moss, but she’s soskinny she keeps falling through cracks in the floor, or getting blown out thewindow by a slight breeze. And when she turns sideways, she literally disappears…
Deborah: (Laughing) …and later, when he’s alone with his dad, hesays, “Kate Moss is my girlfriend, but don’t say anything bad about her,because she could be here right now!” I loved that…
Erik: One of the cool things about these interviews is that we get todiscuss subjects that have been kicking around for a while, stuff that peoplehave wondered about. Probably the most controversial revolves around the“erotic thriller” phase of your career. A few years ago, in an interview in TheVirginian Pilot, you mentioned that you now regret that phase of yourcareer, primarily because it was difficult for your children. Would you care tocomment?
Deborah: Sometimes you want to work so badly that you focus on thepositive aspects of a project to the point of exclusion of other aspects thatare not so appealing. You might get so enthusiastic about a character that youoverlook the less than optimal elements of the production. It comes from adesire to work.
For example, in “Sins of the Night”, there’s that scene where my character, RoxyFalcone, is forced by her abusive husband to crawl to him on her hands andknees. The way that scene appears in the finished film is somewhat of adisappointment to me – it just doesn’t have the emotional impact it shouldhave. But it impressed me when I first read it in the script. I was reallyattracted to that role of the abused wife – I thought there was some reallygood dramatic potential there.
But I also never knew that scenes from those films would turn up all over theInternet - it was only the early ‘90s, after all. It’s one thing to appear in afilm that ostensibly only adults will see, and another thing altogether to havestills from those films easily available to anyone. It was embarrassing for mychildren, and I deeply regret that.
Erik: I think Sharon Stone went through that with the famous“leg-crossing/no panties” scene from Basic Instinct. There are only a fewframes involved - the audience is only supposed to get a glimpse, a littletease. Ms. Stone never anticipated screen caps of those few frames being postedall over the www. It seems very unfair that the rules of the game were changedafter the fact…
Deborah: At least I can honestly say that I’ve never hit the castingcouch! Well, except when the director was my husband…(Laughing)
Erik: (Laughing)I’m pretty sure that doesn’t count!
Having worked on both “A” projects and “B” projects, what are the differencesbetween life on the set of an “A” project vs. a “B” project from an actor’sperspective?
Deborah: You get good people on the set of both “A” and “B” films, butthere’s a lot more money to go around on an “A” project, so everything tends tobe on a different level: better equipment, accommodation, food, etc.
There’s also more time for everything, whereas “B” films are shot over arelatively short period of time, so they have to be very efficient from a timeperspective. That means less waiting around for the actors, which I prefer!That’s one definite advantage of a “B” project…
Erik: Here are a few questions from Pauline from West Dunbartonshire,UK:
Howdid you start out as a model and how old were you?
Deborah: I think I was around 14. I attended a charm school, and thatled to some local modelling work: local businesses, some runway modelling,bridal shows. After Miss USA, I went to Chicago to avoid the New York jungleuntil I was ready for the Big Apple…
Erik:Chicago! That must have been when you posed for the famous StanMalinowski Playboy cover…
Deborah: Yeah, and I went to New York a year later…
What was it like to win Miss USA?
Deborah: It was unbelievable! I was such a tomboy; I had no clue that Iwould win. My Dad didn’t even want to show up, because he was sure he was goingto have to suffer watching me lose!
It was a lot of fun, a great year, and so different. It was a major turningpoint in my life – I had to grow up a lot…
Would you encourage either of your children to go into acting?
No, I wouldn’t! The rate of rejection is so high. The busiest actors still haveto live with a 95%+ rejection rate!
What was it like to work with Larry Hagman, any funny stories?
Deborah: It was wonderful! Like I said, he’s a really good human being,and he made me feel so at home when I first came on the set.
I remember our first long scene together – the one at J.R.’s private box inTexas Stadium. It was like 105 degrees that day, and I was wearing a red wooldress. It was so hot; they had to keep rolling out my hair. Well, we had caviarand champagne, and the champagne was the real thing! They kept retaking thescene – and I got pretty hammered! (Laughing) From then on, Mandy onlyordered soft drinks…
Erik: Didn’t Larry say that back in his Dallas days, he used tokill a bottle of champagne every day before lunch?
Deborah: Really? I didn’t know that…
In another scene, I was sitting next to the bathtub while he was taking abubble bath. I was wearing this beautiful, expensive white silk outfit. I wastalking to him, when he suddenly reached out and dragged me into the tub withhim, totally destroying my outfit!
Barbara Bel Geddes is my favourite actress. I know that you didn't have manyscenes together, but what was she like?
Deborah: She was a warm, wonderful human being, very welcoming when wefirst met. I was so saddened to hear that she had recently passed away. Outsideof the Oil Barons Balls, though, we had no scenes together, so I never had theopportunity to get to know her really well. Dallas was shot on somethinglike 5 separate soundstages, which was a huge set by televisionstandards at the time. So you didn’t necessarily interact with the other actorsif you didn’t have any scenes with them.
What was it like on the set of Cheers; I remember you appeared as one of SamMalones' girlfriends?
Deborah: It was a lot of fun, and I had a really good time. Ted Dansonis a very nice guy.
Who makes you laugh?
There are so many comics that I enjoy, it’s hard to limit it to a few names.But a sense of humour is one of the most important qualities in a human being.
I’ve always been a huge admirer of Lucille Ball – the woman was brilliant, wayahead of her time. I saw Jerry Seinfeld live at a charity event, and he wasgreat. I really enjoyed working with Chris Elliot; he’s very gifted.Unfortunately, I had a ‘straight’ role, as opposed to a comedic one, in that Geta Life episode. I even enjoy slapstick, like Jim Carrey…
Erik: Do you like the Stooges?
Deborah: I love the Three Stooges. When I was younger, I used towatch them every day…
Erik:Garland English, from Richmond, Virginia, has been a fan since yourMiss USA days. He asks:
What are the things that keep you so busy these days? You are always on thego.
Deborah: Well, like I said, I’ve been working and auditioning, and I doa lot of volunteer and charity work. I workout for 2 hours every day. Thenthere’s being a mom – that takes a lot of time! I’m also a ‘scratch’ cook – Iprepare everything from scratch, avoiding processed foods as much as possible.
How are your mother and Boo Boo doing? You also mentioned that you own pets:two cats, a bird, and a fish. How are they doing?
Deborah: Well, my mom and Boo Boo the Maltese are doing well – they’recoming for a visit next week. Ophelia, the Boo Boo-hating cat, will not bepleased! (Laughing) My co*ckatoo is doing great as well.
But there’s some sad news too. Shaky the Cat is no longer with us – he died ofcancer, and my Beta fish died too. Ophelia was very sick for a while, but she’smade a complete recovery...
Erik: Yeah, I remember you saying that she was so sick you thought shewas going to check out…
Deborah: Yeah, but she made a miraculous recovery and is doing great!
Erik: Cool! Speaking of your animals, Jan Steppy from Dallas-Fort Worthhad these questions:
There is a photo of you on the site riding on a beautiful Arabian. I read anarticle many years ago in TV Guide that you were gifted with an Arabian. What’sthe story?
Deborah: When I went to Morocco, the Princess gave me a horse - anArabian stallion. At the time, I was her favourite female soap star. But he wasnever shipped over – I never got him. I had two horses at the time, and one wasa palomino named “Rocket”. He’s still alive today – he lives at a friend’sranch in the Valley.
What types of music do you enjoy most? Do you have any favourite songs orartists?
Deborah: I have very eclectic musical tastes: R&B, Motown,Classical, Latin, New Age, Classic Rock… As far as favourite artists or songsgo, there are too many to mention here…
I know that you've written music, is this something that came naturally foryou?
Deborah: Well, I write lyrics, not music, but it does come naturally tome. I really enjoy the cadence of lyrical poetry…
What is your beauty routine for facial and skin care?
Deborah: I strive for a really clean face, and avoid all products withmineral oil, paraffin, or beeswax. There are some great, inexpensive productsout there. I’ve used Avon for a long time – it’s so clean! It’s really notnecessary to spend a lot.
The most important factor is water, for both your skin and your overallhealth. Drink at least 3 litres every day. Eating well is really important too!
You mentioned organic foods in your last interview; do you believe in herbalsupplements for health?
Deborah: Absolutely! 1000%!!
Erik: It’s pretty hard to interview you without Mandy Winger’s namecoming up…
Deborah: Yeah, I know…
Erik: So, Ognian Georgiev from Bulgaria asks:
How does it feel always being associated with the Mandy Winger character?
Deborah: I no longer have to struggle with type casting, but back in the80s, it was a different story. Everyone called me “Mandy”, wherever I went,including abroad. When I was in Thailand, everyone was whispering “Mandy,Mandy” to each other. It was the same in Greece. In one Greek village, peoplewere watching Dallas on the communal TV set!
What were you concerned with after finishing your participation in the show?
Deborah: I was consumed with getting work where I wasn’t typecast asMandy! (Laughing)
Erik: Chris from Texas had these questions:
I was wondering if you'd ever consider doing a daytime soap? I think you'dbe really great on The Bold and the Beautiful or Guiding Light.
Deborah: Sure – I‘d love too!
Who was most fun to work with on Dallas?
Deborah: Larry, but Ken Kercheval was lots of fun as well…
What were your best and worst auditions like?
Deborah: Probably the worst was when I was at Warner Brothers, and I wastrying to demonstrate my melodramatic chops. I was crying and carrying on, whenthe casting director interrupted and said, almost apologetically, “You wereaware that this project is a comedy…” I was so embarrassed…
My best auditions had to be for Dallas and Body Double. So manypeople at the Dallasaudition supported me – it always was a verywelcoming environment, even at audition. As for Body Double, well, justauditioning for Brian De Palma – that was exciting…
Erik: Karin Schill from Sweden wanted to know what your best memory fromfilming Dallaswas?AndPatrick Hirang from Seattle wondered what it waslike on the set?
Deborah: There are so many good memories; I really can’t narrow it down.It was a great environment, very supportive and welcoming, and lots of fun. Thecast and crew were all great – it was like one big happy family! There wasconstant practical joking – Larry was the biggest perpetrator! (Laughing)
I had some great scenes too, ones that I really enjoyed doing: Flushing thediamond bracelet down the toilet; angrily telling JR that I’m not for sale whenhe tried to seduce Mandy with a fancy apartment, and throwing the keys at him;throwing champagne in his face in another scene…
Erik: (Laughing) Sounds like your favourite scenes involved Mandyreally giving it to JR…
Deborah: Yeah, I loved that…
Erik: Eric Traversier from France asks:
I like you very much and I'd like to know if you regret having left DALLASbefore the end of the show, and if you have chosen to go or if that was theproducers’ decision?
Deborah: I think I was written out at a good time. It was probably timeto go, even though I was leaving my work family. Of course, it’s very scary tobe out of work, especially for an actor…
Erik: Nikie from Arkansas had an interesting Dallas question:
I want to know, who did you have better chemistry with in your opinion –Larry or Ken?
Deborah: Both were great! I worked a lot longer with Larry, but Ken is agreat guy, and I had a lot of fun with him too. He’s a very gifted actor aswell, which maybe not all of the show’s fans appreciated…
Erik: Nikie also wanted to know:
What is the one role (or what are the roles) that you would love to play?
Deborah: I enjoy any role that challenges me. I’m less concerned aboutthe type of role, but rather whether it has any substance to it. I think Imight have fun being cast in a role where I have to wear a lot of prostheticmakeup, where no one would recognize me (laughing). That would certainlybe different from the usual roles that I get. But as long as the role has someinteresting elements, and some meat to it, I’ll have fun with it…
Erik: Gustavo Conforti from Argentina had a few questions:
If you could make your dream film, what genre would it be?
Deborah: Well, I don’t really have a “dream” genre. I would loveto play in a period piece – I loved Pride and Prejudice! I’m alsoattracted to films where the plot revolves around justice being done, but thatcould encompass any number of different genres…
Would you like to see a sequel made of any of your films?
Deborah: No, not really. After I play a role, I like to move on…
Who would you choose to play Mandy Winger in the Dallas movie?
Deborah: I really have no preference; I could care less. Once again,that role is in the past and I’ve moved on…
I liked High Tide from the first year and when you were on it. Did you havea feeling the show would get cancelled though after only your first year there?
Deborah: No, I had no idea. Actually, the comings and goings oftelevision shows is beyond me. Who are these Nielsen families anyway?
I’m hoping that more episodes of Commander in Chief are shot, but I’mtold by my Industry contacts that the show’s future is uncertain because thereare still too many people in this country who have a problem with the conceptof a woman being President…
Erik: Yeah, that amazes me in this day and age… Then again, we’ve onlyhad one female Canadian Prime Minister (Kim Campbell), but it’s just a matterof time until we have another…
Scott from So Cal tells the following little story:
