By Lewis Beale
Kate Mulgrew has had a long and diverse career in soaps (Ryan’s Hope), episodic TV (Mrs. Columbo, Star Trek: Voyager), theatre (Tea at Five) and the movies (Throw Momma From the Train, Star Trek: Nemesis). Now she’s attracting attention with her Emmy-nominated performance as Galina “Red” Reznikov, the tough Russian-American inmate head of the prison kitchen in Netflix’s hit show Orange Is the New Black. The 59-year-old Iowa native spoke during a break in shooting scenes for the third season of Orange.
What was it about this part that interested you?
There was something original about the writing, and this character was unprecedented, from my experience. It’s remarkable, sensitive, extraordinary, irreverent. The writing is incomparable in its tone, and in its creativity. I was only given two pages to read (when she auditioned) and she just leapt into my imagination.
How would you describe Red?
Red is a survivor of the highest order, someone you want to be in the trenches with. She’s vivid in her red hair, red nails, and she will identify herself as singular in this institution, and will survive it with her soul intact.
Any special preparation for the part?
I just jumped into it, I didn’t go to Brighton Beach. Maybe I watched a few Russian films, and listened to a great deal of Russian dialogue. She just leapt into my imagination. I think I just worked by burrowing her into my imagination. And the accent is just something that came organically.
What is it that makes the show so popular?
Relatability. I would say we’re talking about life being stripped down in a way we’re not accustomed to seeing when it comes out of Hollywood. Everything is basic here, and I think the viewership is saying I get it, I understand it, and I’m a scintilla away from it myself.
How do you relate to all the relationships in the show?
I think it’s kind of interesting, most of it is appropriate. It speaks to the female nature. It all works, it’s a Petri dish.
Have you had any previous experience with prison life?
I did a movie called Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins. We shot some of it at Rikers, and that was terrifying. I don’t remember experiencing anything like it before or since. The feeling of walking between those cells, the sounds they were making, the despair of it, it was an amazing feeling. This prison (in Orange) is very different. It is minimum security, and we have everything we need to survive, except our loved ones.
You played Capt Kathryn Jane way for seven years on Star Trek: Voyager, and were the first woman to portray a captain in the Star Trek series. What’s it like being part of the Star Trek universe?
I was shot out of a cannon. I got the job on a Thursday, went to work on a Monday (Genevieve Bujold was originally cast in the role but quit after two days of shooting). I didn’t have time to think, to anticipate, anything. I had to adjust to 16- or 18-hour days, all the publicity that was demanded. But it was unbelievably satisfying. To be the first female captain of one of the most successful TV franchises of all time is a great thing. I’m glad I did it; it taught me a lot about myself. – Newsday/MCT
No more kids for Jessica Simpson
Singer-actress Jessica Simpson, who feels her family is complete after having two children in quick succession, has no plans to expand her brood further.
Posting a cute picture of a friend’s baby with herself on Instagram, Simpson wrote: “I love you Jack, but I do not want another!!” Simpson is blessed with a two-year-old daughter Maxwell and a 13-month-old son Ace with husband Eric Johnson and says her family is now complete, reports contactmusic.com. The Dukes of Hazzard star tied the knot with the former NFL player in California on July 5 in front of family and close friends.
— IANS
Neil Patrick Harris to star in Horror Story
Actor Neil Patrick Harris is set to star in Horror Story: Freak Show. The How I Met Your Mother actor told EW Radio that he penned a letter to the show’s co-creator Ryan Murphy asking him to be on the new season of the FX series, reports variety.com.
“I wrote a letter to Ryan asking if I can be in it, even though I wasn’t even available to be in it. To do one that involves any kind of freak, circus nonsense is going to be so unsettling to watch. Can’t wait!” said Harris. With How I Met Your Mother ending and his Broadway musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch closing in August, his schedule may have room for other projects. — IANS