It was a thrill of my life to work with my daughter Rebecca. It was like being a split personality. I had a chance to be an Actress, (which is my soul food) and, at the same time, to be an observer watching my daughter's dreams come true, and yet being in the dream. What a rare a gift of life to see and be in the dream and goal of the one you love materialize in front of you, yet taking part in its creation. Rather mind-blowing, I'd say.
I am, first of all, amazed, surprised, and pleased of my daughter's creativity and skill as a writer and director. So naturally, I am her devoted fan, and cheerleader. What a thrill to be directed by my daughter. I get the inside scoop as far as the character's portrayal/motivation with whom I've been entrusted. Experiencing Rebecca's directing skill, I feel she really knows how to communicate what she wants from an actor. We have no problem being mother and daughter on set-- simply step into the professional skin and interact as actress and director. I do ask her for special consideration, however, to address me by my professional name on the set, to keep our relationship quiet, until after the filming or until it's been inadvertently discovered.
2.What did you like about playing the part of Maggie Walters?
I love Maggie Walter's comic role. I love to be funny. It's so much fun to act comedy. It's a mixture of exaggeration of character, and subtle timing. Maggie's a very lovable and loving, pushy, obnoxious mother--always caring and protective of her daughter and grandson. However, Maggie realizes that she has to stay out of her daughter's way most of the time. There just comes a time when any Mother just has to put in her two cents ---Maggie can't help it!
3.Are there any plans for you to act in any of Rebecca's upcoming films? Yes, there are plans to act in Becca's future films. I have a tiny bit--but pivotal part in her next film. It is going to be a fun role for me: a crazy, insane lady in an asylum (makes one wonder, what she really thinks of her mother, ha, ha). I suspect she'll always have one for me, if it's appropriate. Kind of like her lucky charm. We are very close, especially going through the anxieties that come being in this business, while her dream was growing and budding.
4.What were the highlights during production of Chester Story?
To identify only one or two highlights of the Chester Story is tough to do. There was a joy in every day. I love life, and to see my daughter's story come alive, meeting all the cast and crew, and watching the characters unfold from the actors creativity and skill was a huge thrill. To meet Teri Hatcher up close and find out she was a decent sweet person, rather than A Big Hollywood Diva, was very refreshing. Meeting such a talented, skilled, young actor as Cody, and hearing the struggles his Mom went through. Bonding with Andrea and Rhoda, totally being entertained by them, and being coached on the Southern accent by two skilled actresses between scenes. And finally seeing the beautiful Azaleas in full bloom in Wilmington N.C. in April breathtaking.
5.With Chester due to screen early 2003, what do you hope audiences gain from viewing this film?
I hope that the audience will get the message of this film, that if people take a different perspective on viewing their tragedies, there usually is a hidden blessing within it. Also, there's a new beginning and always, there is Hope. It just depends on your point of view! You never know what fate has in store for you, so go with the flow!
