Today is a big day, readers. Today, I’m introducing 10 Questions Plus 1, an homage to Proust plus 1, because I love the number 11. In this series, I’ll ask 11 questions to some of the most inspiring people that I know.
I am, beyond honored, to have the legendary Holland Taylor as my first guest.
What can I say about Holland? She’s fucking brilliant. I love seeing her for fittings. I love having a laugh, and a good bitch session about everything wrong in politics. I love talking to her about finding a perfect blazer, and I love following her on Twitter. She’s a brilliant follow.
She’s also, as you probably know, an incredible actor. You may have first seen her on The Practice, or Two and a Half Men, George of the Jungle or Legally Blonde. She’s everyone’s favorite.
Back in 2013, Holland wrote and performed her one-woman show of Ann, based on the life and work of Ann Richards. Now, 9 years later, she’s performing it again at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Somehow, despite how busy she is, Holland graciously agreed to answer my questions. Well, I did bug her. Regardless, here she is.
Without further adieu, Holland Taylor.
Where are you, as you write this?
Sitting in a lump midmorning… I don’t do much during the day because I am intensely aware of the amount of energy I will need in about ten hours for ANN~ and then tomorrow, TWO shows.. I’ll stretch and putter and read a bit, that’s about it. And enjoy every corner of my house, the construction of which makes every corner and passageway worth meditating on..
2. What is your current state of mind?
Complicated. In the main this final run of ANN is intensely pleasing, because somehow having played it across the country, from Broadway to the blue Pacific, feels like the right thing to have done. Other people will produce this play, as they already have, but I wanted to do the west coast premiere. Every time you do a play, if you have that good fortune, you are basically on your own shoulders. ANN has deepened for me over the years. This is the run, at last, where I’m not burdened by other duties, as I was on Broadway… and I’m doing six, not eight a week, so, oddly, I have been able to work on the part just as an actress~ breaking down the script, figuring out dynamics, what impels her from A to B and onward, where are her discoveries, what does she want from one moment to the next? Having written a play does not prepare you for playing it. As a result of this inner work, the performance has more drive and movement… and thus, to our surprise, two plus minutes have come off each act. Well, that’s a proof of a plus! So the performer is pleased. But the person? This is goodbye to my doing the play… Not only is it a big production that can’t just be yanked together, I am older, and to my great surprise, I am going to get older still! It is an enormous task to do the play, and it is time to retire as the one who plays it. Goodbyes are challenging, and I don’t know what this one will bring. Creating the play in the first place, was a kind of gift from the heavens. I could never have done all this for years just for ‘me.’ I have been "in service" to the Governor and to the kind of life she represents. To no longer have that role ‘in the wings’ will feel different. I hope it won’t be too sad. At least “I” am not retiring, but will continue on performing and certainly have had such wonderful parts in recent seasons… but when you’ve been almost “called” to do something~ what happens when you put it aside? So the answer to your question is, I’m gathering myself to see what I can summon myself for. And what I can bring along inside me from that effort that began in 2007 that might bouy me still…
3. Who do you call for advice?
Mostly Sarah, who is wise beyond her years and who has a deep awareness of what goes on inside. She is much more aware of psychological implications of events and deeds than I. I also consult my friend actress Stephanie Faracy, who is the only person I know who lives a spiritual life all the time…
4. What was the best opportunity you ever turned down, and why?
Well I guess financially it was not re-upping on Two and Half Men when my original contract ended. By then I was beginning the work researching and writing ANN and I was in flames. I had to have freedom for whatever it demanded. I did continue on as a very occasionally recurring character, which was lovely, as I adore Jon and Charlie. And our darling Conchata Ferrell having gone to her reward is so mean. As for jobs turned down, I was asked to do Blanche at a big regional theatre once, and I turned it down because I didn’t feel I could play her well. I was certainly afraid of it because it felt so not kin to me. Often wondered what would have happened. Ultimately with acting, I think one has toe have an instant ‘feel’ for a character or it could be a disaster. As for ‘great opportunities’ missed, I have not had any of those I think, partly because I have never been very ambitious, alas. Too complicated to parse that out!
5. What values, in yourself and in others, do you find to be the most important?
Fairness and honesty.
6. What has been your greatest achievement?
ANN, every aspect of it, from that jolt of inspiration in a sea of sadness at Ann Richards’ death, to the leap onto the fiery train that roared out of the station as the notion to create a live show about her burst into my head.
7. What motto/life lesson do you keep coming back to?
"Seek connection," partly because it’s life affirming and supporting but also because it is the first thing to go if depression lurks. I am a loner by nature and except in small spaced apart times, it is bad for me. Being a loner is largely a habit, therefore, ‘comfortable,’ not necessarily good in itself at all. This is something I really have to monitor. Depression sneaks around the edges with me, always has, so I need to be watchful…. “Only connect!” So said E. M. Forster
8. What album will you never get tired of? What album taught you the most?
In popular music it was Joni Mitchell all the way, with Blue being the most perfect song! I really learned something about myself when I realized that unlike others, I don’t really know the lyrics well of any popular song I have played one million times… not the Beatles or Bob Dylan or Annie Lennox or and on and on. I remember key phrases of course, but Sarah for instance, sings along perfectly with almost any song you could play…every word, every phrasing… so we clearly listen and experience in a very different way… I have ADHD which may actually drive Sarah crazy one day, and maybe that has something to do with it. My mind jumps around all over the place. Except on stage, where I am a laser beam cutting the text into the air.
As for classical music, Bach is the great teacher and Glenn Gould’s recording of the Italian Concerto is probably my most listened to work.
9. Who inspires you?
Currently? Michelle Obama. You want to talk about a purpose driven life? And warmth, and compassion, and intelligence? I have had the joyous occasion to spend time with her and I don’t know anyone more fun and more real and worthy. What she and her husband have sacrificed to have given us what they have, and still do!
As for actors…well, to name just one, besides my favorite Sarah Paulson and the ever triumphant Meryl, I have to say Annette Bening is a career that is extraordinary. The range of things she does, the unique beguiling quality and intelligence she brings to all she touches…And there is a career where you can see before you her choices are mainly for substance.
10. Who did you want to be when you were 12?
Anyone, literally anyone but me.
11. What makes a good conversation?
Curiosity, respectful listening, an open mind. And a gin Martini. Also, the secret of charm is to take the person at their own best valuation of themselves, and that is what will come forth.
