I love theater. I love movies. I love television. And now I also love radio (since I'm producing radio theater these days)! I love writing and working on new scripts and I love reading GOOD scripts and figuring out how to make them into GREAT theater, film or television. I'm most happy when I'm working on a script -- writing myself, dramaturging, producing or directing. The entire process from beginning to end is exciting to me.
Well, even though I'm producing now I am an actor at heart and I love actors (I use the same term for males & females) - there are a bunch I know and love personally like Randy Reinholz, Tonantzin Carmelo, Tom Selleck, Kalani Queypo, Kevin Costner, Ehecatl Chavez, Arigon Starr, Georgina Lightning, Cecelia Suarez (a past student from ISU), Ellen Dostal, Noah Watts, Delanna Studi, Gil Birmingham, Ed Begley, Robert Vestal, Elena Finney, Michael Matthys, Zahn McClarnon, Stephanie Childers (another past student from ISU) Alex Cord, Adeye Sahran, Jack Coleman, Leann Hunley, Gary Grubbs, Thirza Defoe, Princess Lucaj... I have a long list of new actors I love watching and I would love to meet that includes: Ashton Kutcher, Alison Janey, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert DiNiro, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Amanda Pete, Heath Ledger, Reese Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick, Leonardo DiCaprio, Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Ian McShane... Of course I also have some wonderful students who will be star actors and directors in the not too distant future like Sean Simbro, Jeff Leaf, John Litten, Adam Joyce, Paige Raines, Matt Stinton, Stacy Hirsch and Matt Pittinger.
OK my number one favorite was Alexi Murdoch (also a past student from Duke University -- I thought he'd be a terrific actor -- he's put all that into his writing and performing and he's fantastic). I'm still pretty crazy about him -- but I have a new NUMBER ONE favorite! BRIAN JOSEPH! He's so cool! Check him out on myspace or at brianjosephmusic.com. Never get tired of James Taylor (everything he sings is magic) or Van Morrison. Women I still love are Carly Simon, Carole King and Linda Rondstadt -- what great pipes. Newest female vocalist is Arigon Starr -- she's got some good stuff and lots more coming -- she's one to watch. Kevin Costner has a band and "Long Hot Night" is pretty good - got it loaded here if you'd like to hear it.I've just gotten into film scores lately and love the way they "tell" a story. More to come on that score!
Well, this could be a long one -- but for now I'll just give you a few of my favorites: Days of Heaven, No Way Out, Heaven's Gate, Mrs. Soffle, Good Will Hunting.Old ones I'll always stop to watch if I'm clicking through the channels: The Quiet Man, How Green Was My Valley, Gone With The Wind, Wuthering Heights, San Francisco, African Queen, Apocalypse Now, Midnight Cowboy.
This year: ROME, Entourage, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Huff, The Brotherhood. In the past: The West Wing, Sports Night, Deadwood.
I used to read a couple of new books a week. Now I read scripts, budgets and proposals. My last favorite book was written by Bill Fitzhugh and it hasn't come out yet -- I got to read his draft over Christmas and it was one of the best presents I've ever gotten. It's the sequel to his hilarious --- and it's called --- oh! I almost leaked it! You'll have to go to www.billfitzhugh.com and check out what's new! Just finished the latest Harry Potter! GREAT FUN! Also just read the Bourne Ultimatum - and it was great too - can't wait to see the movie...
I have three.My number one hero is my husband Randy. He's not afraid of anything. He works hard and if he doesn't know how to do something he learns. But he knows and is interested in a lot! Film, theatre, television, music, poetry / sports, construction, travel, gardens (his is fun and filled with color and birds and love). He's kind and caring and a great friend. He's genuinely interested in the well being of others and is the best listener I've ever known. He's a wonderful son and brother. He's the kind of husband you might imagine yourself with and take a lifetime to find and I'm so happy being his wife and partner in life. We have a lot of fun together and we get a lot done!My mother is also my hero. She's made all of our lives funfilled and important at the same time. The last decade has been tough on her - as she would say - "Getting old ain't for sissy's." But she always gets back up and faces each day with her head held high and a smile for everyone she meets. She comes from an immigrant family (from Scotland) and I'd say her highlander blood is thick and keeps her strong. I hope to grow old with as much style and grace as she has...My all time hero is my Dad. He passed away in 2002 and I still miss him everyday. He was a poor Irishman from Brooklyn who made good. And he made his family number one. He loved my mom for 57 years and made her life (and ours) an adventure traveling the world as he served his country (US Army Infantry). My sister and I were blessed to be the light of his life and we were so lucky the last few weeks of his life (he died of lung cancer) to sit with him and remember all of our adventures and all that he taught us. To be strong and smart and to take care of those we love. To know that the world is big and that people need our love and attention even if we don't speak the same language. You have to work hard to build a good life but the rewards are many...