I don't get lost any more

by Stuart O'Connor from guardian.co.uk

Actor Rachel Shelley thinks of herself as a luddite, but is still marvelling at her new iPhone

What's your favourite piece of technology?
I have to admit firstly that I don't have many. But of the ones I do have, it's my iPhone. Probably it outshines my laptop because it's still new. I only got it a month ago, and I'm still marvelling at how fantastic it is.

How has it improved your life?
I don't get lost any more, which to me is just fantastic. I've spent so much time away from London in the past five or six years, and coming back I realise I've forgotten my way around – now my iPhone tells me where I am. It has made life a lot easier.

When was the last time you used it, and what for?
This morning. I find that I can have a really sneaky lie-in and feel like I'm doing some work because I can reply to emails and read the news – do all that kind of stuff. I feel less guilty doing that on my iPhone than doing it on my computer.

What additional features would you add if you could?
You can't text photos – or if you can I haven't figured it out – so I'd like to be able to do that. And it would be great if you could use it as a walkie-talkie because I now have so many friends nearby who have an iPhone.

Do you think it will be obsolete in 10 years' time?
Definitely. I think the way technology will keep on improving I'm sure everyone will have a videophone.

What one tip would you give to non-iPhone users?
That the texting takes some time to get used to – it was the one thing that almost put me off. Once you get used to it, it's actually very good. And don't overload your phone with lots of applications and games, because it does cause it to crash.

Do you consider yourself to be a luddite or a nerd?
Generally a luddite, but with sudden unexpected peaks of nerdiness which surprise even me.

What's the most expensive piece of technology you've ever owned?
Probably my MacBook. I'm not big on technology; I only get what I need.

Mac or PC?
I've always been Mac, so I guess I always will be. I can't imagine I will change now.

What song is at the top of your iPod's top 25 most-played list?
At the moment, a sudden entry at number one for me is Paper Planes by MIA and AR Ramen, from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.

Will robots rule the world?
No, I think that's a crazy idea.

What piece of technology would you most like to own?
I do have a fantasy piece of technology that would do my food shopping for me, and if you wanted to you could probably employ a butler or a maid. But I'd like to have a fridge that restocks itself. I don't know what you'd call that – an automatic restocking pantry?

The Farm Recap 101: Very Bad Girls

By Julia Watson, on April 1st, 2009 from http://www.velvetparkmedia.com

Call it a stroke of fate, the scoop of the year, or what you will, but yours truly got her hot little hands on an advanced copy of the pilot episode of The L Word’s spin-off series. Yes, folks! I’m talking about The Farm, starring Leisha Hailey. Thar be spoilers ahead…

Alice is stripping off a pair of dirt-stained blue coveralls. As she undresses, she stares into the mirror, her expression distant, incredulous. The scene flashes to Alice, orange jumpsuit-begarbed, sitting in a courtroom as a judge pronounces her guilty of second-degree murder in the killing of one Jennifer Schecter. In the courtroom, she bears the same shocked but slightly removed expression.

The scene flashes back to the present. Al heads into a group shower area, where a few other women are already naked under the steamy spray. Clearly nervous, waxing friendly, Al greets them, but the others ignore her ? except for one. A stern-faced young black woman gives her a terse nod of acknowledgment. Al attempts to strike up a friendly conversation with her nearest neighbor as she showers. Again, she is ignored. Someone laughs behind her and she turns, delighted at the sound of real, live mirth.

It’s the stern woman and three others. “Hi, Wade!” Alice begins brightly, taking in the expressions of open malice on the faces of the others. “What can I do for ya?” Quick as a flash, Wade grabs Alice by the throat, slamming her back against the wall. Alice struggles, but the others, including a blond girl with a swastika tattooed on her arm, flank her, pinning her arms. Wade belts her hard across the face. “You can start showing me the proper respect, Freshie. That’s what you can do for me.” She leers. “For starters.” Off Alice’s expression of pain and dismay…

The opening credits roll amidst scenes of little girls playing on a playground ? monkey bars, dodgeball, double dutch. The music is a punk girl group covering Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” The behavior of the girls gets more and more menacing, bullying, as they play, until their games and smiles take on new, sinister meaning.

A yellow prison bus rattles down a dusty road through fields and farms. A title reads “Earlier that day.” Inside the bus is Alice, seated across the aisle from the bus’s other lone occupant, (Famke Janssen, HOT!!!) a strikingly attractive woman who radiates calm self-assurance. Both women are handcuffed and wear orange prison jumpsuits. Alice: “She believed me at first. But after they found stupid Jenny’s diary everything changed. I guess it was doomed anyway after everything that has happened. A cop and a convicted murderer? Not exactly West Side Story material.” Famke’s character, Valentina, smiles ruefully. Alice asks her what she’s “in for,” but Val just smiles.

The bus pulls up to a security gate and we get our first glimpse of “The Farm.” Farm it is, with fields, orchards and even a livestock barn surrounded by pens of goats. Women in green coveralls are busy rebuilding a fence in a nearby pasture. The bus pulls up in front of a compound surrounded by a tall chain-link fence topped with razor wire. A wiry-looking middle-aged woman in a guard uniform stands out in front, waiting for them.

The guard introduces herself as Officer Miller. She seems particularly interested in Valentina, giving her a long once-over. They follow her into the main office and Alice starts asking questions, rapid-fire, about living quarters, working the farm, etc. Officer Miller tells her the warden will be happy to answer those kinds of questions. Alice: “We get to meet the warden?” Miller: “She likes to meet all the new inmates herself first thing, to explain how we do things here.”

Alice and Valentina wait silently with Officer Miller outside the warden’s office. A raucous bark of laughter comes from behind the closed door, on which a sign reads: Warden Margaret Elder. A moment later the door swings open, revealing Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne) in slacks and a flannel button down shirt with a collar. She’s alone and beckons them in with a hearty welcome. The warden dismisses Officer Miller, asking her to go get some ammo (?). Alice: “Ammo? You’re not gonna use that on us, I hope!” The warden laughs again, a hyena-like cackle. Warden Elder: “Not if you play your cards right, Pieszecki.”

The warden unlocks their handcuffs herself. Her office is crammed with knickknacks and there’s a Survivor: Vanuatu calendar on the wall. She tells them it’s a privilege to be placed there, to be outside in the fresh air all day instead of being locked up on a cell block. The farm is a minimum security facility, we learn, but “discipline and protocol are strictly enforced.” Alice is relieved to learn that instead of cell blocks, inmates live together in barracks with members of their assigned work group, called “yards.” Alice and Valentina are assigned together to Yard Three. The warden suggests that they work hard and keep their heads down, and they’ll do just fine here. Warden: “Right, Galindo?” Valentina, in a cool, measured tone: “Yes, ma’am.” They lock eyes for a beat, and the warden nods. They understand one another. Alice looks lost, another question forming on her lips.

Just then there’s a knock at the door. In walks a young woman wearing blue coveralls, sporting a curly afro and a guileless, goofy grin. The woman, to the warden: “You wanted to see me, Boss?” Warden: “Ah, Ammo. Yes, meet your new yardmates, Alice Pieszecki and Valentina Galindo.” Ammo’s eyes widen at the mention of Valentina’s name. Alice catches this, shooting Valentina a piercing look. The warden asks Ammo to show the newcomers to the laundry and the barracks. Then it’s straight to work! Ammo seems happy to have scored this duty.

Ammo chats easily with Alice as they make their way to the laundry, but she seems a little in awe of Valentina. They’ve arrived just in time, Ammo says. It’s the last Friday of the month, and there’ll be a competition later that afternoon to see which of the yards get the best work assignments for the following month. Yard Three has been short on manpower and could use two extra pairs of hands. Alice is surprised to learn about the competition, but Ammo says that isn’t all: the yards compete regularly for all sorts of privileges ? better food, computer lab time, entertainment ? you name it. Apparently the warden is a big fan of reality TV and has taken a cue from Survivor in running the place. (Oh dear.) Alice says it sounds almost fun. Ammo: “It’s not so bad when your team wins. Lately? We been dead last.” She grumbles about their leader.

The newbies drop off armloads of clean jumpsuits and linens at their new digs (Valentina takes the top bunk above Alice.) and they quickly change into their new blue coveralls. While dressing, Alice notices a beautiful tattoo on Valentina’s left shoulder blade ? a tree with tiny tear-shaped leaves. Valentina catches her looking and smiles.

The three women sign out at the front desk under the watchful eye of a guard, and they head out the front gate toward the barn. As they approach the barn’s side yard, a piercing wail sounds. Ammo curses and starts off at a run, Alice and Valentina hurrying after her. A pretty young Latina woman is crouched in the mud, her hands over her ears, sobbing as a rough-looking blond girl (Ooh! It’s swastika chick!) stands over her, nudging her with her boot and letting loose a stream of dirty words in a singsong-y voice. Both wear blue coveralls matching the ones Alice, Valentina and Ammo are wearing. A ways back, a few other similarly clad women watch the scene unfolding without interfering.

Glam promo shot for Blond Swastika Chick/Melody.

Ammo, to Blondie: “You leave her alone! What the hell is your problem, Melody?” Melody gives the woman a vicious kick. Her face impassive, Val moves to stand at Ammo’s side. Ammo: “Melody, you ain’t met Valentina yet. Valentina Galindo?” Clearly the name registers. The woman on the ground continues to sob and, disgusted, Blondie/Melody steps away from her. Melody, to Ammo: “Handle your bitch, bitch.” Ammo helps the woman up from the ground. Crying woman, to Ammo: “She be talking nasty to me!” Ammo pats her back consolingly. Val, still perfectly calm, stares down an uncomfortable-looking Melody.

Another woman (the one who attacked Alice in the opening teaser, Wade) appears, asking what the hell is going on. She tells Melody, Ammo and crying girl to get back to work and they comply. Wade brusquely informs Valentina that it’s not her place to handle squabbles between yardmates. Wade: “That’s my job. Got it?” Refusing to be baited, Valentina politely introduces herself, and Alice, too; her unwavering courtesy makes Wade uneasy. She sets them to their first task: mucking out the pig pen. Gross.

Alice balks at the foul stink of the place. Wade: “This ain’t no Sunnybrook and you ain’t named Rebecca.” Alice: “Actually my name is Rebecca. Just kidding! It’s Alice. But you know that. Just a little joke. To break the um… ice? Not that you seem cold! I mean…” Wade sticks around a while to watch them while they work, enjoying their humiliation. Alice makes a good-natured crack about paying their dues on the first day, but Valentina challenges Wade’s presence, politely suggesting that surely she has something better to do than stand around and watch them at this. Wade, nastily: “I don’t give a shit who you are outside’a this place. In here? We got our own way of doing things. And in Yard Three? That way is my way.” Valentina, unfazed: “I see.”

Promo mugshot for Wade.

Later, Alice and Valentina dump a wheelbarrow full of pig poop onto a compost heap. They wash off a bit at a nearby water spigot and sit down to take a breather, where they’re joined by Ammo and the woman Melody was picking on earlier. Ammo introduces her as Graciela, saying that she’s a little “touched,” but she’s “good people.” Rather meaningfully, she says it’s important to have a buddy here, someone to watch your back. She thanks Val for her support earlier. Val says she was happy to help.

Shyly, Graciela gives the two newcomers an orange apiece. (Apparently they missed lunch as they were arriving.) After peeling hers, Valentina pulls it apart and offers half back to Graciela, who grins and accepts it. The four of them talk about the upcoming competition. Yard Three is desperate to get off the bottom rung of the chore assignment list, which includes all of the dirtiest, grossest jobs imaginable on the farm. Ammo drops a pointed hint, looking right at Valentina, that not everyone in their yard is happy with Wade’s leadership, and that all it takes is a simple majority to choose a new leader. Val: “Well. We’ll just have to see about that, won’t we?”

It’s competition time and Alice and Valentina join the rest of Yard Three in a field that has been set up as an obstacle course. Josie, the leader of Yard Five trash talks the two newest members of Yard Three, but she shakes hands with Valentina in a display of surprisingly good sportsmanship. Alice notices that each “Yard” is distinguished by a different color of coveralls. (Five is kind of a khaki color, Three is blue, etc.) From the assembled colors, there look to be at least six or seven different yards. Officer Miller comes over to wish Valentina good luck.

The competition is a complicated, eight-part relay race involving tests of strength, dexterity, wits and speed. As Yard Leader, Wade must assign her teammates to each leg of the race. Ammo suggests that Alice and Valentina get the brainiac leg of the race (putting together a small 3-D puzzle) but Wade, resenting the implication that Valentina is smarter than her, takes that job for herself and one of her cronies, and puts Alice and Valentina on the important final leg: racing through a mud pit three-legged race style and then digging through a large plastic kiddie pool full of sludge, to look for marbles. The first team to find three marbles of their own yard’s color wins.

Warden Elder appears, giddy with excitement, and kicks the whole thing off, shooting a pistol into the air. Things start out okay for Yard Three, with Ammo finishing second in the push-ups leg (Who knew?), and Melody barreling through a guard in a padded gladiator outfit on a narrow balance beam. Likewise with the next few legs ? until Wade and her partner lose a huge amount of time trying to put together her puzzle, setting their team back. Finally, it’s down to Alice and Valentina. From the sidelines, Wade snarls at them to move their asses. They eat it big time once, Alice coming up with a face full of mud, but working together, they make it through quickly. Still, Wade’s delay has hurt them: by the time they get to the kiddie tub, they are the last team there. And Josie already has two marbles for Yard Five. Alice finds a blue marble right off the bat, shrieking with glee. But then Josie finds a third, winning first place for her team. Valentina finds a second blue one, and a moment later, a third. Second place. Not too shabby! The women of Yard Three crowd around Alice and Val, slapping them on the back and crowing in excitement, celebrating. Wade glares at them, looking fit to kill, but says nothing.

There’s no time to shower before dinner, so the filthiest competitors are taken over to a nearby greenhouse to be hosed off. As Alice waits in line with Valentina, someone standing next to her greets a friendly looking guy carrying a tray of baby plants. The guy, Alfredo, introduces himself to Alice and Val and Alice suddenly twigs to what he’s holding. Alice: “That isn’t ? that can’t be…” She looks around to see if the guards are looking. Alfredo: “Chill, girl. It’s cool.” Alice and Val follow him a few paces into the greenhouse, and as the door is opened, Alice gasps: the greenhouse is full of pot plants. Alfredo: “Ladies, you are looking at the pride of Humboldt State Farm and Prison for Women. This is our medical marijuana growhouse.” Alice: “No. Fucking. Way.” He laughs and shoos them back into line.

Later, at dinner, Al and Val sit with Ammo, Graciela and several other women from their yard. Alice notices Josie from Yard Five enter the mess hall. Josie and Val meet each other’s eyes and nod a greeting. Wade sees this too, and a look of suspicion and anger clouds her face. She and her cronies step up to Alice and Val’s table. Wade, her voice low: “I bet you think you’re real clever, pulling something like that off on your first day here.” Val, calmly: “We were just discussing the political organization of our little group here. It seems there are some who take issue with your leadership. I am put in the position of having to decide whether or not to take that leadership from you.” Wade splutters with indignation. Val: “Wouldn’t you like to know what decision I’ve made? Or perhaps you’re clever enough to figure that out all on your own.” Wade is displeased to discover that half of her yard is backing Val. And then she notes the uncomfortable expression on Alice’s face. Wade, to Al, menacingly: “What about you, Freshie? Looks like you’re the swing vote.” Alice, horrified: “Me? No. Nonononono. I don’t wanna, you know, hurt anybody’s feelings here. You guys decide.” A guard starts toward them, hand on her baton at her belt. Wade says this isn’t over, but leaves with her gang. Ammo and the others glare at Alice. Al: “What?!” Val seems nonplussed.

Aaaand we’re back to Alice in the shower, getting smacked around by Wade. Wade: “You will back me for yard leadership. You will jump when I say fucking jump.” Alice whimpers, nodding frantically, when suddenly something twines around Wade’s throat, pulling tight. Val is strangling Wade with a bed sheet twisted around like a rope. Melody lets go of Alice and starts toward Val, but Val hisses a low warning. Val: “Are you sure you want to do that?” Melody freezes, her face reddening. She’s afraid of Val. Meanwhile, Wade is turning purple. Val, to Wade: “This isn’t personal. This is business.” She twists the noose open and shoves Wade away from her, releasing her. Wade gasps for breath and steps toward Val again, about to charge. Val raises a finger in warning: “You do not want to make this personal.” Wade hesitates, Val beckons Alice to come to her. Val, to Wade: “And do keep your hands off of my friend, Alice. I find her company very… diverting.” She pulls Alice to her possessively. Alice suddenly seems to notice that Val is fully clothed, while the rest of them are bare-assed. She blushes. Wade makes no further move against Val, but she spits on the floor between them before she leaves, her crew following her out.

Alice, to Val: “Okay, seriously. Who are you? I mean, thank you, but… who the fuck are you?!” Val strokes Alice’s hair, regarding her thoughtfully. Then she grabs a fistful of Al’s hair, yanking Al’s face in close. “I am Valentina fucking Galindo,” she breathes, her eyes dangerous, her lips still smiling. She kisses Alice hungrily. Al’s eyes fly open in shock until she surrenders to the kiss. Val pulls back, pats her on the ass and walks away. Off Alice’s stunned expression, the same blank look we first saw on her face.

----------------------------------------------------

"Ilene says, in an interview given less than 10 days ago, that she is still looking for a home for the show, but given this leek, I'm thinking it's only a half-hearted effort.
And given that she also revealed that she'll be explaining what happened to Jenny in the L Word movie, I'm thinking Alice won't ever really take the hit for Jenny's demise." by aliceO from http://www.aliceschart.com

Interview with Marlee Matlin

by StuntDouble, June 15, 2009 on afterellen.com

According to her calculations, Marlee Matlin was exactly 21 years and 218 days old the night in 1987 that she won the Best Leading Actress Academy Award for her role in Children of a Lesser God and had to convince Academy Award producers to let her interpreter on stage with her.

She took home a Golden Globe that year too, and she remains the youngest woman to ever win a leading lady Oscar.

But Matlin's rise to fame began much earlier: When she was seven-years-old, Matlin's teacher at the Center on Deafness and the Arts approached her about starring in their stage production of The Wizard of Oz. "Would you like to be Dorothy?" her teacher asked. Matlin's response: "I am Dorothy."

Not long after, she won a competition for her essay, "If I Was A Movie Star."

If I was a movie star, I would ride in a limousine.

When I go out of the limousine I would give everyone my best autograph and I would let people take my picture. Ohhh, when I am on the stage I would give everyone my best smile.

I would have a huge house which would have mirrors all over. I would love when people would write me letters. I would love to send them back but it's hard to write all the people.

I would love to meet all movie stars! They are so nice!!

I want to make movies all my life!

I am the best!!!

Here's my autograph.

Matlin's new memoir, I'll Scream Later, tells of her journey from childhood thespian to Oscar-winner to television star. Rather than the typical Hollywood tell-all, Matlin's autobiography paints a picture of a plucky young woman who fought through stereotypes, childhood abuse, a tumultuous family life and an intense drug addiction to become one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.

Her book is filled with uncommon grace and plenty of laughter as she recounts her early career as a film star; her transition to television as Tess Kaufman on Reasonable Doubts (1991-1993), a role which earned her two more Golden Globe nominations; her appearance in Seinfeld's subversive "Lip Reader" episode (1993); her role as the formidable Joey Lucas on The West Wing (2000-2006); her turn as a contestant on ABC's Dancing With The Stars (2008-2009); and, of course, the time she spent on the set of The L Word, playing spirited artist Jodi Lerner (2007-2009).

A passionate advocate for gay rights, Matlin recently answered questions from us about her candid biography, her athletic prowess, how easy it is to kiss a woman, and why silence is the last thing the world will ever hear from her.

AfterEllen: The title of your book, I'll Scream Later, alludes to the fact that you were in rehab when you got the news that you'd been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Your interpreter, Jack, told you the press needed some kind of reaction, and you told him, "I'll scream later." It seems like such a feverish time in your life. Did you ever actually get the chance to celebrate and scream later?

Marlee Matlin: Actually, every day of sobriety for me is a celebration. I have a great family, I have a career. Had I not gotten sober, I don't even know if would have had a career after Children of A Lesser God, or even if I would be alive. It was really that bad for me. So each day is a wonderful celebration. As for "screaming later" I think the book is "later." I wanted the world to know that the time for silence was no more, that I couldn't keep silent about the abuse, the molestation, the drugs. But I also wanted to scream about my triumphs and my sobriety.

In some small way, I hoped that my story, my truth, could help someone who was saying "I'll scream later" because they didn't know how or have the tools to break the cycle of silence that comes with abuse, molestation and addiction.

AE: Your book starts off with you effectively closing the door on Hollywood after you won the Golden Globe for Best Leading Actress in a Drama. You checked into Betty Ford two days later, and almost no one supported you, not even your family. Do you look back now and just sort of marvel at the courage that took?

MM: That Marlee is a such a different person than who I am now. I want to give her a hug, then a kick in the ass and say, "You should've gotten yourself to rehab sooner." But we can only do what is right when the time feels right, so I guess I'd cut her some slack.

It wasn't about courage for me. It just felt right. I wasn't out to prove anything. I just wanted to get my life back.

AE: You said in rehab you started telling the "gritty parts" of your story — an image I love. What made you decide that now was the right time to write your autobiography, to share the gritty parts with the world?

MM: There were two factors that led me to write the book and all the "gritty" parts. First was that little show called Dancing with the Stars. As a result of being on that show, I got so many letters telling me I was an inspiration — the fact that I danced without hearing the music. It got to the point that every week it was all people were saying about me, and I wanted them to know that I was more than just that.

It was probably, too, the fact that I was playing myself on the show, and opening up, that I realized I hadn't had the chance to tell people who I really was, but if I did, perhaps they'd be inspired by the other things I had overcome in my life than simply my deafness.

The second factor that motivated me to write the book was watching my daughter turn 13. She was the same age as I was when I began to use drugs and suffer the molestation, and I instantly reflected back. I knew the only way she would not experience what I had experienced was if I told the truth, came clean, put it all on the table.

Yes, it wasn't pretty and no mom wants to look bad in front of her children, but she had to know what I went through so she could know what to avoid. You can't preach if you don't come clean with what you're preaching about, and I am so glad she knows. The truth can only empower, I believe.

AE: You talk a bit in your book about your abusive relationship with William Hurt and the molestation your suffered as child from a babysitter and a teacher. Where did you get the courage to speak out about it so truthfully?

MM: The biggest obstacle to overcoming abuse and molestation is keeping silent about it. Everyone who experiences it probably thinks it's only happening to them and to talk about it would be so shameful and destructive. But the only person that is being destroyed by the silence is themselves. Talking about it can potentially help the next person — and the person after that — to get out, to make the call, to get some help.

As I've always said, "Silence is the last thing the world will ever hear from me."

AE: You claim to be a sports fanatic, actually boasting that placing a bat in your hand is a promise of a couple of RBIs. I checked up on you because you played in the Taco Bell All Star Legends and Celebrity Softball game last year, and this does not look like the best way to maintain your RBI average. How do you explain yourself?

MM: Hey, if I see a nice butt, I've got to check it out. And isn't his name "Goose Gossage"? I gave him a little goose, that's all!

AE: Actually, you scored a run and had two RBIs, and I'm only bringing that up so I can post a picture of you in your uniform, because look how cute you are! In your book you mention that the Deaf community has often been torn in their support of your career. Sometimes you sign, sometimes you speak. It just depends on need of the character and the writing of the show, yet everyone seems to have an opinion about what is best for the Deaf community. Is that still a struggle for you?

MM: It's not a struggle; it just is what it is. I'm an actor, but I'm also human. I can't be everyone's answer to making everything right in the world just because the world has historically not understood people who are Deaf. I've learned I'm just one of many, and that whatever people want to put on me belongs to them, not me. All I can do is speak out on what I believe and hope that it will be considered. I don't have to be liked or loved by everyone, and I certainly hope that everyone respects my opinion as I would theirs.

At 43, I've learned to let it just slide off my back (unless they're talking about my kids, and then I get in their faces). I've mellowed out — a lot.

AE: I think Seinfeld's "Lip Reader" episode is iconic. Did you catch any flak for taking on that role?

MM: The only thing I got for taking on that role was an Emmy nomination and a lot of approving looks, from people in airports, on the freeway, in public restrooms while I was freshening up! People across the board loved the episode and why wouldn't they? It was SEINFELD for God's sake, probably one of the top one or two funniest sitcoms in history. I am so honored to have been a small part of its legacy.

And I am so jazzed to be working and developing a half-hour comedy with the creator of "Lip Reader," Carol Leifer. Funny lady!

AE: The only inhibitions you mention in your book about joining The L Word were that there were nude scenes and that it was a pretty racy departure from your previous roles. Did you have any other qualms about tackling the character of Jodi Lerner?

MM: Well other than the fact that I'd never had to do an actual full frontal nude scene, my only real qualm was being away from my family for four months out of the year to film the show. At first it was hard to adjust, and I was flying home nearly every weekend to be with my kids.

But fortunately, shooting was in the summer when the kids were busy having fun and hardly ever at home (mostly with Grandma or at the swim club). When fall came around and school started, it was a problem too as I wanted to be there for their first days.

But the producers were GREAT in letting me go down for days, and I never really felt like I missed out on important milestones in their lives. By the third season, it was a routine we had slipped into and those initial concerns seemed far away.

AE: You actually asked Ilene Chaiken to name your character "Jodi," right? After a friend of yours?

MM: Yes, one member of a lesbian couple I had known from my daughter's school was named Jodi. She died too soon of heart failure and Reiter's Syndrome, a form of arthritis, and I wanted to honor her. She was a fantastic woman, wife and mom.

AE: Obviously, I've got to ask you about this quote from your book:

I have to admit I've found it so much easier to kiss a woman than a man. I love men and I am a huge flirt, and with cute, handsome guys, well, I can get nervous about that kiss. Make no mistake, I am absolutely in love and committed to my wonderful husband. But that electricity that comes with a first kiss with someone attractive and new, well, I may be married, but I'm still human.

Do you want to unpack that statement? Because what I'm hearing you say is "Jennifer Beals is an awesome kisser."

MM: Unpack. Ha. I love that. But actually there's not much luggage there. Jennifer Beals is hot. Simple as that. I had no qualms about kissing her. One, because we were friends and had been for 20 years, so I knew there wouldn't be any judgments based on her not knowing who I was. Second, because we were familiar with each other. And in acting it's so much easier to work with what you know than what you don't know.

With a lot of male actors in love scenes, it's all about choreography because each of us has different working parts, if you know what I mean, and you're never sure how your male costar likes to approach things. With a woman, it's just easier. You both know where everything is and you can focus on the other stuff in the scene — the passion, etc.

With Jennifer I never had to worry about the physical part, I could focus on the acting. With a lot of male costars it was completely the opposite and thus much more difficult to feel as if I did it right.

AE: Are you glad to have spent three seasons with the show? Any regrets?

MM: My only regret was that we didn't have the opportunity to explore Jodi's life a lot more in the same way the other characters lives were explored. Who were her friends, what brought her to where she was on the show? By the last season we saw only small glimpses of her and I think a lot of the viewers felt conflicted about her. I loved the scenes that showed Jodi interacting with the other characters like Shane but unfortunately there weren't enough.

Maybe if there's an L Word movie and Jodi is in it. Hint, hint, Ilene? Ha!

AE: What's your take on the current state of same-sex marriage rights in the U.S.?

MM: Anyone regardless of their sexual preference should be able to MARRY whomever they want. Period. Asking gays and lesbians to accept any less (i.e. civil unions) is not equal. I respect and understand people's opinions that marriage is between a man and a woman, but why do their opinions have to prevent two people, regardless of their sexual preference, from getting married?

As my pal Whoopi Goldberg said, "If they don't like gay marriage, don't marry one!" What does it have to do with them? It's just a matter of time before it'll be available everywhere but in the meantime, we all have the right to speak up about the injustice of marriage inequality and try and help make the change come sooner.

AE: At the age of seven, when your teacher at the Center on Deafness and the Arts asked you if you wanted to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you said, "I am Dorothy." Are there any other roles you've taken on where you just felt like, "I am this character"?

MM: I tackle every character with gusto; that's just who I am. There have been times when I didn't feel comfortable with what I was doing because I may have taken the role simply for the money (all actors have those moments) but more times than not, I have embraced each character I have played and learned to live in their shoes.

It's my favorite thing about acting and I can't imagine doing anything else.

AE: In your book you tell a story about going on a helicopter ride as a child, even though you were terrified. You said, "Often the 'thing', whatever it was, that I feared the most turned into something I loved."

You've won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award; you've done comedy, drama and cartoons to lavish praise from critics; you've written books; you've performed the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl; you've danced beautifully with the Stars, and now even have your own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; you have four wonderful children; and you've made out with Jennifer Beals. Are there still fears in your life you have to break through, or at this point have you pretty much conquered the world?

MM: The fears I have left in my life have to do with overcoming my own insecurities about myself, but I'm working on them. I still consider myself a very shy person in many situations and I'd like to change that. I also have fears of certain things that have to do with loss of control: fear of horses (they're so big and I'm afraid I can't control them); fear of small spaces (claustrophobia that goes back to the William Hurt experience). Again, they have to do with a feeling that I have no control. I'm working on those but mostly I am a fearless person when it comes to acting.

I want to tackle every role that's out there, regardless of whether they see a Deaf person in it or not. Where there's a will there's a way. Really the only handicap I face is not my inability to hear but what people think it is I can't do.

Once I overcome that, I can do anything. (Well, except sing the "Star Spangled Banner"... but I can sign it!)

Monte Carlo TV Festival 2009

Ilene and Kate at the Monte Carlo TV Festival:

More pictures you can find in Kates gallery.

Ilene is writing a TLW Movie

by Twitter

That's your second chance, Ilene, to present us a wonderful, lovely, amazing, respectfully, dignifiedly and dreamlike TLW end. Or, only that you don't understand the TLW fans all over the world, in one sentence:

We want a wonderful, mawkishly Happyend!!!

Leisha Hailey goes to Lifetime

by Trish Bendix from www.afterellen.com

AfterEllen.com reader Helen tipped us off that Leisha Hailey recently appeared in the Lifetime mini-series Maneater. Based on the name, we realize most of you probably weren't into watching it, so I did the job for you. (You're welcome.)

Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) plays Clarissa, a spoiled Hollywood socialite who ends up pregnant and broke based on her poor life decisions and karma. She doesn't befriend Leisha's character Harriet until she moves into a smaller house in a humble section of Los Angeles, and Harriet lives next door.

She kind of looks like Alanis Morissette circa 1996, doesn't she?

Hailey's Harriet doesn't appear until the second part of the mini-series (which aired in two parts over Memorial Day weekend and can now be watched in its entirety online), where she is seen as the doudy do-gooder by all of Clarissa's well-to-do BFFs (played by Marla Sokoloff and Judy Greer).

OK, so Maneater sucks, but it's always fun to watch Leisha play a character completely different than she's played before. And going from the high class lesbian Alice to a cosmetic-free social worker with unkempt long locks, it's entertaining to see Hailey acting as someone that's supposed to be unattractive and straight.

I'm not too shocked Leisha was talking up this role and sending out Tweets to Uh Huh Her fans to check out the show. But I guess it's good she's still working, since The Farm is no longer.

Next up? I hope to see Hailey with a better haircut.