EDGE Las Vegas

Two-time Oscar and Tony nominee, Mary Kathleen Turner was born on June 19, 1954 in Springfield, Missouri. Her father was a Foreign Service officer and she lived abroad as a child. Her conservative Christian family initially had reservations about her career in acting. Turner made her film debut in Body Heat (1981), which opened the door to star in such popular films as Romancing the Stone (1984), Prizzi’s Honor (1985) and War of the Roses (1989). She received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), and provided the husky voice for Jessica Rabbit in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988). Later films included Serial Mom (1994), The Real Blonde (1998) and Prince of Central Park (2000). She earned critical acclaim for her performance on Broadway in Indiscretions (1995) and also for her West End debut as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate (2000). In 2005, she received great critical acclaim for her role in the revival of Edward Albee’s, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

Currently, Turner tackles the character of Molly Ivins, a fearless, funny and influential newspaper columnist who reigned over the New York/Texas journalism axis for several decades. The brassy reporter whose liberal take sky-rocketed her into the national arena, where she fearlessly gave her scathing opinions. From writing Elvis Presley’s New York Times obituary to becoming the most widely-read self-proclaimed"pain in the ass to whatever powers come to be,"Ivins, often described as a modern-day Mark Twain, made rabid fans and enemies alike with her sharp-tongued humor and unabashed political criticism.

Having the opportunity to ask you about your career is such an honor. It was tough to narrow down my questions for an actress with one of the most phenomenal careers of our time. You have continued to work through adversity portraying characters across the spectrum. Your breakthrough role was in Body Heat and your career literally started off with a bang; do you think that film set the tone for your career?

For better and for worse!

Did you sustain any injuries during the filming of The War of the Roses, Romancing the Stone, or Jewel of the Nile?

Oh you bet. About seven stitches in Romancing-head and arm; and while hanging off the train and a cliff in Jewel was a bit tough.

I LOVED Serial Mom (if you haven’t seen it, rent it readers), that character had to be such fun. You’re great at both media, but which do you prefer to play, comedic or dramatic roles?

Comedic, most definitely! I love to make people laugh, and try to find the humor whenever possible.

Rheumatoid Arthritis took a toll relatively early in your career, how did you overcome that affliction and keep on working?

There’s not an easy answer to that-new medications, nine operations and a lot of physical therapy coupled with sheer stubbornness.

You were blessed with that low sultry voice which has become a trademark, which brings to mind the infamous Friends episode. Absolutely hilarious, yet touching; how did you as a woman prepare to play a man who had a sex change to become a woman?

Come on! Think about it. How often does one get to be a woman playing a man playing a woman?

You played an over-bearing devout Catholic with a lesbian daughter in Perfect Family. Your character underwent public scrutiny and struggled with compassion for her child. Your insight from stepping into that role may help those currently in similar situations. What advice can you give those in the gay community who are struggling with acceptance from their parents?

I can’t give that advice. Everyone is so individual.

What words of wisdom would you give to the parents?

Just love your children. How can you go wrong doing that?

You played Mrs. Robinson to rave reviews in the updated version of The Graduate, what was it like the first time you bared it all on stage in front of a live audience? Did it get any easier as the performances went on?

It was essential for the play to work. Believe me, if there had been another choice, I would have found it. It never got easier!

Then you take on one of the most outrageous, brutally hilarious characters, Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, how did you make the role your own?

I never felt that anyone had found all of the humor inherent in the play, so by attacking the role that way, made my Martha unique.

You have an incredible diverse body of work, could you possibly narrow it down to an all-time favorite project?

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.

Which do you enjoy playing more; a villain or a hero?

TheVillain! You never know what they are going to do!

Out of all of your leading men; who was the best kisser?

Who knows!?

So here you are in 2012 with more live theatre in your life. Along comes Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins at the Geffen Playhouse; What has been the biggest challenge in approaching this character?How is it different from any other role that you have played?

I do not analyze a character while performing it.

Can you describe in one sentence the theme of the play?

Liberals are ALWAYS right!

Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins runs through February 12 at The Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Westwood Village, Los Angeles. For tickets and informa- tion call 310.966.2412 or go to geffenplayhouse.com.