Interview: Elizabeth Perkins on How to Live with Your Parents, and Living with Diabetes

SHARES

BY Unknown 13:14 0

Interview: Elizabeth Perkins on How to Live with Your Parents, and Living with Diabetes

I've been talking about it for months, and tonight, the time has finally arrived: the premiere of the new ABC comedy "How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)" at 9:30/8:30c. The series stars Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Perkins and Brad Garrett. I knew I was going to love the show just by the previews, and watching the first episode on the press website only solidifies that love. The show is a perfect chaser for "Modern Family," with smart humor, excellent writing and pretty much flawless acting. OK, OK — enough gushing. A few months back, I spoke with series star Elizabeth Perkins about her new show, and also her journey of living with diabetes.

Celebrity Extra: First off, I have to tell you how much I love your new show, and especially your character, Elaine.

Elizabeth Perkins: I seem to really score good roles. I have to be honest: There’s nothing ordinary about Elaine, and I love it. I don’t take ordinary roles. I sort of gravitate toward the odd ducks, and she’s definitely an odd duck. It was really nice to do this after being on "Weeds" for as long as I was, and playing the character I did, because she was so mad and dark and angry and bitter, which was fun, but Elaine is just filled with positive energy and life. For her, the glass is always half-full. There’s always a positive outcome to everything, and she’s completely nuts — and it’s wonderful. I’m having a ball. She doesn’t sensor anything she feels or says. She puts her foot in her mouth, and she’s completely unaware that she has. That’s been a real treat for me.

CE: Like the scene where you're all eating dinner, and she tells the family what part of a male's anatomy tastes good with peanut butter on it?

EP: Yeah, and she doesn’t even think about the fact that her granddaughter is sitting right there. We already filmed all 13 episodes, and we had a lot of fun. I’m just crazy about Brad Garrett, who plays my husband. He and I work together so well. Sarah Chalke, who plays my daughter, it was one of those times where — usually when you do a show, there’s always one person that you kind of go, “Oh God, that’s the one.” And we didn’t have “the one.” We just had a great group of people, and it’s so rare that that happens. Everybody was really positive and really likes the show and was having a really good time. The time just flew by, and that’s very rare. Hopefully it transfers onto the screen.

CE: I've always loved Sarah Chalke's comedic work, especially in "Roseanne" and "Scrubs."

EP: I know; I just love Sarah. She’s such a kind person. She’s very much like her character, Polly. We just get along great as mother and daughter. I’m a little bit too young to play her mother, but we sort of covered that in the show by saying I had her when I was a teenager, which would make sense. It’s just television, so I guess you can get away with it.

CE: What do you like about the show; what sets it apart from other comedies?

EP: What I love about this show is you’ve got three generations of people living in the same household, mostly because of the economy, which is happening all over the country. Children are moving back in with their parents because they can’t afford to live on their own. And what I love about that is it’s wacky in the way that real life is wacky. So many things happen in real life where you say, “Oh God, if you saw that on TV, you’d think ‘That could never happen.’” But it does happen. And it’s naturalistic. It’s not this big style of sitcom acting, which really bothers me too.

It’s funny in a character-y way without being so plot-driven. It’s more about the relationships of these people and what it’s like for the grandparents, the kids and their kids. Polly has a 6-year-old daughter, but she also has an ex-husband who’s always sniffing around, and he’s hysterical, played by the stand-up comedian John Dore. And it’s just very realistic and true to life, and it’s the situations that we find ourselves in that are funny, as opposed to setting up this whole big plot point.

CE: Off the top of your head, what's a funny situation on the show that really had you laughing?

EP: Well, there’s one episode where Brad Garrett accidentally eats something that has drugs in it, which has happened to a member of my family, not knowing that somebody had made a certain kind of brownie. We have a situation like that on one of our episodes, which is just hysterical to me. That’s what happens when you’ve got different generations in the house.

CE: On a personal note, you were diagnosed with diabetes only a few years ago. I know you are very active in getting the word out about diabetes, especially late-onset diabetes, like you had. What made you decide to become so active in promoting diabetes awareness?

EP: I was finally able to open up about it, starting with my family, and it was just a huge weight off my shoulders. Just being able to talk freely about it with the people closest to me really helped me to manage my own feelings about having it, and to learn to manage it better with that kind of support. Once I was able to do that, I realized how important it was to help educate other people.

What I love about this campaign is I’m partnering with Sanofi US on the Diabetes Co-Stars Campaign (diabetescostars.com). It raises awareness of diabetes and their co-stars, meaning, the people who help and support them on this journey, which can sometimes be really, really overwhelming. When I was first diagnosed, I learned pretty quickly that my husband — who I call my co-star — was vital in helping me to manage it successfully. It became a family effort, and it was a necessity for it to become a family effort. We had to learn to cook differently. I had to learn to exercise more, and to do the right kind of exercise. I have less stress.

I’m insulin-dependent. I had to learn how to manage insulin, to be aware of some of the few serious possible side effects. What I discovered was that it wasn’t something I could do alone. I really tried to do it. I’m a very strong woman and determined to do things on my own. Once I reached out and shared it with my co-workers and my friends, and said, “Hey, I’m struggling here,” I was able to manage it 10 times better.

That’s why joining the Sanofi US on the Diabetes Co-Stars Campaign was really important to me. We’re making a documentary, and we held a nationwide casting call to find other co-stars who are out there helping people with diabetes live better and manage their condition better. This is a celebration of those people. My husband is my co-star, and I’m very proud of him. He’s my best friend. There are 26,000,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes, and they need help. It’s not something you have to be doing on your own.

CE: Before your diagnosis, what made you realize something was wrong? What were you physically going through?

EP: Everybody’s symptoms are different; that’s the nature of diabetes. For me, I’d lost a lot of weight; I was fatigued; I was constantly thirsty; I was constantly hungry; I had blurry vision. For a long time, nobody could tell me what was wrong. I have Type 1 diabetes, which is sort of the lesser-known diabetes. It’s what they call Juvenile Diabetes, but I was late-onset, diagnosed in my mid-40s.

They weren’t looking for diabetes. I’d always had fasting blood tests in the morning, so my numbers weren’t high. And it wasn’t until I went in for a late-afternoon blood test after I had eaten my lunch that I presented with very high blood-glucose numbers. So people should get regular blood tests to check for it, because there are close to 7,000,000 people, they estimate, who have undiagnosed diabetes. It’s a silent killer. If you don’t feel well, get a blood test. Like now I think, why didn’t I check for diabetes first, but a lot of doctors will say, “Oh it doesn’t run in your family.” It doesn’t run in mine either. So, it’s something to watch out for, particularly right now with the kind of numbers we’re seeing.

CE: Of course, you want to raise awareness with your campaign and the website (diabetescostars.com); what else do you hope to accomplish?

EP: Well, I think to raise awareness about the amount of numbers we’re seeing of people coming down with diabetes and to educate people about the power of support. Maybe you educate others about diabetes. Or you support a family member or friend who has diabetes. Or you’re living with diabetes and want to thank someone for helping you stay active. For me, the documentary is really about what it’s like living with diabetes, the power of support, and how that can really change your life. It’s not something that you have to be in alone. It’s amazing how many people will reach out once you open that door. Once you say, “I have diabetes, and these are my struggles,” it’s amazing how many people it can touch. That’s really why I became involved.

Q and A: Week of Jan. 7

SHARES

BY Unknown 09:57 0

Q and A: Week of Jan. 7

Q: I can’t wait to see what’s next when “Revenge” returns from its winter break. Do you have any scoops? — Bridget W., via e-mail

A: Everyone involved with “Revenge” is either very good at keeping secrets, or they don’t know what’s going to happen from week to week. I spoke recently with series guest star Michael Nardelli (as Trey Chandler), and he wasn’t divulging much.

“So far, I’ve done the three episodes, and it seems like it’s going to go on,” Nardelli said. “I have no idea what they have in store. … They’re very secretive, but I am hopeful that Trey will return.”

You can catch Michael on the big screen in “The Collection,” which comes from the people who did “Saw,” so you can bet that sucker is pretty scary. He also produced “The Giant Mechanical Man” — starring Jenna Fischer (“The Office”) and Chris Messina (“The Mindy Project”) — which is available on DVD. I watched it the other day, and I can say that it’s one of those breath-of-fresh-air indie movies that deserves more of an audience.

Q: When will “Southland” return? — Jimmy U., Chicago

A: The fifth season of TNT’s hit police drama returns Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Joining the show as a series regular is former guest star C. Thomas Howell. Also, “One Tree Hill” star Chad Michael Murray is set to guest star in a two-episode arc.

Q: I am dying over here, suffering from “Being Human” withdrawals. Can you tell me when my favorite supernatural show will return to Syfy? — Audrina R., Seattle

A: “Being Human” begins its 13-episode third season on Monday, Jan. 14, with an episode titled “It’s a Shame About Ray.” I asked series star Kristen Hager, who plays newbie werewolf Nora, if that title bodes well for her, since when we last saw Nora and Ray, they were in a standoff, the screen faded to black, and then we heard a gunshot.

Kristen told me: “You’re most likely assuming correctly, but you’ll have to tune in to find out. Season three begins a year and a half after season two’s finale. There are a couple of new characters that are introduced in the first two episodes and recur throughout the season who are wonderful.

“For example, the twins’ father comes looking for them, and he’s played by Xander Berkley, who’s a wonderful actor to get to work with. That’s a very big story line for Josh and Nora. There are some new supernatural elements that are exciting. The show went to some really dark places in season two, and although it still does, I find that a lot of the fun that was in season one is back. In my opinion, this is the best season.”

Check back next Monday for my full interview with this lovely lady.

(L to R) Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest,
Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban

Q: Everywhere I go online, I keep reading all about the “feud” between “American Idol” judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, but all I am interested in is the actual show. When does it start back up? — Julie W., via e-mail

A: The 12th season of America’s No. 1 reality singing competition airs on Fox beginning Jan. 16 at 8/7c, with the always-entertaining audition shows. Mariah and Nicki join fellow new judge Keith Urban with mainstays Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest, as they search high and low for America’s next singing sensation. Personally, I hope they find the next William Hung.

Q: I saw an article for a movie starring Keri Russell called “Austenland,” and it looks really good. When will it be in theaters? — Anna Y., via e-mail

A: “Austenland” will debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. If it’s received well, it could find a distributor and open to a wider audience by spring or summer. The sooner the better, because I agree with you that this one looks like a winner.

Readers: In a column this past summer, I told you I’d let you know when “Cold Case” alumna Kathryn Morris could be seen on your TV again, and that time has come. Kathryn stars in “The Sweeter Side of Life,” a Hallmark Channel original movie that airs Jan. 19 at 9/8c. Kathryn plays a New York City socialite who loses everything after she’s dumped by her wealthy husband and is forced to redefine herself at her father’s struggling New Jersey bakery.

Q: When can I see my favorite actor, Kevin Bacon, on the big or small screen again? — Holly T., via email

A: Kevin Bacon can be seen next on the small screen, where he’ll be starring in “The Following” on Fox, which premieres on Monday, Jan. 21, at 9/8c. The series is described as an “intense, spellbinding drama that follows Ryan Hardy (played by Kevin), an ex-FBI agent called out of retirement to track down Joe Carroll (James Purefoy of ’Rome’), a devious and diabolical serial killer, and the mastermind behind an ever-growing web of killers.” The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Vampire Diaries”), and also stars Maggie Grace (“Lost,” “Taken” and “Breaking Dawn”) and Natalie Zea (“Justified” and “Dirty Sexy Money”).

Q: Since “Cougar Town” is returning to TV this month on TBS, is there any chance I’ll see my favorite “Scrubs” alum, John C. McGinley, make a guest appearance? — Mark W., Boston

A: I recently spoke with the multitalented actor (who finishes up a run on Broadway with Al Pacino in “Glengarry Glen Ross” this month), and I asked him just that. He told me: “I love Billy Lawrence (’Scrubs’ and ’Cougar Town’ creator) more than anything. Maybe it’ll happen down the road.” For now, if you’re in New York, you can see him treading the boards in person. Or you can wait until Feb. 5 to catch him in the DVD release of the feature film “Alex Cross,” or you can see him on the big screen April 12 in “42” playing Red Barber.

Of his role as the legendary baseball announcer, John told me: “Red Barber was an iconic radio pioneer who was kind of the co-inventor of the live [play-by-play sports] broadcast. The film is as much a celebration of one of the great civil-rights stories of the last century as it is a sports story. I’ve seen about 20 minutes of the film, and I just thought it was phenomenal. I haven’t seen the whole film yet, but I can’t wait.”

Check back here later this week to read my entire interview with John.

Q: With the passing of Larry Hagman in November, what will become of J.R. Ewing and the future of “Dallas”? — Marianne E., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: I am sure you agree with me that recasting this iconic role would be pure folly. Larry had filmed several episodes of the new season before he died, with “TV Line” reporting that “Dallas” will bid farewell to J.R., with his funeral taking place during the season’s eighth episode, which is set to air in March.

Q: When will HBO’s “Game of Thrones” return? — Paul R., via email

A: The hit fantasy-drama series will return on March 31 with 10 all-new super-size episodes. Each episode will be a few minutes longer than previous seasons’ episodes, with the season finale expected to exceed the allotted 60 minutes.

Q: There is a show on cable that my husband and I really love called “Paranormal Paparazzi.” Can you tell me if/when the second season will air? — Trudy T., via e-mail

A: I spoke with “Paranormal” host Rachel Fine, and she told me that it might be up to the fans as to whether it gets a second season. “‘Paranormal Paparazzi’ is one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever worked on. While I was excited to take a fun, ’TMZ’-style approach to the paranormal, I was seriously surprised by some of the things I encountered. Working on this show for the Travel Channel really changed my outlook on the world — I legitimately had experiences I can’t explain. My eyes were opened this season, and I definitely hope we’ll come back for more!”

To help facilitate the approval of a second season, I suggest you head over to travelchannel.com/about/viewer-relations. Click on General Comment, then TV Shows, then Other. And then write a couple sentences about how much you loved “Paranormal Paparazzi” and really hope they renew it for a second season.

Q: I read on your Twitter feed that Heart had been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently, and I wondered if they had gotten in? — Jeremy S., Springfield, Ill.

A: In December, the HOF committee announced that Heart — including sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson — would indeed be in the class of 2013. Other inductees include Canadian rockers Rush, the late disco queen Donna Summer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman, hip-hop group Public Enemy and blues guitarist and singer Albert King. * * * Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail

(L to R) Actors Brad Garrett, Elizabeth Perkins, Sarah Chalke; executive producers Claudia Lonow and Francie Calfo

Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail

A: Elizabeth can be seen this spring — April 3 at 9:30/8:30c to be exact — in the new ABC comedy “How to Live With Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life).” She co-stars with Sarah Chalke and Brad Garrett. Of the show, Elizabeth told me: “What I love about this show is you’ve got three generations of people living in the same household, mostly because of the economy, which is happening all over the country.

“It’s wacky in the way that real life is wacky. It’s not this big style of sitcom acting; it’s funny in a character-driven way. It’s the situations we find ourselves in that are funny, as opposed to setting up this whole big plot point.”

Check back here in March to read my entire interview with the lovely and talented actress.

Q: I love Steven Pasquale of “Rescue Me.” What can I see him on now? — Yolanda W. in Pennsylvania

A: Beginning Thursday, Jan. 31, you can catch Steven in NBC’s new drama called “Do No Harm.” Steven plays a neurosurgeon who has a serious problem when he learns that his body is no longer responding to the serum that keeps his dangerous alter ego in check.