Q&A with Horror Actress Dee Wallace
Actress Dee Wallace, is known to Get Your Scare On readers for her roles in several iconic films including The Hills Have Eyes, The Howling, Cujo, and of course, her role as Mary in Steven Spielberg’s E.T., The Extraterrestrial. Wonderfully talented, Dee Wallace has almost reached 200 films and foir hit television series. But what is even more important is her message to the world which is: Love yourself beyond anyone or anything else. Love yourself so much that you can’t do anything that doesn’t make you love yourself more. Dee Wallace is a sought-after speaker and has authored five books on the subject of self-creation: Conscious Creation, The Big E!, Bright Light, Getting Stuff and Wake Up Now! I am delighted that I had the chance to interview her and below is our conversation:
Jackie Sonnenberg: What is the number one role you always get recognized for?
Dee Wallace: Probably Mary in E.T.. But at the conventions, it’s really a toss-up between that, The Howling, and Cujo.
JS: E.T and Cujo are at different ends of the spectrum! What makes a family movie still have spooky elements but still on the lighter side?
DW: Well, it all begins with the writer’s vision, and Melissa Mathison’s vision of a sci-fi family film was much different than Stephen King’s horror family script! The one thing ALL genres must have is character development and
relationships. If you don’t care about the people, it’s just a slasher film.
JS: You have many characters named Mary! Is this a coincidence or symbolism for the characters? How are they different?
DW: OK, my major films have all been different names. But I think it’s always a coincidence and, again, the writer’s choice. As far as playing lots of mothers, they are all wired totally differently…just as in life!
JS: You also have a background as a ballerina. Have you ever had to bring your dancing skills to a role?
DW: I use my dancing skills all the time in the expression of my body, how the emotions flow through me, etc.. It is an invaluable tool for an actor.
JS: Are there any other special skills that you have brought on screen for a character?
DW: Sure, I’ve used my singing in several projects as well as some minor martial arts training.
JS: What would you tell college students majoring in Theatre?
DW: I would tell them to be their authentic selves. So many actors are trying to be what they THINK the producers, director and casting people want. But in reality, they want you to bring in the authentic YOU. I would also tell
them to make it fun. If it ever gets to be not fun, leave. Walk away. Life is way too long to do something you aren’t having fun doing. And don’t buy into “it’s hard.” It doesn’t have to be. It was about 5 years between the time I left Kansas to the time I starred in E.T. Know it can be easy.
JS: How can Get Your Scare On readers follow you?
On my website www.IamDeeWallace.com and on Twitter @Dee_Wallace
