Erin was kind enough to answer a few
questions for us. A little more insight into an incredible woman.
Read and enjoy!
*** The Q/A session is copyrighted and
exclusive to www.erin-daniels.com and is not to be copied
or reproduced without written permission. ***
August 31, 2005
You
are in the midst of a very hectic filming schedule for Season 3. Anything
you are able to share - things we have to look forward to?
Dana gets a big life surprise in Season Three. The kind
of thing that makes you reevaluate what's important. It's the most
difficult acting I've ever had to do, and the most rewarding.
Lara is around, as is Alice, which makes things interesting.
I wish I could tell you more, but I don't want to ruin anything for
anyone.
What
do you see as the biggest differences between L Word Season 1 Dana
and Season 2 Dana? Which do you prefer and why?
Season One Dana was very insecure. She was fighting
who she felt she really was, versus who she thought she should be.
The coming out process brought her inner self to the forefront, but
that was scary and new for her in the first season.
By the Second season, Dana became more comfortable with
herself. She accepted who she is, and liked it. Her relationships
were able to be dealt with more openly. She had found who she was,
and was able to deal with navigating real relationships. But she was
new at that. She was like a teenager learning how to have relationships;
what she wanted, what she didn't, what her needs were, and getting
them met. That was new to her in Season Two.
Describe
how things in your life have changed as a result of your work on The
L Word. What opportunities have opened up as a result of your work
on the show? What obstacles have you had to overcome as a result of
its success?
Good questions, Alma!
I've certainly become more politically active and motivated.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I THOUGHT I knew so much
about gay culture, but I had barely scratched the surface. Looking
at what it's like to be gay in America, from the inside, is an entirely
different experience.
As a straight woman, I took my rights for granted. I
no longer do this.Part of me thinks that the straight world in the
States could learn from gay relationships, the true meaning of marriage.
If you have to fight for something, so basic as the legal right to
declare your love for your partner, then you appreciate just how strong
that bond is and can be.
I've been able to speak publicly about this, and it's
been very rewarding. On the personal front, the show has opened up
some doors for me in my career. The most important being, that it
helped me realize that things that once intimidated me, no longer
do. I am able to compete with the "big boys", if you will.
Or the "big girls" as the case may be. And I'm ready to
do that.
As far as obstacles I've had to overcome, the only real
obstacles have been practical. Living away from home makes it harder
to keep up relationships. So, I've had to make an extra effort to
stay in touch with friends, family etc. I've also had to learn how
to get over jet lag. That's a big one.
What
future projects are you working on? At the L Word Season 2 premiere
- you mentioned an independent project - can you elaborate on that
project and its status?
I am working on producing a film. I'm in the process
of gaining the rights to a wonderful book, and hopefully in the next
couple of years,turning that into a movie. There is a part in it for
me, but if someone more right for the part comes along, it would only
benefit the project.
So, I'm not beholden to the role. Producing it is responsibility
enough. I'm also looking into a directing program for when the season
is over. I'd love to try it on and see if it fits. However, finding
a wonderful film to act in after the show wraps this fall, is my number
one priority.
In
an interview with Afterellen.com - you mentioned directing a short
film you had just written. Writing, directing or acting - which one
is your true passion?
Oops, I answered this one in response to the last question.
Acting is my passion, production is an aspiration, and directing is
a future unknown.
Your
degree is in art history/architecture - what precipitated the change
from that field to acting?
You know, I always wanted to be an actress. I went to
school, thinking I would major in drama, and come out ready for the
business. I was wrong. I got to school, and realized that I wanted
to study something that would take me outside of acting, and open
my eyes to other things.
I always loved art, and knew I was interested in architecture
(my father is an architect). When I started studying art/architectural
history, I fell in love with it. It made me think of things from a
sociological and anthropological
standpoint, versus acting which originates from within.
However, I still did every play I could. And took so
many courses in the theater department, that I was told I had to take
other things or declare a double major. Needless to say, I really
loved the architectural aspects of my major,
and I'm good at cocktail parties, but I never use it. Someday, I hope
I do.
I'm still an avid design freak, and would love to go
back to design (but keep acting, producing etc.) at some point.
In
a bio written for an HRC dinner in New Orleans, it mentioned theater
work. What character did you most enjoy playing? Would you consider
doing theater again? Is there a character/role you would love to play?
I did lots of off Broadway theater in New York. There
wasn't really any one part I liked more than the others. I did do
a play called "Cloud 9" by Carol Curchill that I loved.
I'd love to do theater again. I'd really love to do
a Broadway musical, believe it or not. That's
been a fantasy since I was a kid.
In
that same bio - it mentioned your involvement in animal rescue. How
did you become involved in animal rescue?
I have a friend, ironically who works at Showtime, who
got me involved. I don't do as much as I'd like, but I'm working on
it.
What
other causes are important to you and why?
The most important cause for me is MS research.
My sister was diagnosed with the disease seven years
ago, and I see how hard it is to live with on a daily basis. Especially,
not knowing why she got it, and what will happen to her day to day.
If there's anything I can do for the MS Society, that's
where I'll put my energy. (Click
for National MS Society)
In
the past year - you have been in Vogue, Allure, Curve, and other mainstream
publications - how did these opportunities arise? Any others on the
horizon?
Nothing on the immediate horizon, but then again, these
days I barely have time to get a massage, let alone do a photo shoot.
The opportunities came about, because the publicist for the show,
who I've grown to love like an aunt, really stuck her neck out for
me. She took some chances and they paid off. I had a great time doing
these things, and I'm sure there will be more in the future.
and now for some easy and fun questions:
What
is your favorite food or meal?
I love a good steak with a great glass of red wine.
But for the TV watching, laying around doing nothing kinds of days,
nothing beats a Pepperoni pizza and chocolate haagen daas. Gross,,
huh? I love it.
Your
comfort/de-stress food, item or activity?
My boyfriend and I will sit and eat cheese and bread
until the cows come home. When we're in Paris (he lives there), we'll
go to the market and snatch up a bagful of different cheeses, and
a baguette; go home, sit infront of the TV and watch movies until
we're fat, full and fall asleep.
At home in L.A., Comfort food wise, I love grilled cheese
and tomato
soup.
Activity wise, I know this sounds cheesy, but I love
to play tennis to relieve stress. I have this show to thank for that...
the tennis, I mean.
Your
beverage of choice?
I love Coca Cola. I know how bad it is for me, so I
try to keep it to a minimum. Room temperature water (cold water makes
my teeth hurt) is the most satisfying. But really, a glass of red
wine is great with a good meal.
Anything
else that you want to add or say to the people who visit the fan site?
I just want to say thank you so much for being so supportive.
You make my job a joy to do, and rewarding beyond anything I could
have hoped for.
Just, thank you, thank you and thank you.
*** The Q/A session is copyrighted and
exclusive to www.erin-daniels.com and is not to be copied
or reproduced without written permission. ***
