"I wish people would love themselves more"
Dee Wallace - you've seen her on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Howling, General Hospital and most recently Charlie's Gift - a short indie drama that left us speechless.
Our lead judge, Lisa Roumain, described Wallace's performance as "heartbreaking and joyful," stating it is "impossible not to want to jump through the screen to embrace her.״
The one and only Dee Wallace, who is also the author of five books on the subject of self creation, a radio personality and a spiritual healer, shares her thoughts about acting and sends a message of love and empowerment to her audience. We fell in love... Happy reading!
Dee Wallace. Photo by Joe Bryant
Your performance on Charlie’s Gift is truly magnificent. You deliver so much emotion, and the audience instantly connects with your character. As an experienced actress, how do you prepare for a role like this?
I was truly honored to connect with this magnificent production. I really had to do very little: the script was absolutely perfect in every way. Many of the issues are very close to me, like wanting to live in my house till I am ready to leave! I walked through so much of this with my mother and grandmother, and I just naturally tapped into it. And her!
What is the story behind this project? When did they approach you with the film?
They approached me when I was deep into shooting my series, Just Add Magic for Amazon. I was exhausted and really needed some time off. But my daughter is also an actress (she plays the younger me in Charlie's Gift) and she demanded I read it. "It was written for you," were the exact words. I have had the privilege of working with Bruce Davidson, and the casting director, Rikki Maslar, is an old friend.
What was the most meaningful moment for you when shooting Charlie’s Gift?
Oh, there were so many! But I believe it was the segment about the house. And about how kind Charlie was. My heart really related to both those beats.
Along the years, you were fortunate to play lead and supporting roles on notable films and TV shows, including E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, General Hospital and many other high profile productions, yet you still lend your talent to indie films sometimes. What attracts you to indie productions?
I love them! I love the creativity, the family atmosphere, and the freedom to create without a lot of rules.
Your credits include so many versatile styles - from drama, to mystery, comedy, horror and romance… What genres are most enjoyable for you to work on?
That's a great question. I love... great writing and characters that allow me to stretch and play big, emotional arcs. You can find that in any genre, but horror and sci-fi really commit to being that!
According to IMDb you’re booked with many new, exciting projects: Witchula, Ayla, Catch a Fallen Star, Impuratus. What are you working on nowadays? And what would your dream role be?
I am presently gearing up to return to Just Add Magic for a final season. My dream role? An incredible script with Anthony Hopkins or my daughter, Gabrielle Stone... and several other great, honest and dedicated actors.
Are there certain directors or co-stars you’d wish to collaborate with, someday?
The above and many of the new directors that have appeared on the scene recently. I'd love to work with Joe Dante and Peter Jackson again, too.
What is your favorite movie of all times?
I have too many! Love the Wizard of Oz and To Kill a Mockingbird. Love the old classics.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
Just that I wish people would love themselves more. We are such awesome beings!
