Susan Sarandon
With credits in more than 60 film and television productions, including "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Bull Durham," "Thelma and Louise" and "Dead Man Walking," Susan Sarandon seems to have done it all in the world of entertainment. But until the new animated feature, "Rugrats In Paris: The Movie," this acclaimed actress has never "voiced" a cartoon character in a full-length animated feature. The 54-year-old Sarandon has three children (two by longtime beau, actor Tim Robbins), only one of which is young enough to remotely fit the profile of a "Rugrats" fan. Nonetheless, this Academy Award winner is now featured in a rare movie that the PG crowd can see. Q. How did you wind up as a "Rugrats" character, "Coco LaBouche?" A. I don't know how it came about! They just asked me. Of course, I knew what "Rugrats" was about. I was a fan of the TV show and the first movie. My 8-year-old recently watched the tape again and said that he got a lot of the jokes now that he didn't understand a few years ago. I sat through any amount of horrendous children's programming, but I always liked "Rugrats," and I was flattered when I was asked. Q. You've been wicked on screen before. But isn't this your first out-and-out villain? A. Yeah, I've played a lot of irresponsible people, but not as flashy. This character is really out there though and she says a lot of horrible things. Q. What are some of your voice-over credentials? A. I was in "The Simpsons." I did a thing on Martin Luther King. I've done an enormous amount of PSAs and pro bono. I probably do a documentary a week when I'm not working. But usually, I'm not screaming at small children (laughs)! Q. What kind of acting challenge does "Rugrats" present? You do a lot of the work alone, right? A. Yeah. Well, I miss being able to get a rhythm going, some kind of comic timing other than just being hysterical. It felt like all I did was scream for two years! And because their voices are so tiny and cute, you do have to scream. But what you really have to do is keep the microphone open and give them a menu of different extremes to choose from. And you have to do something every few months for a couple years because it doesn't always work out for the animators. Q. One of your most striking features is your eyes. But rumor has it that you're not fond of your look. A. People always made fun of my eyes. Since kids don't know how to talk to each other, most of what they say is negative. When I was growing up, this is what they made fun of. I went through high school squinting! Q. You're a very political person, identified with left-wing causes. What's your take on the recent election? A. This isn't a king we're getting in! There is a system of checks and balances. It's more important to look to the Congress and Senate. I mean, I'm not leaving the country, but it's a depressing prospect to have to vote for the lesser of two evils. I believe in the people of the United States and the democratic process, but the Democratic Party doesn't speak to me now. We have to put people before profits and politics. I was so happy to finally vote my conscience with Nader. We will survive Bush, but nothing really changed under Clinton. Besides, everybody on Mt. Rushmore got in as a third party! The Republicans began as a third party dedicated to the women's vote and abolitionism. Q. You're one of our most esteemed actresses. How do you stay grounded? A. Once you remove yourself from the real world, it's hard to get back in! If you travel the streets with bodyguards and an entourage, people notice you. I participate in my kids' lives. That means I relate to lots of people who aren't in the business. I'm overextended like a lot of working moms. I don't know how you can act, which is all about empathy, if you're afraid of people. I'm so inspired by ordinary people who do extraordinary things. You see it around you and that's what fills you up. Q. "Rocky Horror" is finally out on DVD with cast members offering their comments. What are your thoughts on the DVD phenomenon? A. I haven't seen that many, but I think it's very interesting to many people to have the director speak. Film buffs like it, so why not? Q. It sounds like you're not exactly a fan of the new technologies? A. The last time someone asked me if we had e-mail, I said I'm sure that Tim must have it somewhere. I have no idea (laughs)! Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com. (c) Copley News Service
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