You guys might not know this but here at The Daily Quarterly we consider ourselves a bit of a loner. A one-man wolf pack. But when we interviewed Sondra Currie we knew she was one of our own. And our wolf pack grew by one.
This week’s TDQ Q&A is with actress Sondra Currie. Sondra spoke to us about working on our favorite TV show of all time, “Magnum, PI,” as well as how the entertainment industry has changed over her career and her latest project, “Ganymede Pan.” Here is this week’s TDQ Q&A with actress Sondra Currie:
The Daily Quarterly: Who were your favorite actresses growing up?
Sondra Currie: Katharine Hepburn & Marilyn Monroe. Now, it’s Helen Mirren, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.
TDQ: What made you want to be in show business?
SC: It was in my DNA. My mom, Marie Harmon, was an actress. It was the only thing I knew.
TDQ: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
SC: Study, study, study, and always look forward. There’s a pearl in everything and I never, ever waste my time.
TDQ: What’s the worst advice you’ve ever gotten?
SC: Well, I think the worst was when an agent tried to convince me that I had to be “nice” to a producer to get a specific part. Terrible advice to give any young actress. And this agent also said, “I can’t handle you unless I really know you.” I think he was sued somewhere down the line. I do believe we have the power to just say “get your grubby paws off me.”
TDQ: Who are your influences?
SC: The Dahli Lama, Nelson Mandela, Marianne Williamson, Geraldine Page, Julie Harris and Angelina Jolie. Also, again Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave. There are a lot of them. I like mentors who, when faced with an obstacle, go around it or over it and stand tall. My Dad used to say to me, “You stand up, Currie. Dust yourself off and let them watch your smoke!”
TDQ: You played Zach Galifinakis’ mom in “The Hangover” trilogy. How did your work on that series compare to other movies you’ve made?
SC: Well it was heaven, to be able to be with “a family” for that length of time. And then it was so successful. I’m bribing all the Goddesses that, eventually, we have a Hangover Part 4! I always have a great time when I’m working. That’s what I love to do. It can be on film or in a play or in class at The Actors Studio.
TDQ: You’ve also worked on such classic TV shows as “Magnum, PI,” “Airwolf” and “Tales of the Gold Monkey,” three of our all-time favorites. How has the industry evolved since you acted on those shows, and, more importantly, did you get to fly in any of the aircraft in those awesome shows?
SC: No, I never got to fly. I’m so happy I got to be around and experience the camaraderie of those days. It was so much more personal and people were always lending a hand.
Sondra Currie may look like the matriarch next door but she can still play a space general in Ganymede Pan.
TDQ: Tell us about your upcoming pilot, “Ganymede Pan.”
SC: The universe is in grave danger! There are only five habitable colonies left and there’s a psychotropic substance that can mutate into any thing the “Golden Children” want. So, it depends on who controls them, of course. I play General Tai and I can be very lethal. I’m 2nd in charge and so far, you’re really not sure if I’m good or bad. “Ganymede Pan” is a renegade special forces pilot who I kidnap and bring him back into my force. It’s possible they have had a relationship but I have the upper hand for now. We have some fun aliens and other great bad guys!
TDQ: What other projects do you have lined up?
SC: Right now I’m working on a new play at The Actors Studio called “A Children’s Guide to Suicide” written by a wonderful writer, Gena Acosta. Other than that, I’d love to do some more episodic work this year. I really like the speed of TV. Of course, I wouldn’t say no to another potential “Hangover!”
TDQ: If you had to choose between starring in a TV drama or only being a movie star, which would you pick?
SC: I love to work wherever there’s a good script. I don’t limit myself. I just love the process of acting. When you really hit it, so to speak, it’s a thrilling magic carpet ride!
TDQ: Where do you see yourself in five years?
SC: I’ll still be acting away. I don’t foresee “retiring” for eons. There’s always some wonderful “something” to get my teeth into. I just say “yes” to the Universe!! And I love traveling and photography. My husband is director Alan J. Levi and he’s very supportive of my quests! We often just go off on an adventure and see where our hearts lead us!
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