If there was ever an actress who needed no introduction, it’s Sigourney Weaver. As a big screen force for over 30 years, attaching her name to a project instantly lends it a touch of class — even to the most undeserving titles.
Sigourney’s latest endeavor, the incredibly affecting and important “Prayers for Bobby,” required every ounce of her gravitas as it not only tackled a tough subject matter, but became profoundly topical in the months after its release. “Prayers” chronicles one mother’s journey when repeated attempts to cure her gay son cause him to commit suicide.
As a long time LGBT advocate, the project not only meant a lot to Sigourney, but she sensed it could kick start many similar conversations all across America. A theory that has proven true in the months since its release as the actress has been inundated by fan letters thanking her for giving voice to their struggle.
PopWrap: What was your first thought upon learning of Mary Griffith’s story?
Sigourney Weaver: The story scared me to death and broke my heart. I was given the book by my agent, who is gay — he told me that this was the book a lot of kids use to start a conversation with their parents. It’s so easy to avoid reading a book, but if something’s playing in your living room, it’s a much more organic way to start this conversation. I just thought it had to happen.
PW: Since the movie debuted last January, this subject has become incredibly topical.
Sigourney: It’s scary. I feel like in this war for equality, the stakes catapulted. They have always been important, but with the inhumanity of Prop 8, the illegality of Prop 8 – that took all of us by surprise. We all deserve equal rights, that’s what our constitution is founded on. These people are on the front lines of our common humanity. For whatever reason they’re out in front taking the blows for our human race. We can’t afford to watch, we have to participate.
PW: What kinds of reactions have you gotten for the movie?
Sigourney: I have parents and kids approaching me on the street, thanking me for the film. I’ve been forwarded lots of emails from kids who were punished for being gay by their parents, but they’ve now started talking again as a result of watching this movie. I welcome the chance to have a dialogue with anyone about this.
PW: Why do you think Mary’s story resonates so deeply?
Sigourney: The reason Mary is so powerful as an advocate is because she’s been there. When I met Mary and she took me through her journey, I realize that I could have been her in a second. As a parent, you want your child to make safe choices and by safe, you actually mean what you know. And that is wrong. It involves a lot of discipline to respect your child and it’s very difficult when you think you know best. I know that’s a part of it is that you think you’re keeping them from a difficult life. No one wants their kid to be bullied, to be attacked – it has to be very scary to have a child who, at 13, says, “I’m gay.” You fear you won’t be there to protect them and don’t always react ideally.
PW: Obviously it’s a tough question, but what do you think could be a good first step to make in terms of acceptance?
Sigourney: I don’t think all the people voting around the country to actively make gays second class citizens are thinking. They’re being manipulated by various organizations. I think if you say, “w e’re not talking about gay people, we’re talking about your friend Joe and his boyfriend Bill. Then they go, “oh, I love Joe and Bill!” It’s about sitting down with these people and saying, “this how a lack of rights affects me.” People who voted for Prop 8 are thinking about a hypothetical gay person, they’re not thinking about the guy they work with, who just happens to be gay.
PW: This was obviously an emotionally heavy character to play, but do you ever find yourself missing the women you’ve played once filming wraps?
Sigourney: Yes. I do. some of them become very good company and I do miss them because they’re all more interesting than I am [laughs].
PW: Is there a particular character you’d like to revisit?
Sigourney: I’m so terrible at summoning up my oeuvre, but “Map of the World” is a movie I’m very proud of. Alice was a very, very interesting person. I learned a lot from her. I’ve played over 40 parts now and they all teach you how to play them. You often don’t know until the experience is over.
PW: More than many other actresses, you’ve actually had the call to revisit many of your most memorable characters — do you enjoy slipping back into their skin once you know, as you say, how to play them?
Sigourney: I think that’s a good way to put it. I think with Ripley it was a great opportunity to come in every few years, knowing a bit more about her, with a new script that takes it to a new level and have more confidence. I was such an unconfident actor in the beginning. And confidence is not arrogance, you just know there are things you don’t have to worry about anymore – you learn your strengths and weaknesses. Which is something you don’t often get to do unless you’re on a soap opera for 30 years.
PW: You’ve played, as you said, over 40 parts in nearly every genre — at this point, what makes you pick one character over another?
Sigourney: I think it’s all gut. Primarily the story,. I rarely want to play “a part.” I set out to scamper around from one genre to another and never know what I want to play until I read the script. And by that point I stop caring about the part and want to be part of the movie. I no longer care if it’s a small part of big part. I know if I can get in there and roll my sleeves up, I’ll find something that will make it interesting to me.
“Prayers For Bobby” is now available on DVD, click here to order
Photo: Lifetime; WireImage