“Inside Ally McBeal” by Scott Catamas

After talking with Lucy, Calista Flockhart came up to me. I had some anticipation about talking with her, but like her fellow cast members, she was very easy going and relaxed. She’s clearly very intelligent, and thought carefully about the questions that I asked her.

Scott: How do you live your life passionately?

Calista: I guess I throw myself into my work and I throw myself into my dog. I go on passionate hikes with my dog and listening to music, drinking a little red wine every now and then. I guess that’s about it.

Scott: You have a movie coming out, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. How is going from a situation comedy like Ally McBeal to classical Shakespeare? Is that a wonderful thing for you?

Calista: Yeah, it really was. It was certainly a departure. I got to go to Italy. Italy and Shakespeare--I don’t think it can get any better than that.

Scott: I would guess that Ally McBeal has taken off more than you ever thought it would. I’ve heard your quotes about when people are trying to project on to you role model stuff. How are you dealing with that? How are feeling about it?

Calista: I certainly never expected to be a role model and I don’t think that the intention of Ally McBeal was indeed to be a role model. I’m flattered that people would think I could be a role model, and I certainly feel the responsibility. Frankly, I don’t know if I am responsible………but it’s flattering and a bit confusing actually.

Scott: I bet it is. Do your shoulders feel a little heavier?

Calista: Not really.

Scott: That’s good. What would be your advice to anybody about how they can live their lives more passionately?

Calista: I guess you have to do what you really love in order to be passionate.