Q&A - Melinda McGraw (Bobbie Barrett)
Classically trained actor Melinda McGraw plays Bobbie Barrett, the wife/manager of comic Jimmy Barrett. In this exclusive interview, she talks to AMCtv.com about her character's philosophy, her own love of the girdle, and kissing Don Draper.Q: One of Bobbie Barrett's most memorable lines is: "This is America. Pick a job and then become the person that does it." Do you agree?
A: I don't think it's quite as black and white as that. I do believe that one way to have a destiny is to choose one. We live in a world where action is what counts. But I also think that there are circumstances that get in our way. The ideal is that America is an even playing field. Is that an ideal? Absolutely. Do I love Bobbie Barrett for believing it? Absolutely.
Q: Bobbie Barrett's wardrobe is stunning. Do you take any inspiration from the show's fashions?
A: I'm ruined now, because I don't want to live without a girdle! But I've always loved and dressed in period clothes -- my mother was a model in the '60s. I love rediscovering the glamor. It reminds me of how casual we've become. It's fun to dress just for your husband. It's fun to dress just for work.
Q: Do you see Mad Men style infiltrating the larger culture?
A: Absolutely. The show has influenced so much contemporary fashion, go to H&M or Michael Kors. I sent (Matt) Weiner a link to a furniture store and there's this actor that looks like Don Draper holding a drink sitting on a sofa and the headline says, "Mad About Modern" and its called the "Draper Sofa." And Weiner said, "Is this flattering?"
Q: Can we talk about that scene outside the ladies room in Episode 3?
A: When I read it, I thought, "He does what now?" But it was also exciting because I'd never seen anything like it. And we had this amazing level of trust established. The very first scene I had with Jon Hamm, I had to kiss him in the car. And he was wonderful. He's what every leading man should be. Besides being talented and professional, he's very protective of his cast.
As with all the actors and actresses on the show... a very fine job. Mad Men gives my wife and me something to share during "our time" when the kids are asleep. To comment on Ms. McGraw's comment on fashion, I definitely believe the show has made an impression on people in my demographic... thirty-somethings. I have even begun wearing a hat to the office. Let's reverse Kennedy's disposal of the hat.
The scene where Bobbie gives advice to Peg the morning after the car crash has some of the best dialogue you'll ever hear in film or television.
Re: this interview with Melinda above-- "When I read it, I thought, 'He does what now?'" LOL. Had me laughing for half a minute!
Hilarious that this interview, with Melinda saying she loves the girdle was right above a weight-loss ad with the slogan "2 rules of a flat stomach"
Will Bobbie Barrett be returning in season 3?? I hope so I love her character. She rocks!!
I love Bobbie in that she adds so much spice to Don's life and the show.
Can't wait to see what she does in S3!!!
Gotta love that evil Bobbie...great acting, there, Melinda....and ----did I read that right....for your very first scene with JH you "had to" kiss him in the car....poor baby...you have my deepest sympathy.....what's that old old joke?....rough job, but somebody's gotta do it! We should all be so lucky!!
Hope to see Bobbie back in Season 3....love to hate that gal!!!
I admire Melinda's ability to be a "bee with an itch" in one scene and in the next is almost motherly or big sisterly to Peggy. I, too, hope to see her in Season Three. She adds so much to every scene she's in.
That was an interesting discussion Bobbie had with Peggy, Bobbie trying much harder to communicate while Peggy would rather she wasn't there. She was having to see Don in less than a positive light, as a human who can make mistakes.
I couldn't exactly find the site she gave M Weiner but this is what it was referring to:
http://cgi.ebay.com/CB2-Catalog-2009-Mad-About-Modern-Furniture-Affordable_W0QQitemZ260368829001QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090227?IMSfp=TL090227114007r20616#ebayphotohosting
Or you can Google "mad about modern" sofa
Cool lookin' sofa, Ritt!
The guy sitting on it looks like he could be Duck's brother.
Would that make his name "Goose" ????
hee
Sixties a can-do decade? compared with topic-stifling 1970's and action-deficiency 1980's and 1990's elections outcomes. Alexandre? Women started businesses. Come on, Riva. 2001: must do (pressure), no vices. Go outside, what's on your mind (obstacle course).