First I want to thank you for being with us today. Episodes for Freak show it is spectacular and it is thrilling to watch Angela Bassett, who performs amazingly as “Desiree DuPree.”
Question
So today it looks like because we haven’t got actual freak shows, we have reality TV. I’m just wondering for you, do you think there’s something in our human nature where we want to see people who are worse off than us and we have fun in it? Do you think there is a psychological basis for why people want to look at that, apparently, over a long period of time?
Angela
our human nature? I believe I’d be inclined to agree. There may be little of that, where there’s little enjoyment in the misfortune of others. Not for their ultimate loss, but a little pleasure for those who do worse or get into trouble; it is all about like, watching a car crash or something, when we slow down, and the rubberneck, and see. I believe so. I believe there’s one strange show in LA, in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or something. I’ve never been there, but I’ve seen some footage. I believe they might even have their own reality show. It’s more like a tattoo thing and a sword swallow thing.
Question
We wonder if your character is based on a real person in real life?
Angela
Well, I’m unsure about that, but I do know that there are examples of people who have this sort of characteristic. What they call intersex, these days. In the 1950s, obviously, the term was hermaphrodite, but today the terminology is taken into account outdated, particularly in the community.
Question
What is the makeup process like for you?
Angela
Well, I went to the FX studio, the FX office and about, let’s see; I believe it was three women and three men taking prints in my chest area and then trying to get the right color, you know, color, tone, that kind of thing. Of course, the tone is very tough and it still takes about 30, 40 minutes to paint over it after application.
Question
Can you also speak a little bit—this is an unbelievably talented ensemble cast, but even Michael says he is fully blown away. He said it was crazy. Can you discuss what it is like? It’s a really extraordinary pool of all-star talent brought together for one show.
Angela
That’s one of the main reasons I joined the cast. I am unable to believe I got the chance to work with Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates for life, particularly at the same time. This is awesome. In years, I mean, last year most of my scenes were with Kathy and Jessica. This year it has been largely Chiklis and now Emma Roberts and the like. We will see later. We will see later. Everyone is just a supreme professional. we had an incredible time. We had an incredible time with him. We all appreciate this crazy world and the things we are asked to do. It stretches us and grows us. The undeniable fact that we can return year after year and they come up with some new craziness for us to play with is a plus. It’s thrilling.
Question
You seem to actually enjoy this role and last year’s roles. I was wondering when you signed up for this year’s episode Freak show do you know what part it’s? What was your reaction when you found out what that part was?
Angela
I haven’t any idea what that section is, what it might cover when I sign up. I just know I had an incredible time the year before, and if that’s any indication it is going to be a wild ride. I believe it was about two weeks before I was scheduled to start shooting so I got, you know, hot press scripts. I sat all the way down to read it to see and that I remember wondering, “Now, how am I going to know who I am?”
Then you read the stage directions, “African-American woman in her 40s, hermaphrodite, three breasts and a ding-a-ling.” You’re like, oh, my gosh. You quickly close the page, and must go around, and process it for a while. You think, “What does that mean?” Geez. If they thought I was demon mad last year, what will they think this year?
Question
So do you call Ryan and say, “Oh my God, Ryan?”
Angela
No. I’m not afraid like that. No, I just knew that it was really going to be something I had never done before. What does an actor crave, besides a new challenge? This will absolutely be one of them.
