I just came back from Alaska with my daughter, Emerson. We did the dog-sledding thing across a glacier because we’re very into that movie Eight Below. My daughter and I also went out on a boat with these research scientists and learned about whales. It wasn’t the Four Seasons, but I can be great with that stuff. I’m not very high- maintenance.
One of the good things about my job is the travel. I got to visit Africa, Portugal and London recently. I went on safari in South Africa for ten days and it was a beautiful experience. Although a couple of baboons did come up for an autograph.
We only get about seven weeks off during a hiatus, so to think of filling that time with shooting a movie is just not on my agenda. I use my time to travel with Emerson. I love doing films, and I’d like to do more, but I wouldn’t like to do it more than I’d like to be my daughter’s mother. So that’s a constant struggle for me. I couldn’t even make Marcia Cross’s wedding because we had a trip planned before her date was set.
If Desperate Housewives ended tomorrow I’d have a bazillion other things in my life. I could live in a one-bedroom house in Idaho and drive my 78 VW van.
My favourite city is Philadelphia. I go there several times a year to visit my extended family. The best way to start your day in Philly is to wake up early and get an amazing breakfast down on Ninth Street at the Italian Market (www.phillyitalianmarket.com). It’s more than 100 years old, very warm and inviting, and it’s also fun and low-key. You can get some of the best espresso, cappuccinos and Italian pastries you’ve ever tasted.
I hike as a way of keeping fit. I just can’t stand going to the gym and working out. It’s too formatted and it freaks me out with all the potential germs you could pick up. You know those interview questions that always come up, like “when were you happiest?” Well the answer to that one is that I’m pretty blissfully happy when I’m camping.
Interview by Stephen Armstrong.
