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August 2007
I AM LEGEND
An Interview with Salli Richardson |
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I AM LEGEND August 6, 2007 Can you talk about your character in ‘I Am Legend? Salli Richardson: I play Will’s wife, and his daughter actually plays our daughter in the film. I think we basically set the tone for the whole film because what would happen if you see this virus that’s really killing the whole world and your husband is the only hope. You have your child there and what happens to her if she dies, we’re going to be sent away. Will we see each other again? Will he be alive? Will he be safe? I think it just sets up the whole film for devastation that’s going to happen. How does being a mom on TV and on the big screen compare to being a mom in real- life?
When you think about it, you’re probably the only one who has worked with a majority of the Smith family, having worked with Jada years ago on ‘The Low Down Dirty Shane’. Was it coincidence? SR: Well, that was a long time ago and there was another film that Will had talked to me about doing and I think it’s more of a testament to Will. I think he decided it was time for him to maybe give me a chance and I’m sure Jada was like, ‘Yeah, Salli’s cool’, but I definitely had to audition and do a screen test for it; but I did feel like it was my part to lose. As long as I went there and did what I was supposed to do, which was audition, it was definitely my job. Had you read the original book? SR: No, I hadn’t but I knew when I was telling my cast from the show that I was going in for an audition, they were like, ‘You don’t understand. That’s like a huge cult film.’ So, I need to see the original. I think the version we did is completely different, but with a good twist. How was shooting in New York?
What’s it like to do sci-fi show and a sci-fi film? SR: Today’s the day where I could experience having sci-fi fans. I couldn’t believe that we had that many people. It was exciting to see all of that. Do you find it more rewarding doing a TV show than film? SR: I find that I love TV so much more and have a an opportunity to do better work on TV for some reason, which sounds strange because you have more time in film. It’s the repetitiveness. I’m doing it everyday and the whole crew and everyone I work with. They are all so comfortable and that’s easier for me to go to different places with my acting than it is when you walk on a movie and there are new people. With the show, I feel like I can let all my barriers down and do better work because I have a trust there. TV right now almost pays more than film and keeps my life stable and right now everything is about my daughter; to make sure her life is stable. Everything I do right now, every job, every party that I’m not really into is only because of her.
SR: We just finished taping the show, and I just got back home from Canada, so I’m hoping to hit the ground running. There are a lot of films shooting in Canada….. SR: But you are still being hired in LA. I’m glad to be home and now I’m on the hunt. With the movie coming out and with the series doing well, all that stuff helps you get the next job.
SR: We’ve done about 3 or 4 episodes as guest spots on shows that he’s had. I’ve come in as his love interest, but unfortunately, we have no control over that stuff. We always love working together and it’s hot. I AM LEGEND OPENS ON DECEMBER 14, 2007 |
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