10 THINGS – Alicia Coppola

10 Things with Alicia Coppola

Throughout your career, you’ve done some film work, but, TV LOVES you. What do you like most about being on this platform?

I like any platform that pays me. Wink, wink…I love TV. I love watching it. TV is many things to me…I learn from it, it keeps me company when I am alone in my home, it babysits my kids when I need to take a few minutes for myself, and the characters of all the shows I watch, suddenly become my best friends. The list goes on and on. Working on TV is the same. Only then, perhaps I am the one who is teaching, I’m keeping someone company and sitting for their kids. I am in people’s homes like a piece of furniture. Every day, every week, I am on someone’s favorite show and I am their best friend. Film does not have the immediacy and intimacy of television. TV is a medium of accessibility.

What type of characters are you drawn to, playing on screen?

I am drawn to characters that are human. I am not interested in playing a profession. I am interested in characters who are on the fringe, who are damaged, who live in loss, who live in manic happiness. I am drawn to the struggle of being human and also its flip side, the elation of being. I am drawn to the highs and lows of humanity; the characters who live in the extreme.

 

You’ve recently done some work on The Young and the Restless, and the schedule on these shows can be somewhat grueling. How much preparation does it take on your part to shoot on a soap series?

For me, the Daytime schedule is not grueling. It is actually the way I like to work. I am not an actress who over thinks material and my work. I don’t like to rehearse too much, talk it to death, take a nap over it, have a snack over it. My method is “Nike:” I simply do it. The schedule, is what I love abut Daytime TV: I know my lines, I show up, do one take and go home. In and out. Because one of my very first jobs was on Daytime on Another World, I learned to always show up on time, prepared and ready to work. This invaluable education has served me very well in my career and I’m quite grateful for it.

Currently, you’re on Showtime’s Shameless. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you want to jump on board?

I worked with John Well’s on an NBC series called Trinity, years ago, and have wanted to work with him again ever since. John has a uncanny ability to tap into the zeitgeist and deliver it in his TV shows and films. His taste in and execution of material is flawless. He demands a certain work ethic from everyone on his sets. No Cell phones and no side pages for the actors: We are expected to come prepared. To join the AMAZING cast of Shameless, was like coming home for me. They are a brilliant group of people, some with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working before, and I adore each and every one of them!

 

You play the role of Sue on the show. What can you tell us about her personality and flaws?

Sue is a blue collar, no nonsense, does not suffer fools well or silently, filter-less woman. She is Ian’s boss and partner of the EMT’s. She is equally adept with a playful joke, a stinging barb, or a compassionate pep talk. Essentially, Sue is the Greek Chorus of Ian’s life. She is also a character most close to who I am, so I am enjoying myself immensely.

What do you enjoy most about playing Sue on screen?

I so enjoy giving Cameron Monaghan’s character, Ian, a hard time and busting his chops. It makes me happy!

 

As the season comes to a draw, what can viewers expect to see from your character and the show itself?

What can anyone expect from The Gallaghers? That’s the beauty of them and all they suck into their gorgeously dysfunctional orbit! God bless them all!

You’ve been acting for quite some time. If you weren’t an actress, what career path would you take?

Well, I am not just an actress. I am also an author of a book called Gracefully Gone, which is available on Amazon. I am also a wife, a mother, a stand-up comic, and a teacher. There are not enough hours in the day to do or be anything more.

Regard Magazine Alicia Coppola

When it comes to fashion, which designer fits your personal sense of style?

When I’m not working, I’m a huge fan of leggings, jeans and tees or sweaters, a simple ballet flat or fabulous boot, depending on the season. I am in love with Red Engine jeans and White House Black Market leggings, they are amazingly slimming and hold up to countless washings. As much as I love fashion, I am more of a dry tumble low gal, than a dry clean only gal.

We look forward to seeing more of you on screen. What projects do you have coming up in the near future?

Do I need any more than Shameless? Jeez Louise! It premiere’s October 2nd on Showtime! And, yes of course, there’s more, but as of this writing I have no idea what it is. Also, in this age of information on demand, I plead The Actress Code Of Mystery…

Twitter: @Alicia_Coppola

Instagram: @Alicia_Coppola

Facebook: Alicia Coppola Official

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Russell Baer & Marc Cartwright

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