Betsy Brandt has shown her funny, witty and serious side onscreen. She’s also known for her love for theatre and for playing a strong character on some of the most popular television shows.
She also starred in the blockbuster feature ‘Magic Mike’ and independent features like ‘Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life’ and ‘Shelf Life’, adding more feathers to her cap.
Back on air is ‘Breaking Bad’ on AXN where she plays the confident character of Marie Schrader. In a tete-a-tete with Anila Kurian, Betsy talks about her interesting memories from the series and more.
How has the show changed you?
It’s been a great experience! After the show, I had to go to the Empire State Building with my family and we were blown away to know the number of people who recognised me. I would have been just as happy if only 10 people knew me, but it was overwhelming to see the whole world recognise my work.
Did you expect an audience in India too?
Actually, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew the show was doing well in other countries, so I figured it would do just as well in India too. But the reaction wasn’t certain. It’s the ultimate storyline that one was able to relate to that made a difference.
What’s the best
compliment you’ve
received so far?
Hearing that it’s the best show on television. It’s the work of the entire team, from the writers and producers to the actors, that made it happen.
Are you anything like the character Marie Schrader from the show?
Not too much, actually. There are things that I have borrowed from others for Marie but she’s much further from myself. However, I love her and miss her. She was not an easy person. However, I am like her in ways where I don’t like giving up or letting others give up. It’s like I tell my husband — once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader!
Your favourite moment from the set...
One of the initial episodes from Season One was the intervention scene. It’s when the character Skylark wanted everyone to convince Walter to try chemotherapy. Shooting for that scene was a watershed moment as it gave an insight into what the show was going to be like. It took a big chunk of the day and that scene defined each character for the rest of the seasons. That was one of my favourite moments.
Marie wore purple a lot. Is that your favourite colour too?
Every character was given a colour and I thought purple would be the one for Marie. So the team made sure that every single item she used was just purple. They went a little overboard too. But I hardly have anything purple in real life, except for in my daughter’s room.
Will you be visiting India anytime soon?
Not anytime soon as I am working a lot. But if I do get a project based in India, I would love to come.