by Jennifer Jonassen
She won a Tony award for Hair Spray, waltzed her way into our
hearts (& the final three) on Dancing With The Stars,
is currently launching both a brand new clothing line and a brand new
talk show! And-did I happen to mention that she also has her first baby
on the way! Is there anything Marissa Jaret-Winokur cannot do? Last
month I had the chance and supreme pleasure to talk to this
triple-threat performer, who, true to her warm & effervescent
on-screen persona was both gracious and inspiring.
JJ: Well I have to ask you this right off the bat- What was your favorite dance?
MJW: It changed. Every dance was my favorite. I loved the tango but I
have to say the waltz may have been my favorite because it doesn't seem
like me at all!
JJ: I loved that one too! What was it like being on Dancing With the Stars?
MJW: In rehearsals I would panic sometimes but when I put on the
wardrobe it was like a dream. I was definitely fulfilling a drag queen
dream! (laughing) But seriously, it was such a fantasy come true! I
never understood ballroom dancing completely until I put the dress on.
JJ: Well you certainly transformed into a dancing Goddess that is for
sure! You were definitely channeling Ginger Rogers in that waltz! How
did this type of dancing differ from the kind you did on Broadway in
Hair Spray?
MJW: I felt completely exposed. My heart and soul were completely
exposed. I couldn't B.S. anyone I had to be completely truthful. No
Smoke and mirrors. I was creating something completely new for me.
JJ: What has your experience as an actress been in this industry? Do you experience any discrimination?
MJW: It has been somewhat of a struggle at times, I say no to a lot of
things. I am very selective. I don't want to play the poor, pathetic
fat girl. I am very careful because I know that if some 16 year
somewhere is watching I want to project a positive image. When I was
cast in Beautiful Girl, they originally wanted to call it "Big Girl",
but I stood up to all the male executives and told them they should
change the title. Little girls will watch this, I said. It's important.
JJ: Wow Marissa that is incredible! I think you are officially my hero
now!
