Post by rambabe on Jul 2, 2009 19:10:51 GMT -5
First Chris, now Mariska!
www.tvguidemagazine.com/news/exclusive-mariska-hargitay-talks-svu-contracti-1607.html
Exclusive: Mariska Hargitay Talks SVU ContractI
by Ileane Rudolph July 02, 2009 11:36 AM EST
Welcome back to the Special Victims Unit! How do you feel about finally signing on that dotted line?
I’m thrilled! I was extremely hopeful that this would work out. I always felt that it would. I am so not done with Olivia Benson! [laughs]
Was there ever a time when you feared the deal wouldn’t happen?
Well, there were moments that were a little tense, but I try to stay positive in life. I always hoped it would work out.
The negotiations were lengthy—up until a week before you were due on set. What were the sticking points?
For me, it was about balancing family life and work life. I had a big year health-wise, so for me it was about balancing that and time off and figuring out how I could do the show and be the best wife and mother I could be.
So the financial issues weren’t alone at the top for you?
No, not at all.
Are you satisfied with the deal that finally got hammered out?
I’m thrilled. I’ve had a long and incredible relationship with Dick Wolf, [executive producer] Neal Baer and Chris Meloni. I love my job. I love acting with Chris. I think that Neal is one of the best writers on television. I’m honored to work with him. He’s a mentor to me, an incredible writer, but also an amazing humanitarian. I’m very attached to the show and to these people, so I cannot be happier.
Understandably, you want more time off. But how will that show up on screen? Less Olivia?
No. Of course, Olivia will be in every episode.
So how will you work less? The show is known for its very long hours.
They’re in the process of figuring that out.
You were hospitalized three times for a collapsed lung during the last season. How’s your health now?
It’s great. I’m feeling very strong now. I had a lovely hiatus, spending a lot of time with my son and my husband. I needed a hiatus more this year than ever in ten years. It’s a marathon, this year. It’s really hard. I obviously had a rougher time because of my health issues, being hospitalizing three times and all of that. But I’m feeling strong again and ready to go back to work.
Did you take it easy during your hiatus?
Well, I went to Washington for the Correspondents Dinner and then I got honored with the Hope Award for some work I did on breast cancer. Then I went to a Senate hearing on rape in the Congo. Just doing a lot of charity work, including for my foundation, Joyful Heart. It was fantastic, but still not unplugging and not recharging.
You and Chris negotiate as a team. Would you have returned without him?
Absolutely not.
What do you want for Benson this year?
I want her to have some personal fulfillment. She lives a very lonely existence, so I would love for her to have a little bit of light and joy in her life. The only light she has is Stabler.
And he’s married to somebody else.
Right. So that’s really hard. I would love to see her life become a little bit more balanced.
Adopt a baby?
Would love it! But I don’t know if that’s a good idea for a mom who puts her life at risk every day.
Do you know that Wentworth Miller is in your first episode?
I just found out. That’s exciting. He was a convict in Prison Break and he’s a cop this time, so that will be fun for him.
www.tvguidemagazine.com/news/exclusive-mariska-hargitay-talks-svu-contracti-1607.html
Exclusive: Mariska Hargitay Talks SVU ContractI
by Ileane Rudolph July 02, 2009 11:36 AM EST
Welcome back to the Special Victims Unit! How do you feel about finally signing on that dotted line?
I’m thrilled! I was extremely hopeful that this would work out. I always felt that it would. I am so not done with Olivia Benson! [laughs]
Was there ever a time when you feared the deal wouldn’t happen?
Well, there were moments that were a little tense, but I try to stay positive in life. I always hoped it would work out.
The negotiations were lengthy—up until a week before you were due on set. What were the sticking points?
For me, it was about balancing family life and work life. I had a big year health-wise, so for me it was about balancing that and time off and figuring out how I could do the show and be the best wife and mother I could be.
So the financial issues weren’t alone at the top for you?
No, not at all.
Are you satisfied with the deal that finally got hammered out?
I’m thrilled. I’ve had a long and incredible relationship with Dick Wolf, [executive producer] Neal Baer and Chris Meloni. I love my job. I love acting with Chris. I think that Neal is one of the best writers on television. I’m honored to work with him. He’s a mentor to me, an incredible writer, but also an amazing humanitarian. I’m very attached to the show and to these people, so I cannot be happier.
Understandably, you want more time off. But how will that show up on screen? Less Olivia?
No. Of course, Olivia will be in every episode.
So how will you work less? The show is known for its very long hours.
They’re in the process of figuring that out.
You were hospitalized three times for a collapsed lung during the last season. How’s your health now?
It’s great. I’m feeling very strong now. I had a lovely hiatus, spending a lot of time with my son and my husband. I needed a hiatus more this year than ever in ten years. It’s a marathon, this year. It’s really hard. I obviously had a rougher time because of my health issues, being hospitalizing three times and all of that. But I’m feeling strong again and ready to go back to work.
Did you take it easy during your hiatus?
Well, I went to Washington for the Correspondents Dinner and then I got honored with the Hope Award for some work I did on breast cancer. Then I went to a Senate hearing on rape in the Congo. Just doing a lot of charity work, including for my foundation, Joyful Heart. It was fantastic, but still not unplugging and not recharging.
You and Chris negotiate as a team. Would you have returned without him?
Absolutely not.
What do you want for Benson this year?
I want her to have some personal fulfillment. She lives a very lonely existence, so I would love for her to have a little bit of light and joy in her life. The only light she has is Stabler.
And he’s married to somebody else.
Right. So that’s really hard. I would love to see her life become a little bit more balanced.
Adopt a baby?
Would love it! But I don’t know if that’s a good idea for a mom who puts her life at risk every day.
Do you know that Wentworth Miller is in your first episode?
I just found out. That’s exciting. He was a convict in Prison Break and he’s a cop this time, so that will be fun for him.