Mary Steenburgen, Pt. 2
Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)
Deep Dive
Why did Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson's relationship start on a professional note?
They met in San Francisco for a professional meeting regarding a script called Pontiac Moon, where Ted had to approve Mary for a role.
What was Mary Steenburgen's first impression of Ted Danson?
Initially, she thought he was a slick Hollywood type, similar to his character Sam Malone from Cheers, but later found him to be quite different.
How did Mary Steenburgen's relationship with her ex-husband, Malcolm McDowell, evolve after their divorce?
They remained friends and co-parented their children, maintaining a respectful and loving relationship, which included Malcolm's approval of Ted Danson.
What role did Mary Steenburgen play in the movie Philadelphia, and what was the significance of that role to her?
She played a lawyer representing the company that fires Tom Hanks' character due to his AIDS diagnosis. The role was significant as she had a close friend dying of AIDS, making the film's themes deeply personal.
How did Mary Steenburgen's experience with music begin, and what impact did it have on her life?
Her relationship with music started after surgery in 2007, which altered her brain's relationship with melody, leading to an obsessive preoccupation with music. This newfound passion eventually led to a publishing deal with Universal and a successful career in songwriting.
What is one of the most memorable moments in Mary Steenburgen's career involving a celebrity encounter?
She met Audrey Hepburn, who was a fan of her work in Tender is the Night. Hepburn was incredibly kind and spent 20 minutes talking with Mary and her mother about life.
How did Mary Steenburgen's friendship with Bill and Hillary Clinton begin?
Her father, a freight train conductor, met then-Governor Bill Clinton at a speech. Clinton mentioned Mary, leading to their introduction. Hillary later asked Mary to help raise money for a pediatric AIDS foundation.
What was the significance of the wampum seashell bracelets in Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson's wedding vows?
The bracelets symbolized their blended family and were given to each member with a vow to treat each other with love and respect, emphasizing the importance of their children in the marriage.
How did Mary Steenburgen describe her experience working with Will Ferrell in Stepbrothers?
She found the experience amazing and a gift from the business for having survived challenging times. The cast, including Richard Jenkins, held down reality amidst the film's improvisational humor.
What is one of the magical aspects of Mary Steenburgen's life that Ted Danson admires?
Her willingness to look beyond the obvious and literal, accepting the possibility of magic in life, such as her relationship with colors and her ability to communicate with those who have passed away.
- Mary met and fell in love with Malcolm McDowell during the filming of 'Time After Time'.
- She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Melvin and Howard'.
- Mary worked with esteemed directors like Jonathan Demme and Marty Ritt, who had a significant impact on her career.
Shownotes Transcript