At the Television Critics Association's annual press tour last week, AfterEllen.com managing editor Malinda Lo and contributing writer Dara Nai chatted briefly with actor Brooke Smith about her character on the hit ABC drama Grey's Anatomy, Dr. Erica Hahn, and the recent romantic turn in her relationship with Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez).
Malinda Lo: What did you feel when you first found out [about the romantic story line]?
Brooke Smith: I was psyched. I thought it was a great idea.
ML: Did you think that your character was kind of secretly gay before?
Dara Nai: Did they give you any backstory into what Erica's history is? Is this something she's just discovering about herself? Or, in your mind, was she already gay and she just hadn't found the right person?
BS: Well, a lot of it is still vague. I mean, there's what the writers think and what I've sort of thought, and in my mind. Maybe I had a crush in high school or in college or something — there was something, but I don't think it's ever — I think it might be her first time.
DN: It's new to both of them.
BS: I think so. And that's what the women we met with GLAAD were talking about, their experience.
ML: So how did their input help you with developing your character in this area?
BS: It was just nice to get reassurance that — look, if we're all alive, and we're all open, and life has changed, then anything could happen, you know what I mean? ... If you really truthfully are gonna be alive, you know, then anything can happen. So it was kind of cool to hear their stories.
DN: Are you looking forward to where their story lines are going to take them? Because obviously you're not doing it for gratuitous reasons or for sweeps or anything along those lines.
BS: Yeah, I got really mad when I heard that people thought that. Like it was some kind of stunt or something.
DN: Well, it's been done before, so people are a little cynical about that, when they introduce the lesbian story line or lesbian kissing or anything like that.
ML: Like when you and Sara were kissing in the elevator and there was the guy watching —
BS: Yeah, and people say that "it's for the guy."
ML: Right.
BS: But, frankly, when I played that scene, I played it as, "You think that if you walked in the room and we were together, we would just be on you, but we wouldn't." So that's why I kissed her. In that moment, I swear to God, when I was playing it, that's what I was thinking. You know there's a bit of a competition between all the guys in the boys club and my character anyway, so when that happened it was sort of like, "Oh yeah, you wouldn't be intimidated, uh huh. OK, well, check this out."
ML: So does your story line continue for most of the episodes that you've shot so far?
BS: We're only shooting the first one now, and I can say that there's a little bit of continuing gay panic, you know, because we kissed! And we're freaked out and we're at work ... but I think something's coming.
DN: Is Sara a good kisser?
BS: Very good.
Read more of our Grey's Anatomy coverage here.
*Swoon*
OH. MY. GOD.
I FREAKING LOVE HER!!! She's sexy and intelligent and down-to-earth. And she's got a killer voice to boot. Brooke Smith is Perfection.
Photo...
Am I the only one that thinks that that photo of Smith is HORRID???
There seems to be something uber creepy going on with her eyes in it...don't get me wrong, it's not that I think that she's unattractive, but that picture just isn't very flattering of her.
Thought it was just me...
She usually looks fabulous...but that picture is no bueno. *blech*
"If you're not trying to make something better, then as far as I can tell, you are just in the way. "
Teehee
I LOVE BROOKE SMITH.
I LOVE BROOKE SMITH.
Up until the punching, it was a real nice party...
I share your love
so lovely
I'm dying waiting for Grey's season five! I'm more excited to see where Shonda and the writers take Callica than I am about leaving for college! Bring on the Grey's!
"Cheating shouldn't be seen as a negative thing. It should be called something like juggling or being fucking awesome!"~~~Bridget McManus
:)
there's a little bit of continuing gay panic
hahahahahaha. I love it.
I'm so excited for this.
On another note, has anyone watched Silence of the Lambs lately? I was a little shocked when my mom pointed out Brooke's part in it. :)
what? wait...
yeah, she's the last victim
It rubs the lotion on its skin
or else it gets the hose again.
that's right...
Mangina
You also have Buffalo Bill's 'mangina' dance to look forward to ...or should I say man-jay jay :)
in Clerks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Jt4Q5ulEs&feature=related
and Silence of the Lambs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x81F28kPXuo
Aaaah!
That's so cool!:D She talked to us:D Yay! (Ok, really big fan here:p) She gave some great answers.
Changetheirhue: And yes I've watched Silence of the Lambs lately, have it on dvd. I think Brooke plays that part so well! Freaks me out that whole movie...
http://www.youtube.com/BetweenThaLines
*gasps*
Seriously, Brooke rocks!!
I can't wait for season 5!! OMG, you guys got to interview brooke - I so would have fainted! her voice is so great, I would have loved a video of your interview!! she's so open and great about this storyline, I just love that about her. she really seriously likes playing a character that might be gay. could you ask for more??
http://babydyke.blogspot.com/ - my take on all things lesbian
I am JEALOUS of Brooke
I am JEALOUS of Brooke Smith!
She gets to kiss Sara Ramirez?! Unfair!
http://allthingslesbeau.blogspot.com
yeah, me too...
hell yah
It's too bad
Yay for Callica, can't wait
Yay for Callica, can't wait for season 5.
Also gotta say, I absolutely love this quote for some reason. Makes me all happy inside. "look, if we're all alive, and we're all open, and life has changed, then anything could happen, you know what I mean? ... If you really truthfully are gonna be alive, you know, then anything can happen."
:D
Thats so wierd...my niece is called Brooke Smith :P
totaly nothing to do with this but oh well :D
w00t!
1) Yeah that picture up there is horrid.
2) I'm a bit of a hater in the fact that she gets to slob down Sara Ramirez. And that she's apparently a good kisser.
3) Brooke Smith's voice is awesome.
4) I can't freakin wait. I'm obsessed. When does the new season start??
I got a dick like a mule...with a big dick.
funny
DN: Is Sara a good kisser?
BS: Very good.
lol
She's adorable!
Brooke Smith is really great!
Check out this interview:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Greys-Anatomys-Callica/800043503
She's smart and funny and charming and gorgeous!
She's definitely my new TV-favorite!
_________________________
There is no spoon
Brooke is life.
ok
I dunno if anyone reads fanfic (because lately, i'm a bigass geek over some femslash) But I found one where Yang tells the story of 'The Gaying of Callie and Hahn' complete with pics (so dial-up users might be pissed...) and it. is. hilarious.
Lookie:
http://cabenson.livejournal.com/258682.html
I got a dick like a mule...with a big dick.
LMAO
This was hilarious!
Thanks for sharing :)
_________________________
There is no spoon
Thanks