About
"I just care that I be a good person and that I follow my impulses in my life."
In her nearly two-hour interview, Estelle Parsons speaks about her pioneering efforts as the first woman political reporter on television for the Today show. She reminisces about Today's early years and working with the show's principals, including anchor Dave Garroway. She talks about her move from behind the camera to her appearances on features for Today, which included book reviews and interviews. Parsons talks about her recurring role as "Bev Harris," "Roseanne's" mother, on the hit ABC sitcom Roseanne. Finally, she comments on her work at the Actors Studio. Karen Herman conducted the interview on July 26, 2002 in New York, NY.
Highlights
Estelle Parsons on being hired as a commentator for Today
Estelle Parsons on Dave Garroway being hired for Today, and on the show going live
Estelle Parsons on how her Oscar-winning role in "Bonnie and Clyde" impacted her career
Estelle Parsons on her role as "Beverly Harris" on Roseanne, and on working with Roseanne
Estelle Parsons on joining The Actors Studio
Estelle Parsons on the addition of J. Fred Muggs to Today
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On her early years and influences; on her earliest memories of television; on being hired as a commentator for Today
On Dave Garroway being hired for Today, and on the show going live; on going in front of the camera on Today; on how she was treated as a woman on the Today set
Chapter 2
On working with Dave Garroway and Jim Flemming on Today; on the addition of J. Fred Muggs to Today; on her day-to-day activities on the show
On signing a loyalty oath during her time on Today and on auditioning for The Actors Studio; on appearing on The Home Show, and on various other jobs she did for NBC
On the challenges of appearing live on Today; on leaving Today, and on appearing on the stage; on joining The Actors Studio
Chapter 3
On her first acting roles on television and on appearing in commercials; on how her Oscar-winning role in "Bonnie and Clyde" impacted her career; on being a guest-star on several series
On appearing on All in the Family; on playing "Bess Truman" in Backstairs at the White House; on hosting the series Mothers By Daughters
On her role as "Beverly Harris" on Roseanne; on working with the cast of Roseanne, and on how the show will be remembered; on then-current projects
Chapter 4
On her advice to aspiring actors; on the characteristics of a good director; on Lee Strasberg and The Actors Studio; on how she would like to be remembered
Shows
All in the Family
Estelle Parsons on appearing on All in the Family
Backstairs at the White House
Estelle Parsons on playing "Bess Truman" in Backstairs at the White House
Home Show, The
Estelle Parsons on appearing on The Home Show, and on working with Arlene Francis
Mothers By Daughters
Estelle Parsons on hosting the series Mothers By Daughters
Roseanne
Estelle Parsons on her role as "Beverly Harris" on Roseanne, and on working with Roseanne
Estelle Parsons on working with the cast of Roseanne, and on how the show will be remembered
Today
Estelle Parsons on being hired as a producer and commentator for Today
Estelle Parsons on Dave Garroway being hired for Today, and on the show going live
Estelle Parsons on going in front of the camera on Today
Estelle Parsons on how she was treated as a woman on the Today set
Estelle Parsons on working with Dave Garroway and Jim Flemming on Today
Estelle Parsons on the addition of J. Fred Muggs to Today
Estelle Parsons on being a "Today Girl" on Today, and on her day-to-day activities on the show
Estelle Parsons on signing a loyalty oath during her time on Today and on auditioning for The Actors Studio
Estelle Parsons on returning to Today, and on various other jobs she did for NBC
Estelle Parsons on the challenges of appearing live on Today
Estelle Parsons on leaving Today, and on appearing on the stage
Topics
Advice
Estelle Parsons on advice to an aspiring actor, and on what makes a good director
Creative Influences and Inspiration
Estelle Parsons on her mentors in the theater, including Lee Strasberg
Historic Events and Social Change
Estelle Parsons on how she was treated as a woman on the Today set
Pivotal Career Moments
Estelle Parsons on her mentors in the theater, including Lee Strasberg
Representation on Television
Estelle Parsons on how she was treated as a woman on the Today set
Television Industry
Estelle Parsons on advice to an aspiring actor, and on what makes a good director
Women
Estelle Parsons on how she was treated as a woman on the Today set
Professions
Actress
Estelle Parsons on advice to an aspiring actor
Performers
Estelle Parsons on advice to an aspiring actor
Genres
Comedy Series
Estelle Parsons on appearing on All in the Family
Estelle Parsons on her role as "Beverly Harris" on Roseanne
Commercials
Estelle Parsons on her first acting roles on television and on appearing in commercials, and on Mort Werner
Drama Series
Estelle Parsons on hosting the series Mothers By Daughters
News and Documentary
Estelle Parsons on being a producer and commentator on Today
Estelle Parsons on being a "Today Girl" on Today
TV Movies/Miniseries/Dramatic Specials
Estelle Parsons on playing "Bess Truman" in Backstairs at the White House
People
Dave Garroway
Estelle Parsons on Dave Garroway being hired for Today, and on the show going live
Estelle Parsons on working with Dave Garroway and Jim Flemming on Today
Roseanne
Estelle Parsons on her role as "Beverly Harris" on Roseanne, and on working with Roseanne
Lee Strasberg
Estelle Parsons on her mentors in the theater, including Lee Strasberg
Mort Werner
Estelle Parsons on her first acting roles on television and on appearing in commercials, and on Mort Werner