In an email interview, she talked about the inspiration behind “The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,” and how “The Accidental Tourist” changed her life. SCOTT HELLER
What’s the last great book you read?
“Horse,” by Geraldine Brooks, weaves the art world, the horse racing world and what it means to be human into a thrilling tapestry.
What book have you recommended the most over the years?
“Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women,” by Susan Faludi. As someone who’s focused on creating equitable representation onscreen for women and girls, this book had a strong impact on me.
Which genres do you especially enjoy reading?
Memoirs and biographies. I find stories about other people’s real-life experiences and challenges so engrossing. They teach me a lot and broaden my perspective and understanding of the world. One recent favorite was “Educated,” by Tara Westover. The story — and Tara’s resilience — broke my heart.
What kind of reader were you as a child?
I read everything I could get my hands on, often under the covers with a flashlight. I used novels as a way to learn, to escape and to travel without leaving my little town in Massachusetts. I particularly loved “The Cricket in Times Square,” by George Selden. The idea of a cricket giving concerts in New York City enchanted me.
Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine? Your favorite antihero or villain?
My favorite book of all time is “L’Assommoir,” by Émile Zola, and I adore Gervaise Macquart. She’s such a strong character, and every time I read the book, I want her life to be different — I want her to have all the opportunities she’s denied as a member of the Parisian underclass. And as far as antiheroes, while I wouldn’t say her husband is my favorite antihero, I would say that he’s the perfect foil for Gervaise’s dreams. Zola is such a stunning writer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read and reread his work.
Do you have a favorite memoir by an actor?
I don’t, but I do have a favorite biography — “Charles Laughton: A Difficult Actor,” by Simon Callow. Charles Laughton is my absolute favorite actor. He was one of the true greats, and being able to gain insight into his life through this book meant a lot to me.
What was the specific motivation to try your hand at a children’s book?
I’ve always loved drawing and writing, so it’s been in my mind for a long time. Then, suddenly, the idea of a character knowing that they live in a book came to me. As a child, I always felt too tall, like I was taking up more than my share of space, and I tried to shrink myself to fit into the amount of space I imagined I should occupy. In writing “The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,” I wanted to reach out to kids who feel like I did back then — like they don’t fit in — and reassure them that there is room for them in the world. I want them to realize that they should take up as much space as they need.
Often new authors work with illustrators. Was it a must that you did the art for this book, too?
I’ve always drawn and painted, and I saw my characters so clearly in my mind’s eye that it seemed natural that I would draw them. And luckily for me, my publisher loved what I created.
What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift?
When Hugh Laurie and I played Stuart Little’s parents in the movie “Stuart Little,” Hugh decided to give me a copy of his hilarious book, “The Gun Seller.” But since he knew I was once a foreign-exchange student in Sweden, Hugh gave me a Swedish copy! (The book was called “Skottpengar” there.) The gift truly delighted me. I love Hugh’s writing in any language.
Of all the characters you’ve played across different media, which role felt to you the richest — the most novelistic?
I’ve actually been in five movies based on books, but Muriel Pritchett from “The Accidental Tourist” was definitely the most novelistic. Muriel, who first appeared in the beautiful book by Anne Tyler, is complicated and unique and felt so three-dimensional on the page. I remember reading this book aloud to Jeff Goldblum while we were shooting “The Fly” together and he was getting his extensive makeup done. As I read, I started hating whoever was going to get to play the part of Muriel in the movie version — which it was clear there would be. But then it was me! And it completely changed my life.
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