Did social isolation benefit the making of Celebrity Show-Off?
We’ve pushed the bounds of creativity, like how can we create something out of nothing? In this case, the “nothing” was not really being able to leave our homes. For the celebrity guests, it’s a fun challenge to see what you can create when all you have is yourself and your home.
Considering the protests and the pandemic, was it difficult to film the show right now?
Seeing how much people were willing to be playful and open their homes, and the fact that they’re playing for charity made me feel like there is an appropriate way for us to provide entertainment right now. I really hope we’ve struck that balance.
What was it about Call Me Kat that inspired you?
When Jim approached me, he said, “We want to make an American version of a show about a very, very unusual woman who is both lovable and frustrating and human. If anyone can pull that off, we think it’s you.”
Outside acting, you’ve really created a lifestyle brand, with your books on parenting and your work on the website Kveller. Do you have plans to write more about parenting and Jewish life?
The Jewish world is where I tend to want to revolve. I feel like that’s a place that I will always want to land. I’m only an expert on what I’ve done up until today, meaning every day is a new day as a parent.
You made your film debut in the Bette Midler classic Beaches. Do you remember feeling like you were a part of something big?
I was a 12-year-old who had just started acting. When the movie came out it was actually the week of my bat mitzvah. That was the first time that I realized, “Oh, something’s happening here. This is going to change my life forever.” What came next was Blossom, and now I’m talking to you [laughs].
