Actress Patrika Darbo: “I have been acting my whole life and earning money and making a living as an Actress for over 3 decades.”
FWM: When did you discover your love for acting?
I discovered my love for acting very young. My mother said that I came out of the womb acting and she called me “Sarah Bernhardt”. I found a real love for acting in elementary school while doing plays and various skits. It led to other theater roles and eventually film and television. I have been acting my whole life and earning money and making a living as an Actress for over 3 decades.
FWM: In 2016, you won “Best Actress” for Acting Dead. Why was this so special to you?
This was special because it was the first year for this particular category that was created to honor the short format series projects. I won Outstanding Actress Short Format Comedy or Drama for the internet series Acting Dead and being the first recipient was such an honor. It is always special when you are nominated and voted on by your peers. It is nice to know that others whom you admire for their work, reciprocate and admire you for your work. It was a wonderful experience to have that validation that what you are doing as an actress is recognized and appreciated.
FWM: What have you learned over your years of acting?
Always be nice to everyone. It takes less energy to be pleasant and kind as it does to be mean and nasty. The assistants on your way up will be the casting directors, producers, and directors on your way down and how do you want them to remember you? Also, study and learn your craft. Take acting classes and workshops. Audition for theater and independent projects whenever possible. Get out there and get yourself prepared so you are ready when those opportunities come around.
FWM: Share a memory on set that changed your perspective.
There are so many memories that I have that have probably changed my perspective in ways that I don’t often think about. I have worked with so many wonderful people both in front and behind the camera. One experience comes to mind right now.
When I was working opposite John Malkovich on In The Line of Fire I just remember watching his every move and learning so much from observing him. He was so polite, giving as an Actor and inspiring creatively. One minute he was himself and the next minute he was this horrible, evil character. It was seamless how he went in and out. Perhaps it did not change my perspective but reinforced that you can be a brilliant Actor and a wonderful person at the same time.
FWM: What was your favorite role?
I have been blessed to have so many wonderful roles. I think it would have to be Marlene in Daddy’s Dying, Who’s Got the Will? I performed it on stage and reprised the role on film. Del Shores wrote this part for me and he is so talented and wonderful at creating these brilliantly crazy and complex characters. Of course, I also adored playing opposite the great Beau Bridges.
FWM: Tell us about the Performer’s Peer Group.
I am the Co-Governor for the Television Academy’s Performer’s Peer Group. The Television Academy is the governing body of the Emmy Awards and within the Television Academy, everyone who works in television is represented by a peer group. The performers have a group as do the producers, professional representatives, wardrobe professionals, etc. There is a select committee that represents each of the peer groups.
Our job is to advocate, delegate and act on behalf of our peer group and their best interests within the Television Academy. As one of the Co-Governors (alongside Bob Bergen of Porky Pig fame) of the Performer’s Peer Group, we are now heading into Emmy season which is my busiest and most exciting time of the year.
FWM: What have been your most recent roles?
Most recently I have had the pleasure of working on the daytime drama, The Bold & The Beautiful. The fantastic and iconic soap actress, Darlene Conley who played the role of Sally Spectra passed away some years ago and Brad Bell, the executive producer created the role of Shirley Spectra, Sally’s sister just for me.
I started under contract and now they bring me back from time to time. I love playing this role because Shirley is so manipulative, underhanded, resourceful, conniving, protective and complex. I hope to continue playing this role in the future. The cast of The Bold & The Beautiful is so wonderful to work with as well. I also got to play Mrs. Clause this past holiday season in the Netflix holiday film Puppy Star Christmas.
This is the second time in my career that I got to play this particular character. The film is loaded with dancing and singing elves and dogs and it was just so much fun to make. It is a great holiday film and whenever I get a chance to work with dogs…count me in!!!
FWM: How do you inspire women?
I know what it is to work hard and struggle in what often is a man’s world. I have mentored many young actresses throughout my career. If I can impart any amount of wisdom on a young woman from what I have learned in my life and career, I will do it. Again, I always tell young women to follow their dreams.
Do not let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Work hard, learn, research, practice and reach for the stars. I tell them to never lose sight of their morals and values. Above all, treat others the way you want to be treated and know that you are amazing and valuable. We have to foster and nurture our young people now more than ever and I always try to remember that when I meet young women.
FWM: What is next for you?
Right now I am signed on to do a series called Aunt Cissy. It is a spin-off of the classic television series Family Affair. I star alongside Kathy Garver who played Cissy in the original series. It is very funny and I am looking forward to it. I am also getting ready to shoot a very interesting project called Vinyl Child which I am looking forward to working on very soon.
Instagram: @darbopatrika
Twitter: @patrikadarbo
Facebook: Patrika Darbo
