Q "The Closer" is the show that stuck its stiletto in the door of the guy-dominated crime shows. Why do you think it caught fire in time to save itself from being canceled?
A I like to think it's as simple as good writers and good acting. When a show makes money, they want to make more like it, so you get more female leads in their late 40s and early 50s. It's really about what's successful, what makes money.
Q Your character is often described as a "hard-as-nails heroine," "tightly wound."
A Yeah, I hate that.
Q So give us your own personality profile of Brenda.
A She is commanding in her job and disastrous in her personal life. She is incredibly intuitive about everyone but herself. She's interested in what makes other people tick, but not interested in growing emotionally as a person -- although she's very emotional. In her relationship with her boyfriend, she's the one who's a workaholic and afraid of commitment. I would also call her someone who can be incredibly fragile.
Q What traits do you and Brenda share?
A Like her, I have an obsession with and addiction to chocolate. Except I'm not trying to control it. I can't find my car keys, either; my handbag is an endless pit of confusion. I feel totally inept in my life; I'm still touch-typing but am about to get a Blackberry even though I won't be able to work it. I'm out of step with what's cool. I only go to uncool restaurants.
