Co-star of "Queer as Folk"

Showtime presents

January 21, 2001

Read our chat with Sharon Gless, who plays Debbie, Michael's mom, on "Queer as Folk." Sharon is most recognized for her Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning role on the hit TV series, "Cagney and Lacey." She has appeared in many other television shows, movies, and on the stage, including her Golden Globe winning role as Rosie O'Neill in the series, "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill."

Page 1 of 7

Showtime: Thanks for signing on for our chat with Sharon Gless, who plays Debbie, Michael's mom on "Queer as Folk." Sharon is most recognized for her Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning role on the hit TV series, "Cagney and Lacey." She has appeared in many other television shows, movies, and on the stage, including her Golden Globe-winning role as Rosie O'Neill in the series, "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill." Ask her about life before, during and after "Queer As Folk.” Welcome, Sharon!

Sharon Gless: I'm here. Thank you!

Buffboy: Hi, Sharon. I have always loved everything you do. I am so glad you are a part of this fantastic new series. I would love to have your character as my mom. You add so much to the entire ensemble. You're the best!

Sharon Gless: Wow! Thank you very much - the pleasure is all mine. I love playing this part. It is the most fun character I have ever played.

Arickey: Ms. Gless, I have followed your career since “Cagney and Lacey.” I was very excited to hear you were going to be Debbie in this series. What do you hope people come away feeling as they watch “QAF”?

Sharon Gless: Oh! Good about themselves, warm and fuzzy inside, well-informed. Hopefully they will feel they have a place to turn to so they don't feel they are alone. All the things that a good television show should do - to entertain, to educate, and to give you a home away from home.

JulieM: Sharon, first of all I would just like to say what an honor it is to be able to chat with you. Thank goodness for the Internet gods. I have heard it said that there was a lot of Sharon Gless in Christine Cagney. I am wondering how much (if any) of you is a part of Debbie? What qualities do you think you possess that Debbie has as well? Thanks for chatting with your fans.

Sharon Gless: Thank you! What qualities do I possess that Debbie has.? Well, hopefully I have her heart. I have her vocal chords! I do NOT have her taste in clothes. I would say that the quality I possess that is most closely linked to hers is in the heart category. And her humor!

Soul Eyes: How much fun are you and the rest of the cast having on the set in between takes?

Sharon Gless: A lot!

Arickey: What is your favorite part of doing the show?

Sharon Gless: Working with these fine young actors. I told Tyne Daly recently I didn't remember our being that good when we were their age. She assures me we were! (smile)

Lisa: Sharon, How does it feel to be in such a crucial role in the American public’s eye?

Sharon Gless: It feels great! I knew this was an important part when I read it. And I went after it. It's a very big, fat, juicy part. And I'm glad it's mine.

JulieM: Sharon, do you know people in your life that resemble Debbie that have given you input or ideas? I love the history that has been created for her (i.e., favorite color, books, etc.). How much of the creation of Debbie’s history was your doing?

Sharon Gless: Some of Debbie's history was put on the website by the writers. I, however, have written a whole history of my own for Debbie, and it is that history that I keep in the back of my mind when I play her.

Page 1 of 7