Co-star of "Queer as Folk"

Showtime presents

January 21, 2001

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Jeffrey: I just want to say that I hope you are nominated for an Emmy for your performance, Sharon. You are TERRIFIC!

Sharon Gless: Thank you very much! From your mouth to God's ears! (laughing)

Buffboy: Sharon, is this role as challenging as “Cagney And Lacey” was?

Sharon Gless: Yes, in a very different way. I can't say she's a bigger character (I always hate using the word ‘big’) because Debbie is a big person inside. She's challenging in a different way, only because I hadn't played a character like this before. But she's not difficult to play because her emotions are so true, and she comes from such a place of joy.

JulieM: Sharon, what parts of Debbie and “Queer as Folk” made you actively pursue the role? Was it a role that you found too hard to resist, or did you feel it was a message that needed to be said? (Maybe I should stop answering for you, and let you give it a try (smile)

Sharon Gless: (laugh) I was drawn to that character the moment I read it. I picked up the phone, I called Showtime, and said I wanted it. Fortunately, it had not been cast, and I felt like it was a role that I had been waiting to play. I just didn't know it yet!

Kristy66: Sharon, what was your very first performance? Were you on stage in high school? (Wondering where the love of acting came from…)

Sharon Gless: Hi, Kristy! I never performed in high school. I was not in the drama department. I did perform a little in grammar school, but I didn't actively pursue acting until I was well in my twenties. I've always been a late bloomer.

K9: Do you feel strange working on the set with people who are gay?

Sharon Gless: Not at all. Why would I?

Buffboy: Sharon, I am a gay parent, and I have two fabulous adult daughters in their early 20's. They actually remind me of your role as Debbie. They, like you, are so accepting and very proud of me. When I see you in your ‘mom mode,’ it makes me smile.

Sharon Gless: (laugh) Thank you. That's the nicest compliment you could pay me.

Arickey: What has been your favorite character you've played?

Sharon Gless: I've had the pleasure of playing so many wonderful characters. I don't want to hurt any of my character's feelings! So I'll just say that whichever one I am playing right now is my favorite one.

Lisa: I am a lesbian educator who has recently adopted a young child. How do you truly feel about lesbians as parents?

Sharon Gless: Great! That's such a strange question. My only feelings about any woman as a parent is “Do you love your child?" I think that's the only prerequisite. And, if so, what a lucky child that is that you have taken into your heart.

Deljam007: Do you think that this show has and will help other parents accept their children for who they are?

Sharon Gless: Yes, I certainly hope so. I see no reason why not. It certainly has given parents who have not had the opportunity before every chance to learn. Yes, I think that's one of the great, GREAT benefits of this show.

Maddie: Has taking this part changed your view of gay society? How?

Sharon Gless: Well, it hasn't ‘changed’ my view of it, but I never had an adverse view of gay society. It has just made me more aware and I've learned a lot more, but I'm just even more positive than I was before. I, like everyone, am learning from this show. Lucky me!

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