Melanie of "Queer as Folk"

Showtime presents

March 11, 2001

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Ana: I must say that when the show premiered, I found Melanie to be a hard character to like. Now, as the shows go by, I find myself enjoying her, and your portrayal of her, more and more. Have you seen a change in the way the scripts portray Melanie, or are things simply slipping into place as you become more comfortable with the character? Or is it just me?

Michelle: (Laughing) Well, it's kind of, when you meet someone in real life, they may be going through a hard time, so you think, "oh, that's who they are." But then, as you get to know them more, you realize that there are other dimensions to that person. I think the same is true of characters, especially in episodic TV, where you see them over a long period of time. The producers are also great at constantly showing the opposite side of the character. They make sure that nothing is ever black and white, but shades of gray, just as in real life.

Cheer Boy 13: Michelle, let me just say, I'm a 16 year old gay male, and I want to thank you for helping me understand my self better. You, along with this show have helped me so much, and I could never express with words to you how thankful I am.

Michelle: Oh, that is so sweet, I am going to cry! You just made my entire day here in Toronto worth it. (Smiling) Thank you!

DYke Grrl: Are you connected to Gus off-scene as much as on?

Michelle: Yes, I am. We have three different babies that play Gus. And they all come equipped with their own little personalities. And, whenever I am around them, I can't wait to get them in my hands. They are so cute and so precious and I love acting with them. It's hard to be fake when you are holding a baby in your hands.

Michael S BC: Michelle- I just wanted to say I love your character. Great job! Do you find that you and Brian are somewhat alike, and perhaps that's the reason why you dislike him?

Michelle: Oh, definitely! I've thought that from the very beginning. I believe that Melanie, before she met Lindsay, was a version of Brian's character. Or rather, Brian was a version of Melanie's character. I also believe that as much as I hate him, that's how much I envy his ability for freedom.

Big Red 143: What is the one thing about your character that you'd like everyone to be aware of, that isn't so apparent on screen?

Michelle: Gosh, I've never thought about that. I think everything that I've wanted to bring to this character is onscreen, so that doesn't leave much, other than that when Melanie gets stressed out, she drives a Harley down the highway. But we are working on that for next season!

Donna: Michelle, do you find the character of Melanie artistically satisfying?

Michelle: Oh, Jesus, yes! I get to run the gamut of emotion, from being witty, to being angry, to loving, to making love, to crying, to rage, to drinking, to infidelity! There really isn't an emotion that I don't get to play in this role, and that's very satisfying.

Crspy 1: Michelle, Hi. My name is Christine and I wanted to say you are extremely talented. I don't really have a question about the show, but I was wondering if you write in the journal online, or if that is the responsibility of the writers?

Michelle: Thank you. It's a collaboration between the writers that write for the website and the producers, and I haven't read all of it, but from what I've read, they do a damned good job.

Anastacia Ayn: After seeing tonight's performance, I believe you have a very deep understanding of Melanie's insecurities because I did not feel that you were acting in tonight's episode. Did this episode affect you, and if so, in what way? Great job!

Michelle: In fact, I have Diet Pepsi in my fridge right now! (Laughing) Well, thank you, and that's very interesting that you picked up on that. This episode was very personal to me. I tapped into something that I've actually lived through in my life, so I didn't think there was that much acting that had to be done with it.

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