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(The two connected when Poehler invited Turner to take part inheraudiobookforher memoirYes, just.)
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: I just can’t believe there was never aSend Yourself Rosesaudiobook before this.
Credit: Eamonn McCormack/WireImage
KATHLEEN TURNER:I know!
It just got away!
But when Amy put that in my head, I was like, “Yeah…
I should do that.”
That play is an hour-and-42-minute monologue…
I kind of underestimated the amount of vocal demand.
I planned to record this in Washington during the day.
Turned out no human being could actually talk that much and keep the quality of voice that you want.
I started to read the book and thought, “No, Ireallylike it.
I really like it!”
The whole book sounds so conversational.
Yeah, it is.
But every word is mine, out of my mouth.
It does make it very easy to translate into an audiobook.
So what was the experience of recording it like?
I had a ball!
I really enjoyed it so much.
I found myself telling them stories that weren’t in the book half the time.
These were really hard places to get through.
I would have to stop and collect myself and then start again.
And I said, “No!
I don’t want it to sound pasteurized.
It’s hard [to read] because it’shard.”…
It was surprising howvividit all still is.
I hadn’t quite expected I would go through a reliving process.
Made for some serious dreaming at night.
But it also told me how honest the book is.
Were there any parts you wished you could rewrite?
No, I thought that would be dishonest.
I don’t get to go back and rewrite history.
What aspects of the book are you still proud of?
Some of the wisdom!
And they went, “Yeah!”
I was kind of thrilled with that.
Did any chapters seem extra relevant now?
Well actually, I was pleased at some of my diplomacy about people.
I thought, “Well, that was good of you, Turner.
In fact, they were a real ahole.”
But honestly, that’s for me.
That’s not to protect anyone else.
It’s the wayIwant to behave.
But there are no lies or anything like that.
I don’t think most stars are as honest as you were in this book.
So I’m told often.
How did you decide how much to reveal?
Gloria really had to talk me into this one.
She said, “Look, you really have a lot to share.”
And I said, “I don’t know.
It sounds so egotistical, talking all about myself.”
And she said, “That’s the point.”
I went, “Oh!
As we know, this echoes through all our professions.
But you’re very susceptible in this industry because it is so inbred.
Because if theyhaveworked with me, they know the difference is that it’s not personal.
So that usually answers any questions.
But I am not known for being a wallflower or… demure, let’s say.
Every actress should think like that.
[Note: Listen to this section in EW’s exclusive clip, below.]
It’s just so simple to me, honestly.
If you take the character out of the script, what substantially changes?
Does something really change?
And if the answer is no, then why is she’s there?
Just because somebody thinks, “Stick in a girlfriend or a mother.”
It just makes no sense to me, and it’s a waste of my time and interest.
I just went to see a production ofThe Tempestwith Harriet Walkerat St. Ann’s [in New York].
It’s amazingly fascinating and powerful.
Actually, it was kind of funny.
And I said [putting on a blubbering voice], “I’m sorry!
I didn’t know this was going to happen!”
And they all started hugging me.
I didn’t even know I was going to do that.
That reminds me ofOrange is the New Black.Do you watch a lot of TV?
I don’t really.
Unfortunately, I’ve been watching much too much MSNBC.
I must have watched five episodes in a row.
I was like, “I can’t believe I’m doing this!”
But it takes so much time.
How do people have time to watch these things?
I don’t know!
But it was kind of fun.
And then I watchedWestworld I really liked that.
I watched that the weekend before.
Bad influences, you young people are!
You’ve been involved with Planned Parenthood for decades.
How do you balance your activism with your acting work?
Usually, when I’m in rehearsals for a play, say, I contact my organizations.
Because I also serve on the board of CityMeals here in New York.
I contact them and say, “I’m going under for two months.
I’m not available, don’t try me.”
But once I’m in performance, then I have Monday nights [free].
They were able to have the ceremony on a Monday night so that I could emcee it.
Doing stuff like that is terrific.
It’s not always pleasant.
I was in Naples, Florida once when [people] poured concrete in the windows and doorways.
And then… Texas is so difficult, but somebody’s got to go, right?
Would you ever write a follow-up book?
I’m working with this guy who’s at the University of Oregon.
He’s very good.
Would you write another memoir?
Give me a few more years, kiddo.
I’m going to give myself a vacation for the first time in a couple years.
I’m going to fly over to London [for] 10 days.
I have a lot of friends in London because I worked over there so much.
She says, “Oh yes, darling, that’s wonderful, darling.
You must give meallyour time.
All your time, I tell you!”
Then she says, “But first, when are you coming?”
I said, “I’m coming in April.”
I adore this woman.
She’s the best.
Send Yourself Rosesis available inaudiobookand print now.
