From her breakout role in Greg Araki’s ‘The Doom Generation’ to her unforgettable time as Paige Mathews in ‘Charmed’ and work in the films of Robert Rodriquez, Rose McGowan has been delivering mesmerizing performances on our cinema and television screens for over 20 years. Later this month she’ll be visiting Perth. She caught up with Ryan Boldison ahead of her trip.
Is this your first time coming to Australia and Perth? What are you most excited about seeing while you’re here?
I love Australia so much! This will be my 4th time in Australia, but my first in Perth. The only thing I wish was this around New Year’s Eve. I’ve always dreamt of seeing Sydney’s spectacular fireworks. Maybe someday.
You’re coming as a part of Supanova which describes itself as a ‘Pop Culture Expo’, what is pop culture to you?
Oh! That’s a big question. I suppose it’s all forms of entertainment. Pop culture has been around since time immemorial. We just gave it a cute name. But, oh, it is fun, isn’t it?
What’s the most exciting thing about being involved with events like Supanova?
I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful people and hear about their passions and what makes them tick.
Do you find fans know more about the roles you’ve played than what you do?
Absolutely. When you act, it’s like living in the moment, and then that moment passes and you forget. However, I can tell you all about the movies I’ve seen when I was 13. Somehow for me it’s easier to remember other actor’s work than it is mine.
So much of your work has attracted a strong cult following, from ‘Charmed’ and ‘Jawbreaker’ to Death Proof, ‘Grindhouse’ and ‘Scream’. Do you deliberately seek out roles that resonate with people in this way?
I tried to pick the best of what was available to me. I always insisted on making her smart, not dumb. Never dumb. And never an accessory to a man.
Do you prefer playing villains or heroes?
I prefer heroic villains.
Who would win in a cage match to the death, Paige Matthews or Cherry Darling? Who would you be rooting for?
Oh, no. I think they’d join forces. How great would it be if they became friends and allies and fought evil together?
You’ve been a very public advocate for the LGBT community, including being involved in the NOH8 campaign. Why is it important to you to publicly support the queer community?
When I was a kid, I was always fighting for the little boy or girl at school that was being persecuted because they were “other”. I was very often that other in my life, no one came to my defense, but I couldn’t stand by and see others get hurt. I relate more to the underdog and the street fighting kid than anything else, because that is my background. We are fighters, all of us in the “other” category, but it’s awesome, look how far we’ve come.
In your interview with the Advocate back in 2011 you talk candidly about how the LGBT community has played such a strong role in your life from living with drag queens, having a lesbian assistant, working with people from the LGBT community and not all that long ago you were a guest judge on Rupaul’s Drag Race. What do you love so much about us?
I feel safe within the community, and, hopefully, they feel safe with me. I’ve laughed, cried, freaked it out and learned from my LGBT friends, sister, assistants, and coworkers. It’s life, we are all one. And I didn’t marry until they could in many places. I had a deal with a friend and I stuck to it.
Do you like to hit up the gay clubs as you travel? Might we see you at Connections while you’re in town? It’s one of the longest running clubs around!
Yes! Take me with you!!!!!!!
Supernova is at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 20 -22. Find out about all the guests at www.supanova.com.au
Ryan Boldison
