Exclusive Frances Sternhagen Interview

Moviesonline recently had the pleasure of talking to stage and screen legend Frances Sternhagen about her role in The Mist, her Stephen King connection, and her role in The Closer. In The Mist, Ms. Sternhagen plays Irene, a retired school teacher with a bit of sass. Turning in another solid performance, her character is one of the few to remain grounded throughout the film. After an aggressive storm damages their home in Western Maine, David Drayton (Thomas Jane) and his son Billy (Nathan Gamble) head to the grocery store to stock up on supplies. While there, a mysterious mist rolls in, significantly decreasing visibility. David, Billy, and the many other shoppers including fire & brimstone religious nut Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden), grounded yet tough Amanda Dumfries (Laurie Holden), litigious Brent Norton (Andre Braugher), and retired school teacher (Frances Sternhagen) decide to stay inside out of concern for what the mist might be, or what it might be hiding.

Following the appearance of a rather aggressive tentacle in the storage room amongst other suspect anomalies, the stores inhabitants start to show signs of disarray. As the rules of civilization rapidly break down, it becomes clear that the real monster might be human nature itself. Raised in Washington D.C, Frances Sternhagen taught acting, singing, and dancing before jumping into the acting game herself. She has been seen on Broadway a number of times receiving five Tony Award nominations, and winning one for The Good Doctor. Other shows Ms. Sternhagen has appeared in on stage are Equus, On Golden Pond, and You Can’t Take it With You.

Frances Sternhagen made her film debut in Up the Down Staircase (1967). Since then, cinephiles will recognize her from many film roles including Fedora (1978), Outland (1981), Communion (1989), Misery (1990), Doc Hollywood (1991), and The Laramie Project (2002). Television viewers will remember her from roles such as Cliff’s mom on Cheers, Millicent Carter on ER, and more recently as Willie Ray Johnson on The Closer.

When talking to Frances, it is clear that she is a genuine person. She seems very grounded and kind with a great sense of humour.

Moviesonline: How did you become involved in The Mist?

Frances Sternhagen: Well, I was asked to do it. I was told by Frank Darabont ,and by my agent who knew about it beforehand. Frank was a fan of Starting Over, a movie I made at the end of the 70’s I think, which was why he chose me. So, he just hired me. Frank was just great to work with. I was such a fan of his two other big movies “The Shawshank Redemption” and “the Green Mile”. They really were quite wonderful films, so I was pleased to work with him.

Moviesonline: I know that before you got into acting you were a teacher, and in The Mist you play a retired school teacher. Did this help you in preparing for this role? Was there any other preparation involved?

Frances Sternhagen: Oh I suppose. It’s a sort of natural thing I think. I’ve also had children. So I don’t think it took much preparation. It’s a pretty natural thing. Plus, there wasn’t a lot of discussion about teaching in the film. I prepared mostly by Looking over the script and memorizing the lines. The main thing I had to get prepared for was the action in the supermarket. That lovely little boy, Nathan Gamble, I think I was his favourite character as I got to save him twice, once in the supermarket and once in the pharmacy.

Both scenes were cut, which was a little disappointing, so I’m not sure if I’m his favourite character anymore. I had to prepare in learning how to use the fire lighter and in throwing the can of peas. David was the one who actually did the throwing, and it was so well shot, it flew right across the store and hit Marcia square on the forehead, making me look like I had great aim, which I don’t. I really do throw like a girl.

Moviesonline: This shoot took place over 37-days, which is quite a rapid shooting schedule. Did this impact how you approached the film and the dynamic on set?

Frances Sternhagen: Well, only in that we all knew that we couldn’t waste time. You didn’t want to waste time anyways, because that whole supermarket was a very confining space. The action was so tense and so compressed that I think everybody was very much a part of keeping things going as quickly as possible. We also had a wonderful group of extras, they were delighted to be a part of the team. I know one of them said they were used to just crossing the street in most films, but in this one they really got to do things and be part of the action. So that was great.

Moviesonline: This isn’t the first Stephen King adaptation I’ve seen you in. I remember your roles in both Misery and Golden Years. Is it just a coincidence that you’re always popping up in his adaptations?

Frances Sternhagen: No. I don’t think so. It’s just a question of if I’m around to play the characters that are written for me. He’s such a prolific writer, and he’s such an honourable man. I was surprised that he remembered me when he saw me and gave me a big hug. It’s always a surprise when someone that famous knows who you are. When he saw me he said Frances, how are you? He’s quite an American personality. I think he really wants America to be representing the best in us. And that’s quite impressive.

Moviesonline: Do you have any projects on the horizon?

Frances Sternhagen: Well, I’m probably going to be doing a few more episodes of The Closer. They’re a nice group of people, and it’s good to be a part of it. I really enjoy working on that show. I’ll probably be doing that in the summer.