The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center recently hosted a captivating public interview featuring acclaimed actress Mercedes Ruehl, as part of their ongoing Oral History project curated by Betty Corwin. These invaluable interviews are meticulously filmed and archived in the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, offering a treasure trove of resources for researchers and enthusiasts alike. While these recordings are accessible for viewing at the library, experiencing these insightful conversations live offers a unique and engaging perspective.
(L-R) Andrea Chapin, Mercedes Ruehl. Image by Martha Wade Steketee
(L-R) Andrea Chapin and Mercedes Ruehl in conversation at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
This particular evening, co-sponsored by the League of Professional Theatre Women, brought together two longtime friends: arts and culture writer Andrea Chapin, who skillfully guided the conversation, and the luminous Mercedes Ruehl, who captivated the audience with her charm and profound insights. Ruehl’s extensive career spans Off-Broadway, Broadway, and film, marked by diverse and challenging roles. During this engaging discussion, she delved into various facets of her life and career, sharing anecdotes and reflections that resonated deeply with attendees.
Stepping into the Spotlight: Early Career Lessons
Ruehl recounted her early experiences navigating the professional theatre world, particularly her first significant role with the legendary Joe Papp. She vividly recalled the daunting experience of being on a large stage and the crucial lesson Papp imparted: “you have to get around and go to the light; that’s where the light is.” This simple yet powerful direction underscored the necessity for actors to confidently take center stage, both literally and figuratively, in their careers.
The Perseverance of an Aspiring Actress
Reflecting on her journey, Mercedes Ruehl emphasized the years of dedication and perseverance required to achieve success in the theatre world. She noted that her breakthrough came in her early thirties, highlighting the often-unseen years of hard work and resilience that precede recognition. Her advice to aspiring actors is clear: “You have to keep pressing through despair.” This acknowledgement of the emotional challenges inherent in pursuing an acting career offered encouragement and validation to those in the audience embarking on similar paths.
Acting as a Dance: Focus and Tenacity
Drawing inspiration from the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which explores the lives of backup singers, Ruehl drew parallels to the acting profession. She quoted Darlene Love, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and consistency in performance: “you try to keep it right as long as you can.” Ruehl beautifully described the collaborative nature of acting, especially when scenes are flowing seamlessly: “you’re just dancing, like a good jazz trio, playing it differently all the time.” This metaphor highlighted the dynamic interplay between actors and the improvisational quality of live performance.
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Expectations
Addressing the industry’s historical typecasting, Ruehl touched upon the “blonde goddess standard” she encountered early in her career. While acknowledging that these stereotypes persist to some extent, she spoke with assurance about forging her own path and finding her unique place within the acting landscape. She offered a candid perspective on navigating the casting process, noting, “Casting agents can be your best friends … and they can put up walls. You have to scale those walls.” This metaphor resonated with the realities of auditioning and the need for actors to overcome obstacles in their careers.
The Art of Collaboration with Edward Albee
Mercedes Ruehl shared fascinating stories about her experiences working with the iconic playwright Edward Albee, particularly her journey to being cast in The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? She recounted her initial, less-than-successful attempts to impress Albee, feeling she was trying too hard to be a “fascinator.” However, her persistence and talent eventually led to an opportunity to play Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Guthrie Theatre, with Albee’s approval. Preparing for the role while caring for a young child, Ruehl described the intense dedication required, noting, “everyone, even the baby, ran lines with me.” She emphasized the pivotal nature of the dress rehearsal, Albee’s only viewing opportunity, recognizing it as her “it’s now or never moment.” Her successful performance solidified her standing in Albee’s eyes and opened doors to further collaborations.
Decoding the Metaphor: Albee’s Theatrical Depth
Ruehl illuminated a key aspect of Edward Albee’s playwriting, highlighting the central metaphor often embedded within his works. She explained that engaging with Albee’s plays requires actors to connect emotionally with these underlying metaphors, whether it’s “the baby” in The Play About the Baby or the complex dynamics in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? She emphasized the need to find a tangible emotional anchor, even when dealing with abstract concepts, stating, “you have to decide what that baby is” and “You can’t break your heart over a child that doesn’t exist.” This insight offered a deeper understanding of the interpretive challenges and rewards of performing in Albee’s plays.
The Evolution of an Artist: Humility and Diplomacy
Ruehl candidly discussed her personal growth as an artist, acknowledging her younger self as a “wise ass English major” prone to expressing strong opinions, not always with grace. She reflected on the valuable lessons learned over time, emphasizing the importance of “diplomacy” and “humility in the face of writers and directors.” This acknowledgement of personal evolution and the development of collaborative skills resonated with the audience, highlighting the ongoing learning process inherent in a life in the theatre.
Finding the Voice: Crafting Iconic Characters like Bella in Lost in Yonkers
Ruehl offered a fascinating glimpse into her character development process, using her iconic role as Bella in Lost in Yonkers as a prime example. She revealed her inspiration came from Tom Hanks’ character in Big, observing his portrayal of a childlike adult. Ruehl described her internal direction for Bella as playing “the high end of thirteen,” capturing the character’s emotional immaturity despite her adult age. She recounted her intense focus on finding Bella’s distinct voice, remembering telling herself, “I’m not going to sleep until I have this voice.” Ruehl described the breakthrough moment in rehearsal, where the emotional core of Bella and the play was unlocked through “angry tears,” illustrating the often-intense emotional exploration required to fully inhabit a character.
Embodying Real Lives: From Frieda Kahlo to Peggy Guggenheim
Ruehl discussed her experiences portraying real historical figures on stage and screen, including Frieda Kahlo, Louise Nevelson in Edward Albee’s Occupant, and Peggy Guggenheim in Woman Before a Glass. She emphasized her approach to finding these characters through their voices, whether through archival recordings (Nevelson and Guggenheim) or imaginative interpretation (Kahlo). Looking ahead, Ruehl mentioned considering the role of Diana Vreeland, further demonstrating her continued interest in embodying compelling and distinctive personalities. She concluded, “All these things ride into town on your voice,” underscoring the power of vocal characterization in her transformative performances.
New York vs. Los Angeles: A Coastal Perspective
Concluding the interview with a more personal reflection, Ruehl shared her preference for New York City over Los Angeles. “I’ve always felt safer in New York,” she stated, expressing a sense of comfort and belonging in the East Coast city. Regarding Los Angeles, she playfully commented on the city’s “brinksmanship” and, with a smile, “then there’s the freeways,” adding a touch of humor to her insightful observations.
Mercedes Ruehl’s engaging conversation offered a wealth of professional and life lessons, delivered with palpable charm and wisdom. Her journey to success, achieving recognition in her early 30s, serves as an inspiring testament to talent, perseverance, and a genuine love for the craft of acting. The evening was a truly marvelous and enriching experience for all in attendance.
© Martha Wade Steketee (January 21, 2014)
