Theater News

Susan Sullivan Works It Out!

The popular actress discusses starring in L.A. Theatre Works’ The School For Scandal and her hit TV show Castle.

Susan Sullivan
(© Derek Hutchinson)
Susan Sullivan
(© Derek Hutchinson)

Like so many actors, Susan Sullivan began her career on the stage — working in regional theater and even appearing on Broadway in Jimmy Shine — before finding fame on television, where she has worked steadily for nearly five decades from Another World to Falcon Crest to her current gig as Martha Rodgers on ABC’s hit series Castle. But her love of theater remains strong, and this week, she’ll play Lady Sneerwell in L.A. Theatre Works’ staged reading of The School for Scandal, January 12-16. TheaterMania recently spoke to Sullivan about the show, her TV series, and her life on stage.

THEATERMANIA: Tell me about the whole LATW experience, where you’re both reading a play and recording it for radio at the same time?
SUSAN SULLIVAN: It’s really interesting, because you’re trained to use your whole system as an actor, but, here, it’s working for radio, which is about the voice. But as much as I think it’s an interesting challenge, I don’t think about it that much while I’m doing it; I just think about being the character.

TM: What is it about this play and this character that appeals to you?
SS: I actually accepted the part in the middle of Bergdorf Goodman’s during a sale, and the truth is, I started my career at Ford’s Theatre in She Stoops for Conquer and I thought it was that play they called about. But I love the idea of playing Lady Sneerwell; you get everything you need just from the name of the character. I do think it will be interesting to see how this play works in this format, since we’re not moving about and it seems to need the vitality of people jumping about. But the LATW people know what they’re doing.

TM: Do you enjoy doing comedy?
SS: I’ve always loved doing comedy. When I started out, I worked a lot at the Cleveland Playhouse, where we did both comedies and dramas, and that was great. Comedy is all about timing, which is a gift I’ve always had. But when I started in TV, I started in soaps, and so people only thought about me doing drama. Now, people seem to think of me only for comedy, and that’s fine. Right now, I just think of myself as a working actor. Some years ago, I was called a journeyman actor, and I didn’t like it; but I realize that’s what you are as an actor when you’re doing this and that as I do now, and that’s a nice place to be at this stage of life.

Susan Sullivan in Castle
(© ABC)
Susan Sullivan in Castle
(© ABC)

TM: Are you enjoying working on Castle? Do you like being Martha?
SS: I am having fun. I think Martha is amusing, but she has depths and struggle. I only work one day a week. I wouldn’t want to be doing TV five days a week — been there, done that; it’s like being an athlete. But it’s also tricky working only one day a week, because you don’t have a rhythm. I love the cast, and I love filming on that loft set, where you can be comfortable every second. If I could have written what I wanted for this point in my life, I think I would’ve written this exact scenario.

TM: Did you know Nathan Fillion, who plays Castle — your son — before you did the show?
SS: No, I didn’t know Nathan before. In fact, he auditioned with everyone, so when I met him I thought he was just the reader. When I stood up, he stayed seated, and so I said “you, up up up” and he did get up — and we finished the scene. He is one of the most generous actors and people I’ve ever worked with; I always say that he is one of my best children.

TM: Did you have a role model when you started out as an actress?
SS: I remember seeing Judith Anderson do Medea when I was at Hofstra, and I was very taken with her. Actually, not long after I saw her, I went in to interview for a Fulbright scholarship, and when they asked me about who I admired, I said Greta Garbo and Judith Anderson. I never got the Fulbright and I figured that’s the reason why!

TM: You recently participated in a Falcon Crest reunion at the Paley Center in Los Angeles. How do you feel about that period of your life?
SS: It was great to recapture that time, and see my old co-stars like David Selby and Bob Foxworth. I’ve actually watched the DVD of some of the early episodes, and I think it’s amazing to be able to look back at yourself 30 years ago.

TM: Do you have any plans to do another play in New York? And do you have a dream role?
SS: I’d love to do a theater piece in New York this summer, and I’m going to talk to my agent. It would have to be a short run, because I only have a short hiatus from Castle. As for shows, I was just listening to Threepenny Opera, and I would love to do Mrs. Peachum before I really get too old for it.

For tickets to The School For Scandal, click here.