Glenda Morgan Brown made her film debut in 1995’s “Sudden Death” which was distributed by Universal Pictures and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The role of ‘Mrs. Taylor’ in director Peter Hyams’ action blockbuster was quite the coup for the actress, who would later win roles in such series and films as ‘’Angel’’ (as Angel’s mother!), “Commander in Chief”, opposite Geena Davis, and “2010: A Kitchen Odyssey,” in which she played – no less than – Marilyn Monroe.
Brown’s latest Film is the psychological thriller "At Granny’s House," in which she plays the role of Marion Rogers, an elderly lady who accepts a mysterious young woman into her home.
Recently, Glenda discussed her life as an actress, her roles, and her forthcoming movie projects via an exclusive interview.
Shows, characters, and TV
Meagan Meehan (MM): What inspired you to become an actress and how did you launch yourself into the industry?
Glenda Morgan Brown (GMB): I remember watching classic '50's shows on our old blonde-colored fake wood TV and thinking that the worlds I saw were absolutely magical ..and that those people looked like they were having the time of their lives. I wanted to climb right into the set and join them! I did community theatre right out of high school, but I didn't get PAID to act until I moved to Phoenix, Arizona. I had always done voices--celebrity impersonations and original character voices.
As I was signing the papers to buy our first house, I was goofing around with some of my impersonations from "The Wizard of Oz." Our real estate agent took notice and put me in touch with a good friend of hers who also did voices. He recommended me to his agent, and they signed me up. I had no idea they also represented actors for on-camera work, but before I knew it, I was going out for commercials and industrials and the occasional film that came through town.
MM: You’ve done a lot of TV work – including a memorable role as the mother of the title character on TVs “Angel” – did you intentionally chase television roles?
GMB: Quite honestly, I just intentionally chased WORK! Actually, I love television--it's so accessible because the actors come right into the viewers' homes. I like the idea of reaching out to people literally "where they live."
MM: What are some of your favorite shows that you’ve been involved in?
How was your time working with David Boreanaz on “Angel”?
GMB: David was very gracious when I worked on "Angel." His parents happened to be visiting the set my first night, and he took me over and introduced me to them. As far as other shows, I have had nothing but great experiences. I was the most excited about "Commander in Chief," the show that starred Geena Davis as the first female President. I was cast as the wife of the Vice President, who was played by Peter Coyote. I was absolutely thrilled! But then, the storylines completely changed, and we were both written out. Bummer!
MM: How did “At Granny’s House” come to you and can you tell us about your character, Marion?
GMB: I already knew Les Mahoney (the writer/director/star), and he asked me to audition.
I believe I had two call-backs and ended up booking the part. Marion, aka Granny, is living alone and having a bit of trouble coping with day-to-day tasks as she gets older, and she's also very lonely. Her son doesn't want to be PERSONALLY responsible for helping out, so instead, he hires a caregiver, Rebecca, against his mother's wishes. Rebecca manages to befriend Marion, and they become inseparable. Rebecca's got a strange hobby (spoiler alert!), but Marion puts up with it because she loves the companionship. This was my first thriller/horror film. I've been in stage plays with blood, gore, and violence, and I've actually been killed off several times in film and TV (SUDDEN DEATH, ANGEL, CLOSE TO HOME), so I'm happy I survived in AT GRANNY'S HOUSE!
MM: How was it working with Les Mahoney? He’s a man that wears many hats, by the sounds!?
GMB: It was a great experience all around. We were well taken care of onset, and the cast and crew bonded like a family. Les created a very collaborative environment.
Roles, movies, and advice
MM: Your first film role, I believe, was opposite Jean Claude Van Damme in a major studio blockbuster. That would’ve been quite the experience! What are your memories of that?
GMB: It was very exciting! My first day on set was Jean-Claude's last on the shoot, so I didn't get to know him. My scenes were predominantly with the late Powers Boothe, who played the villain. We shot in an empty warehouse with no insulation and no heat--in November, in Pittsburgh.
It was cold! But when you're shooting a film about hockey, what do you expect, eh?
MM: What is most enjoyable about being in the movie industry, where you do aspire to go from here, and what exciting new projects are on the horizon?
GMB: I love acting, so any chance I get to do it is a great blessing. Movies have a slower pace than television, so there's more time to prepare and think about your performance before getting in front of the camera. Lately, I've been doing a lot of dialect coaching, both for stage productions and private coaching for actors who need a dialect for an audition. I really enjoy it...but I also love performing. As long as opportunities present themselves, I will be acting in one venue or another.
I just finished dialect coaching GOOD PEOPLE for The Chance Theater in Anaheim (Boston "Southie" accents) and am starting on the next show for The Chance, BIG FISH (Alabama accents). There's another project in the works, but I can't talk about it yet.
MM: Would you like to mention anything more, maybe a few words of advice for up-and-comers?
GMB: I'll pass on some advice I received just before I moved to LA to pursue acting. Call everyone you know who might be able to help you, either with advice or contacts. Don't end a conversation without getting the name and number of at least one more person who might be able to help you. BUT--don't do this until you are ready when you are prepared for your craft and ready to compete. You can only call in favors once.
