Jericho ~ Cast Interview with April Parker ~ Darcy Hawkins

I have to tell you that doing these interviews with the cast members has been a joy of my lifetime, something I never ever thought I would be getting the chance to do. I am very proud to be doing this Interview today with April Parker - Jones ( Darcy Hawkins).

Being the mother of 3 teenage girls, the fact that Jericho allows me to show my girls strong, capable, loving women is awesome. Darcy Hawkins is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting and definitely one of the strongest women characters on the show.

I am thrilled to bring this interview to you and hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did doing it.
:-)

Interview with April Parker-Jones

Your fans are so interested in who April Parker Jones is, how did you begin your journey in the acting profession? Did you have a inspiration?

Well, my journey in acting starting when I was 5 years old, when I did my first play, “The Tortoise and the Hare”. I knew then that acting would forever be a part of my life. From then on I would do plays at church, school and around my community. I moved to NY in further pursuit of an acting career. I met my Husband in NY (who is also an actor) and we decided to head out here to Hollywood in 2005 and try our hand at film and television.

An inspiration..... ? I am inspired by people and the complex lives that we live. I am inspired by the women in my life; my Mom, my sisters, my daughter’s. I am inspired greatly by my Husband. He is sooo encouraging and supportive of me. He makes me feel like I can do anything!

I read that you grew up in Durham, North Carolina, do you get home
often?

Not as often as I would like to. I love N.C.!! I hope to retire somewhere in the South. My Husband is a native of Savannah, Georgia so we are both Southerners to the core.

I see that you originally auditioned for the part of Mimi, what was it that drew you to the character of Darcy?

Well, because I was not a fit for Mimi, the casting director decided to see me for the role of Darcy. I knew right away that it was a perfect fit. She was a concerned Mother with a backbone... just like myself!

When doing the research for this interview, I found you are in Spiderman 3, that must have been a total blast for you, what role did you play, and how was it too be in such a fantastic movie.

Now Lisa please do not get too excited!! I played a lab technician in Spiderman-3 and am very grateful, no doubt. But if you are not able to identify the side of my neck within 2 seconds, you will miss me! Spiderman 3 was actually the very first acting job that I was fortunate to book when I moved out here. It was super cool to work with Sam Raimi and to have my daughter tell all her friends at school...”My Mom’s in Spiderman 3!!”

Normally, when I am watching a show on television that has a husband and wife in a certain situation, I will yell at the screen if the actress does not portray her part as a real life wife would, however with your portrayal of Darcy in the scenes with Lennie James, I find myself so enraptured, so swept up in your responses. You and Lennie are such a beautiful couple , so full of honest love and respect for each other and your children. How did you prepare for the role of Hawkins wife, the situations Darcy finds herself in because of Hawkins history?

I think being a wife and mother in real life helps tremendously. It helps to maintain that level of realism. Also, the writers have done such an amazing job of capturing the honesty, love and respect that the Hawkins have for each other. Even more importantly is the connection I have with Mr. Lennie James. Working with him, has truly helped me to capture the true essence of Darcy Hawkins and has made me a better actress.

Darcy Hawkins is one of the most interesting women characters on
Jericho, she actually has two roles to play to the towns people and
herself, how did you get yourself into a place to bring such facets to the character?

First of all, Lisa, thank you for thinking that Darcy is one of the most interesting women on the show. That really means a lot to me. I know that her role is not as big as some of the other characters so I really try to make her as interesting as possible bearing that in mind. As far as getting myself to a certain place... I really just rely on the script, the set and the actors who I am working with.

Where do you think Darcy will be in Season 2, will we see Darcy become more involved in Hawkins past and his protection of the town?

Without giving too much away, you will definitely see Darcy become more involved in her Husband’s past and his protection of the town in Season 2. I am very pleased at the direction the writers have taken for Darcy in the new Season. So, make sure to tune in!

Did working on a story like this have an impact on how you see the
world, how you interact with others?

What a great question, Lisa! You know, it did have an impact on I how I see the world. I am one of those people who don’t watch the news very often. At times, I keep myself in this bubble. Thinking that the world is bliss. But this show has opened my eyes to some of the disturbing realities of the world that we live in. Needless, to say, I have starting watching the news more!

I saw in your interview with the blog JerichoMonster that you have a dream of being a dancer, is this something you would consider doing as part of a role for a movie? Is there a certain dancer or performer who you would like to maybe portray on film some day?

Wow, I would definitely consider playing a role of a dancer. But, let me tell you, Lisa, I would have to do a lot of work. It really is just a dream of mine and I may be too old at this point to make it a reality. Hey, but one can dream, right?

Is there a role that you dream of doing in the future?

Lisa, I would love to do a remake of Pam Grier’s, “Foxy Brown”! I think it would be loads of fun to get in kick ass shape and grow a fierce afro!

What new projects are you involved in , beyond Jericho?

Believe it or not, I work part-time as a secretary for a meat company! I just finished 2 independent short films and am currently shooting a guest spot on the 300^th episode of ER.

And my final question:

What do you think of the promotions efforts of the fans, is there
anything you feel we can do to help promote Jericho?

I think the promotion effort of the fans has been out of this world!! I have not seen anything like it! The only thing that the fans can do in my opinion is to not change. Keep the fire burning for Jericho!! It’s because of you that Jericho Lives!!!

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I would like to thank April for doing this interview with me, it was a great honor. And be sure to keep an eye out for the audio interview on J4K coming soon!

Jericho ~ Cast Interview with Alicia Coppola ~ Mimi Clark

As some of you may know, my absolute favorite couple on Jericho is Stanley and Mimi, hands down this couple is so adorable and so full of love for each other. The quips, the real respect is so touching to me and so many fans.


Alicia Coppola
I am thrilled beyond belief to have had this awesome opportunity to have done this interview with Ms Coppola, I still can not believe it's real! I am deeply honored to have this memory.
I am so excited to know that my favorite couple of all time will be back soon in Season Two!

:-)



How did you begin your career in Acting?

I was in my sophomore year at NYU studying to be a lawyer and started modeling to help my parents pay for school and rent. I was sent on an audition for the Hostess of Remote Control on MTV and I got the part. I realized during that job that everything I was searching for in all my previous creative endeavors in high school and college, such as writing, piano, flute and dance, was finally satisfied. My cousin, who is a producer, introduced me to her agent who signed me and that began my acting career.

Was there someone who was your inspiration in becoming an actor?

My father was my inspiration. He had always dabbled in modeling and acting during my childhood. His greatest dream was to have a contract role on a Soap Opera. He was diagnosed with brain cancer when I was twelve and although he was able to continue acting and modeling a bit, he was never really able to achieve his dream. After I graduated from NYU, he died. A few months after his death, I booked the role of Lorna on Another World. I felt I was living my father's dream for him. I also feel that my father taught me how to persevere...how to go after what you want in life, as one only has one life. It is ok , no, it is wonderful and important to dream... I have always felt that an artists path is chosen for them: I wanted to be a lawyer, but my father obviously had different plans for me. As always, he knew what was best for me. I am very happy with my career. I think my father would be very proud...

I’ve read where one of your dream roles would be to portray Mary Magdalene or Mary, mother of Jesus. Why?

Both women possessed a quiet strength and conviction and yet to me, were and have become the ultimate paradigm of motherhood and femininity. I am attracted to not only the subject matter, as biblical subjects interest me, but also to the certainty of faith they must have possessed in the face of such trial and tribulation through out their lives. I am drawn to those types of roles where one's faith is tested...Where one must walk through fire so to speak to come out the other side having learned, having awakened, having changed...

Impressively, you’ve either starred, had a recurring role or guest starred in over 40 TV shows and 6 Films! How does Jericho compare to the others for you?

I did not know that! Wow! I certainly am privileged. I feel as if my career up until I got the role of "Mimi" on Jericho was very fine preparation. "Jericho," in every aspect, has been the most wonderful experience of my career. I am truly grateful to be a part of such an amazing company.



The Jericho team made a perfect decision in choosing you to portray Mimi Clark; Did you audition specifically for the role of Mimi Clark? If so, what made the role so attractive to you?

I auditioned for the role of Mary Bailey. I was then offered the role of Mimi and I thank Jon Turltletaub, Stephen Chbosky, Karim Zreik,Carole Barbee, Dan Shotz, CBS and virtually everyone who had a say in my hiring...I am thankful they looked hard into me and saw Mimi. They and the amazing writers have given me a huge gift in Mimi...

When you heard about the Nuts Campaign begun by the fans, what was your reaction? Did you think we were on the right road in doing what we did?

We do the show for you, our fans. You all campaigned beautifully and gracefully. You supported us and gave us much needed encouragement. I am proud of you and grateful to you all. I think you are all brilliant for doing what you did...you made television history.


During filming, what was your typical day like on the set of Jericho?

My typical day is just plain fun.
To say it is work is lying. I played every day and had an absolute blast doing so. I get to work with wonderful people, I am fed and can drink all the Coca Cola's I want....It's great!!!

Your chemistry with Brad Beyer ( Stanley Richmond) on Jericho is so amazingly real, are you two as close as you seem?

I adore my Brad. He is a lovely actor, a brilliant comic and a true gentleman. I am fortunate to work with him.

How is Mimi Clark similar to Alicia Coppola, how are you different?

She's much more adept with poultry.

What would you like to see happen with Mimi's character in the future seasons of Jericho?

I would like to see Mimi and Stanley living happily ever after, forever, with many Tangomargaritas in their future!





How has working on Jericho affected your life/your outlook on life?

Working on Jericho had given me so much, I don't even know where to begin. I love my job. I love the people I am lucky enough to work with. Playing Mimi has strengthened my faith...in myself, and because of how the characters of Jericho have come together... I think, in other's as well.


What is your most treasured memory of working on Jericho?

I love working at the Richmond Ranch. The days when I am up at 4am and drive to the Ranch and watch the sun rise over the mountains of Simi Valley are some of the prettiest sights and amazing moments. It is a moment during my day that all is peaceful and calm and right. I treasure that feeling.


One of my favorite movies in the last few years was National Treasure, I was thrilled to read that you will be in National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Do you have an interest in History?

National Treasure is one of my favorite movies too! I have an avid interest in certain periods of history: WWII, Russian History, anything relating to the Bible to name just a few... The National Treasure: Book of Secret script fascinated me. I can't wait to see the final product!!!

And my final question -


What would you tell the fans about Promoting Jericho, any words of MimiWisdom for us?

I so appreciate your support...everything you have done for this great show "Jericho." Please keep working your magic...Watch the amazing episodes that are coming...Spread the word, write in, fax in, email everyone you know about "Jericho".....or.... remember what happened to the chicken?????
heeheehee.....

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Once again, Ms. Coppola I would like to say thank you from the very bottom of my heart for doing this interview. It means the world to me. Mimi is one of my most favorite characters on Jericho, and no one could ever play her but you. I will hold this interview close to my heart as a treasured memory.