This article appeared on Hollywood.com, published in November, 2007. Article by Lisa Collins.
Let’s face it, wife number one, who gives birth to the wayward, genius entertainer’s first children, is never the one they favor in biopics–and SNL‘s Kristen Wiig is more than ready to face the music playing that sinfully, marginal role in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
Kristen cleverly portrays Dewey Cox’s first wife–a send-up of the type of stage-wife who ‘stands by her man’–and while bedazzled by his rising fame, tortures him with her doubts of his talent and potential. The reason this type sticks with him, is very the reason she’s repelled by him explained Wiig. The wily, comedically gifted Wiig knows the deal, and reveled in embodying her carefully drawn stereotypic character playing opposite John C. Reilly in Jake Kasdan’s and Judd Apatow’s co-written satire.
HW: Are there still industry challenges for women in comedy?
Kristen Wiig: I think there’s definitely challenges. I hope to see more comedies revolving around female main characters–there’s definitely great female parts out there; I think most are based around guys. But that’s changing and women are being given a chance to show that they are funny!
HW: What was it like working with John C. Reilly?
KW: He’s just a normal, sweet, friendly guy. When he’s not shooting, he’s a friend. His body of work is incredible if you look at the movies he’s been in. I mean, I’ve been a fan of his for years and I was actually a little nervous to work with him since I’ve been such a fan for a long time. He doesn’t take stuff too seriously and he’s a normal guy; he’s a dad, he’s a husband and I hope to get to work with him again.
HW: Will it be weird to see what sort of material comes out after the Writers Guild Strike?
KW: Yeah, I’ve been writing something for Judd Apatow [Walk Hard, writer/producer] for a year now. My writing partner is in L.A. so it’s been hard to get together and write, especially now with the strike. There’s that weird thing [rule] that you’re not supposed to be writing for a studio … I’m not really sure–so, I’m just not writing at all. I just want to respect that since I’m in The Writers Guild as well.
Bonus Question:
HW: Did your improv training and your work on Saturday Night Live help you with this role?
KW: Oh, immensely. I studied with The Groundlings for many years and was in the main company there. For me I think that’s how I have developed all of my characters and sort of just becoming that person and just talking about yourself as that character. It’s the start of the scene, especially with SNL, it’s helped immensely.
