By Jae-Ha Kim
Los Angeles Times
July 24, 2018
Rosanna Arquette says she feels grateful when people recognize her for her activism as much as for her acting (“Desperately Seeking Susan,” “Pulp Fiction”). Her latest role is as Mary on the new YouTube Premium series, “Sideswiped,” which premieres July 25. “While I was shooting this show, which I’m very excited about, I was dealing with all of the Harvey Weinstein stuff,” says Arquette, who was one of the first women to publicly talk about how the film producer threatened to sink her career after she says she refused his demands for sex. “Shooting the series was such a good distraction during that time. And with all the things going on (in politics now), I hope that people will watch the show and laugh.”
Q. Some people argue that taking a vacation during turbulent times is hedonistic. How do you feel?
A. We all want escapism. Going away on a vacation can be great. I do a television show now to make people laugh. It’s a comedy and it’s really good, but it is also a good distraction from what’s going on in the world.
Q. Do you think your “Sideswiped” character, Mary, would be a good travel companion for you?
A. Absolutely! She would make me laugh and get me into a lot of trouble. (Laughs) Mary never got to be young. She had kids at 18 and never really got to live her life as a young person. Her husband died and then she moved in with her daughter for a while and is now basically living like she’s 18 again. She would be a blast to have (on a trip).
Q. Can you share some childhood memories of a place where you grew up that your fans may not know about?
A. I lived in Chicago for a long time. I love Chicago! It’s one of my favorite cities. I went to Joseph Brennemann School and Louisa May Alcott Elementary School. I lived there from about four to eight years old, and then again when I was about 15. I was just there a couple years ago for Lollapalooza when Radiohead, who are friends of mine, played there. It’s a great festival.
Q. “Sideswiped” centers on dating. Where have you had some memorable dates?
A. It’s embarrassing to say, but I never really dated much, because I worked from the time I was 18 and didn’t have a lot of time to date. But my husband and I travel a lot. We enjoy that. That counts as memorable dates, right? (Laughs)
Q. Absolutely! Does your travel style mesh with his?
A. Yes and no. He loves to travel. And I realize how I’m very lucky to be able to travel and I don’t take it lightly. I love to go to different parts of the world and so does he. But he likes more fancy things and I’m more of the backpack and sleeping-on-the-floor in different places kind of traveler. I prefer to do it that way. It feels more authentic to my spirit than to just take these fancy trips. But he likes being comfortable and I get that. It’s nice to be comfortable, too, of course. But I like to explore a little bit more, so I went to India without him.
Q. Spouses don’t have to be tethered at the hip. Do you take trips with your girlfriends?
A. Yes, I do. They’re really fun and I think they’re important to do. I missed out on one that I wish I could’ve gone on. Some girlfriends of mine did a trip in Bhutan and I would’ve loved to have done that. I’ll try to do that one day. I went with a great group of women to Standing Rock (Indian Reservation) to protest the pipeline. That was quite an amazing experience.
Q. Where is someplace you visited that you would like to return to right now?
A. Anywhere in Italy. I love spending time in Italy. Even a crap restaurant in Italy is still delicious compared to the food here. (Laughs) Traveling is a great way to find really great, authentic food. I’m looking forward to spending more time in Mexico.
Q. Have your travels helped shape your views on how women are treated worldwide?
A. We’re seeing that things in America aren’t perfect either and could use some work. But there are some places where it is really bad for girls and women. You see children as young as seven being sold for sex trafficking and there is a huge problem with Americans (and other foreigners) going to (places like) India, Thailand and Vietnam to buy sex. It happens at home, too.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. I came from a Bohemian, hippie family. My mother really loved trains. When we did travel, we took trains. When I was a kid, I remember sleeping in the sleeper cars and having meals on really nice linen tablecloths with silverware. I wish people would start taking trains across the country again. I love them still. It’s such a neat way to travel.
Q. You and your husband could always take a fancy train vacation.
A. We did! A couple years ago, we went on the Orient Express as an anniversary present (to ourselves). It was really fun. We were in France and Italy. I want to take my daughter someday. She would really love it.
Q. What are some things you do before a trip?
A. When I know I’m going to want to eat all the pasta in Italy, I will try to eat a lot less for a week or so before the trip. I still end up coming home about seven pounds heavier, not from the pasta, but all the red wine! But it’s so good. You have to enjoy life. It also helps to stay active while you’re on a trip.
Q. Active like hiking or active like shopping?
A. (Laughs) Hiking and biking. In Italy, we took a bike tour led by Backroads, which took us on back roads through all these little villages in the middle of nowhere that you could never get to by car. It was great. I went on that with my husband and friends of his, who do it all the time. I don’t love riding a bike in traffic, because I get scared. But this was really fun. A couple times, we got lost, but they do have a van that will pick you up. I have to admit that I didn’t make it all the way up a hill. But riding a bike is a great way to explore villages. I’d do it again. This would be a great girls outing or a trip for couples, too.
© 2018 JAE-HA KIM
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