Basket of Kisses

Our very first Basket of Kisses Mad Men rock star interview! We’ve missed Hildy this season, not having seen her since Flight 1. We were thrilled to catch up with her.

Deborah: You’ve been acting since your teens. Did you always know you were going to be an actress? Was there a moment when it clicked?
Julie: When I was six, I wanted to be a vet. That idea vanished as soon as I found out you had to go to college for eight years. Beyond that I don’t remember ever wanting to be anything else but an actress. My parents were very supportive. There really wasn’t much going on in Massachusetts at the time but my mom would take me to the library and we would check out books on acting. Then we would look through the phone books and find local and NY and LA casting directors and agents. I’m sure my hand written letters and polaroid photos went right in the trash, but they were good business skills for her to teach me so young.

Deborah: I adore your “I’m just going to watch the door” scene. One of my favorites of any scene in Season 1. I wonder if there were a lot of line readings on that, or if you committed to that (hysterical) very dry tone from the beginning.
Julie: Yes, also one of my favorites. I think that it was clear at the table read that the line was best with the dryness to it.

Roberta: Agreed; that was a standout moment. Hildy started emerging from the background because of the way she didn’t take Campbell ’s crap. When did you find out that your character was going to get more involved in the storyline/have an affair with Harry?
Julie: Yes, I love that Hildy has some sass with Pete. Vincent and I have a lot of fun ‘despising’ each other on set. I think some of the female viewers appreciate that biting side of her. I actually found out about Harry and Hildy’s affair from Rich and Aaron. We were all grabbing coffee in the commissary and they said “Have you heard?” If I remember correctly, I jumped up and down and said, “I’ve always wanted to have an affair!” Joking of course, but thrilled nonetheless.

Roberta: Why do you think Mad Men is having the impact it’s having?
Julie: That’s a hard question…For me, whether I’m watching or preparing to act in them, time periods other than ours I find absolutely fascinating. I think the audience enjoys that aspect of it too. The way I see it, the time period has wrapped around, and woven through a lot of what we can relate to now. It adds many layers and complications that are different, but yet still the same. So, maybe sexual harassment doesn’t exist as a pat on the butt anymore, but it surely still exists. It’s just changed its venue. Maybe you’re not having as many affairs as Don, but you can relate to his loneliness despite his beautiful wife and kids. More so, it’s a character driven show with emotional struggle knit deeply within each relationship. Matthew and his team of writers are truly amazing. Every time I leave a table read, I’m completely at awe with the writing. It just keeps getting better.

Roberta: It really does. Okay so other than yours, what have your favorite plot developments been so far?
Julie: I love how Season Two has really given depth into all the main character’s lives. I think that right now, my favorite is Peggy’s. I have loved seeing her home life explored and her friendship with Don. I also think Elisabeth Moss is a true talent. I feel I like I learn a lot from watching her work…although I could say that about all the series regulars.

Deborah: Has Mad Men brought you new opportunities?
Julie: Well, it certainly helped me secure an agent very quickly after moving here. That was quite helpful. During last year’s hiatus I shot a quirky comedy in New York starring Joyce DeWitt called, “Failing Better Now“. I played her uptight daughter whose cat, her pride and joy, was lost by her aimless sister. I also just shot a film in Knoxville that takes place in the late 50’s called “Bluff Point,” also starring Joel McKinnon Miller (Don Embry of “Big Love.”) I played a mature 16 year old who is determined to get what she wants from the town sheriff. I always keep updates on my website www.juliemcniven.net Hopefully there will be a lot more to come!

Roberta: We wouldn’t dream of asking you to reveal anything, but we do look forward to seeing more of Hildy. Is there anything you can tell us?
Julie: Well, I can say that you’ll see more of her in the last 6 episodes that you did in the first 7!

Check out her site, juliemcnviven.net, to keep up with her and also? Way cool behind the scenes Mad Men photos. ~Roberta (Just making sure no one thinks Deborah wrote ‘way cool’ in an actual sentence)