Charlotte Ross is known for her role of Det. Connie McDowell in “NYPD Blue”. Charlotte has recently worked on the show “Glee” and is co-starring with Nicolas Cage in the new film “Drive Angry 3D”. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Charlotte about her role in “Drive Angry 3D” and what else she is involved with.
Mike Gencarelli: How was it working on the film “Drive Angry 3D”?
Charlotte Ross: Well it was really intense and awesome at the same time. I have passed on nudity quite a bit in the past. It is interesting because the ass scene I did on “NYPD Blue” has been brought up recently because the FCC has sued Disney for $1.4 million over that scene. It was just overturned in the NY Federal Appeals Courts. I guess I pushed the envelope pretty far in TV. As far as full frontal, it is something that I had never wanted to do but I have already said that clichéd comment that when the right role came around. I think it works for this role and I really liked it. I was just very thankful to have this role.
MG: Tell us about your role in the film?
CR: My character is a tattoo covered – horny – on the edge of white trash – hard knocked life kind of gal. It is funny because I was shooting this the same time as “Glee” and those two cannot be any different of characters…which I love [laughs]. My family keeps asking me when is it coming out and I said “I am not going to tell you”. It is not something I picture my mom sitting and watching.
MG: How was it shooting in 3D?
CR: It was really interesting shooting in 3D. The director Patrick (Lussier) really knows the 3D genre since he did the remake of “My Bloody Valentine 3D”. It is a different way to shoot and requires a different visionary sense. I also think we have a really cutting edge script and a great cast. David Morse, Amber Heard and William Fichtner were all great. You always hopefully that something you do does well but I think this looks like a really cool film.
MG: What was it like working with Nicolas Cage?
CR: I have always wanted to work with Nic Cage. I certainly did [laughs]. I was on top of him day after day [laughs]. He was all about the work and we just had a blast. I think we did improv and ad lib for almost all of our stuff…which was so much fun.
MG: Tell us about your role in the hit show “Glee”?
CR: The role I play on “Glee” is Quinn’s mom Judy Fabray. I love her to death because she is so much fun to play. She is kind of Ann Coulter – wrapped into some people I knew growing up in Winnetka, Illinois – wrapped into Ryan Murphy. The minute I get in my wardrobe, I tangle my purse from my elbow and my whole walk changes. It is just a joy to play. I joined it before it aired and I was just really happy to work with Ryan Murphy and be a part of the show. Then 
I came back at the end of season one and by then it was already a phenomenon. Everything had their limos waiting everyday to go to award shows. I was just blessed to be a part of the show. Having been on television so long, it has just amazed me what a rarities it is to be such a hit in less than one season. I haven’t been on much this season but it sure is a fun character to play.
MG: Looking back on working on “NYPD Blue”, how do you feel working on TV has differs?
CR: I have recurred on shows like “Fraiser” and “Law & Order”. I have starred in one hour dramas, half hour multi-camera, half hour single camera and they are all different genres. A one hour drama playing a detective that has to deal with rape and incest cases all day compared to a single camera half hour comedy is a whole different experience. But that is what I love about it. My number one priority is to play different characters. I love switching between something that is very intense and drama heavy to something light and comedic. I really love to consider myself a character actress. I love jumping back and forth.
MG: Tell us about some of the charity you support?
CR: I have been an animals rights activist for years. I actually did a PETA campaign years ago…again with my ass. You would thing all I talk about is my ass but I don’t [laughs]. I did a ad that “I’d rather rather show my buns, than wear fur” and I was really proud to be a part of that. I am also producing a documentary right now about the tragedies of how many dogs and cats at the local county and city shelters that have to be euthanized on a daily basis. It is just so 
tragic. I am also the spokesperson for an organization called Blankets of Love, which I really like. My son just did a fundraiser at school. These shelter animals are usually on concrete floors and only have 3-7 days before they are put down. So if someone does come walking by and they look cold and depressed it reduces there chances of getting adopted. But if they have a blanket or a doggie toy it can make the difference and in turn save there life.
MG: Tell us about your recently sign on to “Street Kings: Motor City”?
CR: Yeah, I play Ray Liotta wife in the film. Like many people I have been a fan of Ray Liotta’s for a long time. I think he is an amazing actor and I love his intensity. I was just excited to get in the ring with him, as they say. We just shot that in Detroit. It was very different again from “Glee” and “Drive Angry 3D”, since I play the more supportive “did you like the dinner I cooked you” wife [laughs]. I was just really excited to be involved with the movie. I took a break after “NYPD Blue” but I am just glad to be back working.
I love that she supports PETA but is willing to share a piece of KFC with Nic Cage!
For some reason she left NYPD Blue before the last season and in my opinion the show suffered for it because we no longer got a look at Andy Sipowitz’ home life or his relationship with his son, Theo.
Great interview!