Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Dee Wallace has worked as an author, teacher, dancer and actress in film, television, and stage for over 40 years. Her career began in New York, where she studied with famous acting legend Uta Hagen before moving to Los Angeles where she found her mentor, Charles Conrad. With over 150 credits to her name, Ms. Wallace is a true tour de force in the industry, working with countless producers and directors and some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Wes Craven, Joe Dante, Lewis Teague, Stephen King, Blake Edwards and Rob Zombie.
Her many film credits include The Hills Have Eyes, The Howling, Cujo, Secret Admirer, The Frighteners, 10, and of course, her role as Mary in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. As a much sought after speaker, Dee has spoken at numerous national and international venues including the Love and Harmony Forum in Japan, The Dillon Lecture Series, Unity Temple, The Kansas Film Commission, and this spring has been invited to introduce this valuable work to the people of China. Dee has appeared on every major news and talk show and has been featured on E! True Hollywood Stories, Oprah and The O’Reilly Factor.
We had an opportunity to chat with Dee about her latest projects.
Your career spans 40 years. You have worked as an author, teacher, dancer, and actress in film, television, and stage. What is your secret for this amazing longevity?
I believe it is because I am passionate about everything I do. There is so much joy and satisfaction that I attract more to me! I also am a great adapter. When I had a slow period in my career, I created an acting studio and that lasted for 18 years and was one of the great highlights of my life. If I keep creating, I am happy.
You worked with countless producers and directors, and some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Wes Craven, Joe Dante, Lewis Teague, Stephen King, Blake Edwards and Rob Zombie. Could you share what it’s been like to work with such greats?
Working with a great director is easy: they know what they want, they communicate that, and they are secure in allowing you to play in your creativity. They are sure of themselves and know that great work is collaborative work.
You’re best known for your role as Mary in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. But you have several new films launching in 2017, such as Witchula, Ayla, Catch a Fallen Star, and Impuratus. Let’s talk Death House, You play Dr. Eileen Fletcher.
Yes. I am lucky to always have things in the works. Death House is a real departure for me. Dr. Fletcher has, literally, no heart. That was difficult for me. I just naturally come from my heart. It was a challenge. The role in Catch a Fallen Star is much different…soft but ballsy; a great southern broad. I like to do different characters. I think of myself as more of a character actress. My role in Charlie’s Gift is one of my career favorites.
Editor’s Note: Dee Wallace won several Best Actress Awards for the short film Charlie’s Gift.
You’re currently starring in Amazon’s Prime’s Just Add Magic. It’s in its second season. Tell us more about the show.
JAM is a beautiful family show. The three young women are superb in it. It’s a magical mystery about this strange cookbook that is filled with powerful magical recipes. It is very highly rated on Amazon Prime…and should be. We are gearing up to go back in June.
Let’s talk about your production of Red Christmas. You also produced a few shorts. What inspired you to produce?
Sometimes you have to lend your name and interest as producer to help get things made. I adored doing Red Christmas. I loved being challenged by that role. I certainly enjoy producing theatre where I am my own boss. “Would never want to produce for T.V.?” I don’t think…too many cooks in the kitchen!
You have authored five books on the subject of self-creation: Conscious Creation, The Big E!, Bright Light, Getting Stuff, and Wake Up Now. Tell us about your books.
All of my books are based on the healing work I do, which is based in self responsibility and accepting your own self creation. My book, “Bright Light” (Amazon), is really an autobiography told through my great movies and my career challenges.
When you look back on your career, is there anything you would do differently?
There is nothing I would do differently in regards to my acting. But I would love to go back and do some of my healing work with myself! I would have changed my perceptions of the business and the people in it. I would have chosen to know they were on my side, and that I was accepted.
How has social media helped you span generations of fans?
I think my WORK has helped me stay connected with my fans. And then social media comes in as a wonderful tool to celebrate that connection. I love my fans. I love to interact with them physically AND through cyberspace.
Are there any projects you’re working on that you can share?
You’re way ahead of me…you named them all. I am in conversations about a movie, but can’t say too much now!
Your awesome career makes you an inspiration to many aspiring actresses. So, if you were a super heroine, what type of super heroine would you be? What would be your super power?
Easy. I would be Love. I would be super-love-flower-power. I know that Love is the greatest force in the Universe. It heals everything. It creates everything. Of course, then I would create me out of a job, because with love everywhere, you wouldn’t need a super hero because we would all be living it. How awesome would that be?
Could you share some inspiring words with aspiring actors/actress entering the industry today?
Be yourself. Own who you are. Know what you want. They are waiting and looking for you: your specialness and your talent. Know that and expect your acceptance.
Editor’s Note: Dee Wallace won several Best Actress Awards for the short film Charlie’s Gift. She will be attending The Sonoma Film Festival to promote it. Dee’s daughter, Gabrielle Stone’s, short film, It Happened Again Last Night, is currently showing at several film festivals. She just won Best Actress at The Pasadena Film Festival!
Connect with Dee:
Web: http://iamdeewallace.com
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0908914/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dee_wallace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeWallaceOfficialFB/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeewallace/
Web: http://www.buppalapaloo.com
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