TV Interview!
Interview with Lyndsy Fonseca of “You Can’t Take My Daughter” on Lifetime by Suzanne 6/30/20
This was a wonderful interview! Lyndsy is such a great actress. She was so nice on this call, and we had a fun chat. Make sure you watch her movie on Sunday, 6pm July 7! More info below the interview.
Here is the audio version of it.
Lyndsy: Hi Suzanne.
Suzanne: Hi Lindsay. How are you?
Lyndsy: I’m doing good. How are you?
Suzanne: Pretty good. Can’t complain.
Lyndsy: Good.
Suzanne: So I’ll get right to it because I know you’re running late.
Lyndsy: Okay. Thank you.
Suzanne: You’ve been acting professionally since you were 13, correct?
Lyndsy: That’s right. Yeah.
Suzanne: And did your parents support you on this pretty much?
Lyndsy: Oh my gosh. The only reason I was able to do it. We lived in Northern California around Oakland area, and I wanted to do it so badly that they would fly me back and forth for auditions. It was really when I got the three year contract on The Young and The Restless, my parents decided to move for me. They sold their house, quit their jobs, and we all moved to Los Angeles.
Suzanne: Wow.
Lyndsy: We started a whole new life here. So they have made all of this possible. Yeah.
Suzanne: Yeah. That’s quite a commitment.
Lyndsy: It is. Yes.
Suzanne: Yeah. I used to watch you as Colleen on Young and The Restless.
Lyndsy: Oh my gosh.
Suzanne: Yeah. Yeah. I’ve been watching that show off and on since 1986 when I was in college. So before you were born.
Lyndsy: And a lot of people are still there. Yeah.
Suzanne: Some of them, yeah. So what was the best thing about working on that show?
Lyndsy: Oh gosh. It was like a bootcamp. It was so… It was the only job I ever knew, so I didn’t have anything to compare it to. We were shooting like 30 pages a day. The pace of it was so fast that anything since then has been pretty easy compared to how much lines I have to learn, or the fast paced schedule of television. I think doing a soap opera was a really great training ground.
Suzanne: Right? Yeah. I’ve heard that. I’ve heard their work even faster now. I don’t know how they do that.
Lyndsy: I don’t even know how either.
Suzanne: Do you ever still watch Young and The Restless or keep up with the people that you knew from it?
Lyndsy: I do talk to Crystal quite a lot. We keep in contact, but gosh, no. I don’t watch the show just because I have a two year old, and I don’t really get to watch much.
Suzanne: That keeps you busy.
Lyndsy: Are you there?
Suzanne: Yeah. I’m here.
Lyndsy: I’m sorry. You just cut out for a second.
Suzanne: Oh, sorry. I said that keeps you busy having a two year old.
Lyndsy: Oh, yes. Yes it does.
Suzanne: So is it the terrible twos yet? Or just…
Lyndsy: You know, I get why they say terrible twos for sure. We had… I think right when she turned two, she’s two now and four months and it ebbs and flows. They want more individualism, but they’re not quite ready to do things, and they get frustrated, and it’s just been an amazing learning experience to be a parent. I loved every… Even the challenging moments are fascinating from a psychology point of view. I love diving into a parenting book and figuring it out and understanding it. It’s so fun.
Suzanne: Okay, great. I saw that you were married to your former Costar, Noah.
Lyndsy: Yes.
Suzanne: Yes, he’s great. I love him.
Lyndsy: I love him too.
Suzanne: Yes, I know you do. He’s always good too. So I…
Lyndsy: He’s a great actor and a great father, and a great husband.
Suzanne: I used to watch your show, so I like that.
Lyndsy: Oh, good.
Suzanne: Yeah. Your other show. You’ve been on so many, it’s hard to keep track. So you’ve done so many TV shows and movies since The Younger and The Restless. What made you want to do this particular Lifetime movie?
Lyndsy: Well, I think mostly because I was impressed that they didn’t shy away from some pretty explicit and difficult things to talk about and to portray. I was impressed how they were telling a true story, and I thought it would be a great honor to play a woman who has been through so much and prevail through. Not only is a great mom and a great person, but she dedicated her life to changing the policies that were not in place to protect her. So I just was really impressed that Lifetime cared about a story like this. Tori, the director, she was so committed to telling this truthfully that I felt like I was in good hands. My experience with Lifetime after doing five films many years ago, was such a great experience as well. So I knew that it would be a good partnership.
Suzanne: Yeah. I watched it this morning. It was very intense, especially at the beginning, but it was good.
Lyndsy: Thank you. Yeah, it is intense.
Suzanne: It’s a little hard to watch in that sense. Yeah. It’s just in the wow. They did that.
Lyndsy: I know. The great thing is, is that to portray her and to shoot, it was probably only a fraction of what it was like for her to live it. So it was the least… I felt like telling the story was really important.
Suzanne: Right. Now, it first aired back in February? And have you gotten a lot of feedback about it?
Lyndsy: Yeah, I have. I think a lot of women who have been through similar situations have responded to it, and I know that Lifetime has had really good, positive feedback about people being aware that this isn’t actually a Countrywide law. Still, there’s a couple of States that don’t protect women from this situation. So I think overall, just politically and getting the word out, it’s been really a great… I think it’s been very important.
Suzanne: Yeah. I’m sure it must’ve opened a lot of people’s eyes about the laws regarding rape. Did it surprise you when you-
Lyndsy: Oh, my Gosh, totally surprised me. I couldn’t believe what she’d been through, and the fact that there were so many women that have gone through it and are going through it. It just blew my mind. It just seems like a story I wanted to tell.
Suzanne: Right. And what was the toughest part about filming the movie for you?
Lyndsy: I probably just the balance of shooting all day with such heavy material, and making sure I had time to spend with my baby. My real family at home and that balance, but it was only a month shoot, so it was something I knew I needed to fully dive into and commit to because it was going to be important. The thing that was amazing, that surprised me was Analynn, the woman I played, she was so concerned about my emotional wellbeing. She said, “I just I want to make sure that you are okay doing the subject matter.” And I just was in awe of the fact that after everything she’s actually been through, she was worried about me pretending to go through some of this stuff. I was just… It just goes to show what kind of a person and loving human she is.
Suzanne: And what did you enjoy most about making the film?
Lyndsy: I really enjoyed working with a female director, especially with the subject matter and the collective. I think just as a crew, the crew knew that this was a story that was real, and the respect that we all needed to have for one another, and have each other’s back. I think when you’re doing something that the story like this people are just there for the greater good. They’re not just fooling around and stuff. So it felt really important. I just really wanted to make her proud, and other women that have been through this, I just wanted them to feel like it was authentic and that they could relate to it.
Suzanne: And when it came to the physical scenes, did you have a stunt double or was that all you?
Lyndsy: Yeah. I did have a stunt double, and coming from Nikita and my fighting days. I did all my own fighting on Nikita. It was really not that… It was very easy as far as stunt wise, but because it wasn’t an action show, everybody was like the producers, the director, and the writers, everyone was like, no, no, no Lyndsy, don’t’ do that. I’m like, guys, I can’t do this, I swear. I’ve done plenty of stunt scenes, but they were so worried that I’d hurt myself. So I had to let the [inaudible 00:09:06]. She as great, but it’s just part of… I like to get physically involved in all of it because I just think it helps the other performance aspects of it if it’s all together. But yeah, it was emotionally draining and tricky for those certain things.
Suzanne: And had you worked with Kirstie Alley before?
Lyndsy: No, I had not. I had not met her before or worked with her, but she was lovely. She was great. She came in, she’s a ball of energy. She’s funny. She’s spiky. She’s [inaudible 00:09:43]. It was great. I was just telling the story that she was a great breath of fresh air because we were doing some pretty dark, heavy subject matter. And Kirstie, as a person, is always cracking jokes.
Suzanne: Oh, that’s good.
Lyndsy: So it was really fun to have her around.
Suzanne: I’ll bet. Did you know that she got her start on a Star Trek movie?
Lyndsy: Oh really? No, I didn’t.
Suzanne: The second Start Trek movie.
Lyndsy: I watched her on Cheers, and [crosstalk 00:10:12] plenty of her work.
Suzanne: I don’t remember if this was… Now that I think about it, it might’ve been… My memory is terrible, but it was either her first movie or right before Cheers, I don’t remember which, but it was Star Trek, The Wrath of Kanya. She played a Vulcan. Imagine being that funny, and cracking jokes, and having to keep a straight face as a Vulcan.
Lyndsy: I’m sure the crew loves it. She is fun.
Suzanne: That’s good. Now so did you have any… With that comedy in mind, did you have any funny or interesting stories about the filming? I know it was quick.
Lyndsy: Gosh, I think just being on location in Atlanta was really fun, and the whole cast was incredible. I was just saying that the girl who played my daughter was this incredible prodigy. She was so… I’ve worked with lots of kids, and she was the most normal kid, but loved her performing. She was such a joy to work with, and I was so lucky to be able to play her mom. And yeah, it was just overall… And actually Dimitri, the actor who played the rapist was one of the most kind, loving, generous people. And he made the experience really great because after every taste would be like, “Are you okay?” He was just always checking in on me. And I was just amazed by how well he would be able to play this person, and then how kind good he was real life. He was amazing.
Suzanne: Oh, that’s nice.
Lyndsy: Yeah.
Suzanne: So it’s great that Lifetime is showing the movie again during their 30th Anniversary. Independence Day Marathon. Were you happy to hear about this?
Lyndsy: Yes, I was so honored that it would be a part of a marathon. Its so great. I’m so glad more people will get to see it while we’re all celebrating all the great films that Lifetime has done.
Suzanne: Mm-hmm (affirmative). Do you have anything else coming out that was filmed pre COVID-19? If anything?
Lyndsy: No. I’m actually waiting. I’m about to go shoot a Disney Plus show called Turner and Hooch. So we’re just waiting on all the new side regulations and travel precautions and all the things we have to worry about in today’s time. So I’m just preparing and getting ready for that. Getting our cast rounded out, and I’m really excited and looking forward to it. It’ll be… Hopefully it will start shooting in another month or two.
Suzanne: Cool. Do you know who your costars are on that? Anybody I’ve heard of?
Lyndsy: Yeah. Josh Peck. Josh Peck is the lead, I play his sister. We’ve got a few other people that are about to. I don’t want to mention anything that is finalized, so I’ll just leave it with Josh. He’s great. I’m so excited. We worked together on Grandfathered and have known each other since we were a little kids in the acting world. So we’re both parents now and playing brother and sister and it’s like, I’m so excited, and he’s so funny and yeah. There’s going to be lots of slobbery dogs running around the set. It’s going to be fun.
Suzanne: Good, good. I’ll have to check that out. And so what have you been doing while you’re staying at home?
Lyndsy: So my husband was shooting in New York, and so as were as a family out there, and then everything shut down. So we have basically been quarantined with his mom on the East coast for like four months, and just living in a small town in Connecticut, and out in country, and just trying to stay out of busy cities. We finally decided we need to come home, and get our dog. I’s just been a tricky transition back into the LA life.
Suzanne: Wow.
Lyndsy: Yeah. We’re just trying to navigate. We just been back only a week now, so it’s been tricky with a two year old trying to figure out things to do, and go be with her, and keep her busy. So we’re just trying to stay safe, and use the time to just appreciate one another and be home. We’re lucky to just be able to be home. So that’s what we’re doing.
Suzanne: You flew on an airplane home?
Lyndsy: Yes, we did. We survived, and we got tested, and we’re free and clear. So we’re feeling like we got through that hurdle.
Suzanne: Yeah. I don’t know anyone at anyone flying right now, but yeah, that’s good. It’s pretty… You probably didn’t want to drive country with a two year old.
Lyndsy: It was definitely not an option. We probably would have, if we didn’t have her, but she was great. The flight was only half full, and she was so good, and everyone wore their masks. We just tried to be healthy as possible. And then luckily it worked.
Suzanne: That’s good. That’s good.
Lyndsy: Yeah.
Suzanne: All right. Well, when you’re talking about being in a small town in Connecticut, it reminded me of one of those cable movies. Christmas movie or something.
Lyndsy: No, totally. It was, it was like that. And we were just trying to survive this pandemic in our own little bubble and try and get through it. But we had to come back to reality soon enough, get ready for my next show and stuff. So, yeah, but it was great. I’m grateful for the time and it’s just, everyone’s doing the best that they can right now.
Suzanne: Right. And I’m glad you’re all staying safe and I hope you all get to go back to production soon. I know it’s up in the air still.
Lyndsy: Yeah. Thank you. I know. Every day we’re just getting more and more information, and it’ll happen.
Suzanne: Yeah. Well the soap operas are just now starting back to film again. I think everybody… Maybe the other industry is waiting to see what happens with them.
Lyndsy: Yeah. I know. I know we’ll be one of the first shows too, to go back, and I think we’re all just trying to… We know we’re the little Guinea pigs of big production. So I think we’re just trying to… I know the producers are working hard to get all the protocols and just do it safely as possible.
Suzanne: Right. Well, at least being a kid show, you won’t have to worry as much about things like kissing and stuff like that. Like they do in the store.
Lyndsy: No, I feel I’m so grateful. I [inaudible 00:16:33] just that. There’s no kissing, no sex scenes. No nothing. It’s just a family comedy. So I’m like, thank goodness.
Suzanne: Yeah. That’s good. Yeah. All right. Well, so thanks so much for talking to us today.
Lyndsy: Oh my gosh. It was a pleasure. Thank you so much.
Suzanne: All right. See you later.
Lyndsy: Bye.
Transcribed by Rev.com
MORE INFO:
Independence Day Marathon Info –
Lifetime continues to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Lifetime Original Movies this summer with a special Independence Day weekend marathon, featuring 10 popular throwback titles from Lifetime’s movie vault and two new film premieres.
SATURDAY, 7/4
11a: Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story (2003) Thora Birch
12:30p: Steel Magnolias (2012) Alfre Woodard & Queen Latifah
2p: Abducted: The Carlina White Story (2012) Aunjanue Ellis & Keke Palmer
4p: Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleading Scandal (2008) Jenna Dewan & Ashley Benson
6p: Bad Seed (2018) Rob Lowe
8p: The Twisted Nanny (New to Lifetime Premiere – previously aired on LMN)
SUNDAY, 7/5
10a: We Were the Mulvaneys (2002) Blythe Danner & Beau Bridges
12p: The Pregnancy Pact (2010) Thora Birch & Nancy Travis
2p: Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story (2011) Taraji P Henson & Terry O’Quinn
4p: Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014) Christina Ricci
6p: You Can’t Take My Daughter (2020) Kirstie Alley & Lyndsy Fonseca
8p: Driven to the Edge (New Premiere)
Saturday, July 4th
All Times ET/PT
Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story – 11am PT/ET
Thora Birch and Kelly Lynch (2003)
Based on the true story of Liz Murray (Birch), Homeless to Harvard tells the moving story of a young woman, raised in poverty by loving yet drug-addicted parents, who is determined to rise above her station in life and into the Ivy League.
Steel Magnolias –12:30pm PT/ET
Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott and Alfre Woodard (2012)
Six women congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop to ponder life’s mysteries and support each other over the years through all of their personal triumphs and tragedies. The television adaptation is based on the iconic play and 1989 film of the same name.
Abducted: The Carlina White Story – 2pm
Aunjanue Ellis, Keke Palmer and Sherri Shepherd (2012)
A young woman who was abducted as an infant from a New York hospital works to solve her own kidnapping and find her biological parents. Based on a true story.
Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleading Scandal – 4pm
Jenna Dewan, Ashley Benson, and Tatum O’Neal (2008)
A gutsy teacher fights to end the reign of misbehavior enjoyed by five beautiful, well-connected cheerleaders given carte blanche to do as they please at school. Based on a true story
The Bad Seed – 6pm
Rob Lowe and Mckenna Grace (2018)
Executive producer, director and star Rob Lowe re-imagines the iconic 1956 psychological horror film, The Bad Seed. Lowe stars as a single father who seems to have everything under control. But when a terrible tragedy takes place at his daughter Emma’s (Grace) school, he is forced to question everything he thought he knew about his beloved child.
NEW TO LIFETIME THRILLER PREMIERE (previously premiered on LMN)
The Twisted Nanny – 8pm
Tara Erickson, Annika Foster, Joey Rae Blair and Brey Chandet
When single mother Julia (Erickson) realizes night nanny Olivia (Foster) is turning her children against her, Julia must fight to prove that Olivia is not who she says she is before she gets custody of the kids for good.
Sunday, July 5th
All Times ET/PT
We Were the Mulvaneys – 10am
Beau Bridges, Blythe Danner, and Tammy Blanchard (2002)
A close-knit rural family is shattered by the emotional toll of shame and rage in the aftermath of a rape.
The Pregnancy Pact – 12pm
Thora Birch, Nancy Travis and Camryn Manheim (2010)
The Pregnancy Pact explores the cost of teen pregnancy with a fictional story set against the backdrop of actual news reports from June 2008. A blogger investigating a sudden spike in teenage pregnancies in her hometown finds herself at the center of media firestorm surrounding the teens’ “pregnancy pact.”
Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story – 2pm
Taraji P Henson & Terry O’Quinn (2011)
When her young son is abducted by his biological father, Tiffany flies to Korea to execute a high-stakes plan to bring her boy home. Based on a true story.
Lizzie Borden Took an Ax – 4pm
Christina Ricci, Billy Campbell and Clea DuVall (2014)
One of the most legendary figures in American history, Lizzie Borden (Ricci) was one of the first women to whet the public’s voracious interest in scandalous crimes with her own gruesome story involving the brutal murder of her parents.
You Can’t Take My Daughter – 6pm
Kirstie Alley & Lyndsy Fonseca (2020)
Amy Thompson (Fonseca) is a vibrant law student in Charlotte who is attacked and raped by Demetri a friend of a friend she met once. Discovering that she is pregnant, Amy makes the difficult decision to keep her baby, despite the fact that Demetri continues to harass her as she waits for the long-delayed trial. She gives birth and decides to start over in Atlanta. Six years later, Demetri finds her and, to her horror, sues her for custody of her daughter.
NEW THRILLER PREMIERE
Driven to the Edge – 8pm
Taylor Spreitler and Danielle Burgess
Fashion designer Tess (Spreitler) is a true millennial obsessed with using rideshare apps to get wherever she needs to go. When she meets a new friend, Jaye (Burgess), during a car ride as a fellow passenger, they immediately form a strong bond. But as Tess’s friends start to question Jaye’s odd behavior and even recognize Jaye as one of their past rideshare drivers, Tess slowly realizes the new friend she’s made is harboring a disturbingly dark secret with an agenda to ensure Tess never leaves her.
Proofread and Edited by Brenda
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