HS:
Not many women are.
LB:
It’s sad. Not being comfortable in your skin because you’re worried about other people judging you—I never gave a shit.
HS:
You come from a traditional Italian background. Have your parents come to see the show?
LB:
They’ve been there a couple of times, they think I’m incredible.
HS:
Were you comfortable with your dad in the audience?
LB:
My father was funny: “I think you should be a little more angry in that scene,” or this or that, he’d say. But he never said anything about my being nude. He was proud of me. What else do you need in life?
HS:
What was your first reaction when you read the role of Dr. Melfi in The Sopranos’ script?
LB:
I want it!
HS:
You’ve said playing Dr. Melfi is a chance to pay tribute to therapists who’ve helped you.
LB:
Well, I’ve been through therapy so I know what it is. And when I went, I really needed guidance, and was very fortunate to have some incredible people help me. I’m not the only one. The writer David Chase has been in therapy. It was something we felt needed to be treated correctly—not made a mockery of. Which I think we accomplished extremely well.
HS:
You had a much-publicized custody battle over your daughter with Harvey Keitel, and you declared bankruptcy in ’99. How did you get through that difficult time?
LB:
Everybody goes through difficult times—I’m not the only one. I’m grateful to have that all behind me. No fun, but I did get custody. Stella is very happy. I did what I needed to do.
HS:
Tell me about your kids.
LB:
I have two girls, Stella and Margaux. My kids have been so supportive towards me. They have me, I have them.
HS:
Any significant other?
LB:
No, just enjoying myself. I’m clueless when it comes to men.
HS:
You’ve said you won’t compromise your principles when it comes to men. What do you mean?
LB:
Myself. My being. My wishes, my wants.
"Very few people shake me."
HS:
You were voted ugliest girl in sixth grade.
LB:
True. I was very gawky. I really didn’t grow into myself until I was 18.
HS:
You don’t take your beauty seriously, do you?
LB:
No, I don’t.
HS:
Because you felt ugly, right? So you know what that feels like.
LB:
Whatever the kids did, whether they wanted to hurt me or embarrass me as a kid, they accomplished. I learned to be tough. But as an adult, because I feel successful, a lot of things don’t bother me. I never wear makeup during the day, I only wear it to work. I’m 48 years old and I feel healthy and accomplished. My motto is “More fun.”
HS:
You became a model in Europe. What was it like?
LB:
Great. I traveled all over the world from 18 to like 26.
HS:
You started off making films abroad in French comedies and with Italian film director Lina Wertmuller. What’s the difference between American and European film directors?
LB:
European directors have more say in where their film is going. It’s never movie-by-committee, like in America. It’s a big difference.
HS:
After Goodfellas, were you typecast as a mob queen?
LB:
A little bit. But Dr. Melfi is no Mafia queen. She’s an educated Italian-American, graduated from Tufts University. This is a very smart, insightful woman.
HS:
The Tony Sopranos of the world don’t shake you?
LB:
No, they don’t shake me. Very few people shake me.
HS:
You’ve been labeled “difficult” as an actress.
LB:
I think that’s a crock of shit. I’ve never been difficult and whoever said it should come up and tell you or me or anybody else.
HS:
What roles are you dying to play?
LB:
Wow, what a good question. Maybe Virginia Woolf. Blanche DuBois. Nothing for the weak-hearted.
HS:
What are your interests outside of acting? Are you still on the board of directors of Riverkeeper?
LB:
Yes. I’m interested in the environment. I also help out a lot at family shelters throughout the city and the state. My other main interests are my children. And trust me, they keep me busy.
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Opening night with daughter Margaux Guerard
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With co-stars John Lavelle and Andrea Anders at the after-party at Compass
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