Series Interview
Series
Alex Kingston: “It’s better to show a love scene than someone being raped!”
English actress and theater performer, Alex Kingston left everything to play Dr. Corday in the series ER. In five years, she’s imposed herself with charm and typical British composure, making people forget the show’s many departures. God save Corday!
Were you watching ER before acting in it? As I worked in theater in the evening, I couldn’t regularly follow television series. But whenever I went to friends’ houses, I saw ER and knew it was successful.
Was it difficult adapting to medical terminology? It’s true medical jargon is very specialized. Especially since it’s completely different between England and the US. The production goes to great lengths for accuracy. Nobody realizes how difficult it is.
You weren’t prepared for it? No! But it wasn’t easy. For example, in the operating room, I held an instrument called “Roberts.” I always called it “Julia Roberts”! Soon, everyone on the team was joking with me about it.
You never wanted to become a doctor or surgeon? Not at all! In England, I spent three years studying drama, a very different path. When we toured hospitals in the US, I was struck by the number of female surgeons. They’re still rare in England, but common in the US.
Is the hospital environment misogynistic? Of course. My “professor” often made macho jokes. He always joked, “Next to women, I always feel smart!”
You acted nude in the film Moll Flanders, did that affect your image in the US? I am happy that there weren’t any repercussions. Yet I was prepared. It was different from American TV, which is incredibly violent! I advised my agent, “I’d rather show a love scene than someone being raped!”
Biggest difference between London and Los Angeles? Most trivially, the weather! When people complain about the rain in London, I remind them how lucky they are! I find Americans warm. Maybe because they know I’m English. People quickly notice my accent.
Do you miss theater in Los Angeles? There are theaters in LA! But the issue is that here, I get the impression it’s mostly film actors who come to theater to get noticed.
Is it true you drive an electric car? Yes! I’m eco-friendly. I recycle batteries, glass, and donate clothes to charity.
Favorite ER episode? An episode where Corday saves a man stuck in a building collapse. She performs an amputation live on camera—intense action! Blood everywhere!
Thank you Assia_Song for translating for me