Alex Kingston
Tele Poche
E.R. has left our screens but continues in the USA. Still starring Alex Kingston, with whom Dr. Benton, aka Eriq La Salle, falls in love. Alex, an actress from England, is fulfilled by her profession and has rebuilt her life.
In “E.R.” for a year, have you adapted to your new lifestyle?
– When I was offered the chance to join E.R., the scriptwriters didn’t give me a clear idea of who I was, but I had to leave England. It was a gamble I risked and never regretted. Even though, settling in Los Angeles was a real nightmare. At first, when I arrived in this city, I couldn’t find an apartment. I had no income, no bank account. Also, no one wanted to trust me. Fortunately, friends helped me and I finally settled. I’ve gotten used to the atmosphere here in California. The people are very relaxed. I even bought a house, although it seemed totally inconceivable to me when I arrived. I believe that this enthusiasm also comes from the pleasure I take in working, every day, with the entire team of the series.
Elizabeth Corday and Dr. Benton live a great passion.
– You said, at the beginning, that you feared racist reactions
– So far, people have reacted very positively. At the beginning, we were concerned by the reaction of rural America. Finally, surveys show that viewers are happy. Corday and Benton experience a tumultuous love affair but if this were not the case, the story would be pointless. I don’t know how long their passion will last.
– You have just experienced a separation from the actor Ralph Fiennes…
– Yes, this story is now part of my past, but this failure has straightened me.
Today, I am less naive. I’m stronger. I take a step back.
– Do you think it’s really possible to control anything in love?
– I was violent to myself, I learned to do it. A certain cynicism is the best weapon against vulnerability. It’s my way of preserving myself. Right now I’m living with another man. From the start, I made things clear with him. I didn’t want false romanticism. The hypocrisy of love… Really, very little for me! It was difficult at first. But today our relationship is based on true love and not ideal love.
Alex regrets Maria Bello’s departure Maria Bello, 31, arrived on the set of “ER” in 1997 at the same time as Alex Kingston. But a few months ago, Maria, who played Dr Anna Del Amico, decided to leave the series. Alex regrets this: “It’s difficult for the writers of a series working with a large team to give the actors an interesting performance every week. That’s what happened with Maria. They didn’t really know what direction to take the show. on character. I can understand her disappointment! But Maria is very talented. It’s better for her to blossom in other projects that suit her better. As far as I’m concerned, the evolution of my character is different. Initially, Dr Elizabeth Corday only made a few appearances. It was only gradually that her role in the emergency room took on greater importance.
You grew up on the outskirts of London. What do you remember about your childhood? I was a very happy child. I was pampered and surrounded. However, too much affection has its downside: subconsciously, I didn’t want to grow up. I played with dolls for a long time. I went to a girls’ school and had two sisters. Boys weren’t really part of my world. If you had to think back to just one day in your life, which would it be? The day my younger sister started walking. Suzy is physically and mentally disabled. When my mother gave birth to my third sister, Suzy was 5 years old. My mother came home with her baby in her arms. The whole family was there to welcome her. For the first time, we saw Suzy get up and start walking to join my mother and the baby. I’ve never felt such emotion in my life. A fabulous memory!
Thank you Vero for translating
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