"REAL DEAL" CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

by Columnist Tabatha Jean D'Agata

Born in Connecticut and raised in Japan, Linda Purl is an accomplished actress and singer. Besides several movie and play credits, she is easily recognized for television appearances on hit shows like Matlock, Happy Days, and Undercover.

Now, the "Real Deal" Interview...

(Tabatha) Linda, looking back to the roots of your career, tell us a bit about
where your journey as an actress first transpired. Is there any character you've portrayed that you actually felt close to, maybe one that reminded you of yourself?

(Linda) ONE OF THE THINGS I'VE ENJOYED MOST ABOUT ACTING IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME SOMEONE ELSE. WALK A MILE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES AS IT WERE.

(Tabatha) You are also an accomplished singer. How does a live vocal performance differ from an acting (theater) performance?

(Linda) VERY SIMILAR ACTUALLY. I END UP CHOOSING SONGS I CAN RELATE TO AS AN ACTRESS. SONGS USUALLY FEEL LIKE SHORT, VERY SHORT, ONE ACT PLAYS TO ME.

(Tabatha) Which are you more partial to doing--singing or acting? Does one come more easily than the other?

(Linda) THEY'RE SO INTERRELATED ITS HARD TO SAY. BOTH HAVE MERITS. THE EXPERIENCE WITH MUSIC OF LITERALLY BEING INVOLVED WITH HARMONY IS WONDERFUL. THAT SAID THE STRONG DRAMATIC ROLES, BLANCHE, PORTIA, HEDDA WON'T BE FOUND IN MUSICALS.

(Tabatha) When was your first singing gig? (Tell us a bit about this initial experience. Where was it? Were you nervous? Did you sing alone?)

(Linda) TERRIFIED. ABOUT 4 IN THE NURSERY SCHOOL PLAY AS A BUNNY.

(Tabatha) On your new CD, Alone Together, do you have a favorite song? If so, please explain why it's your favorite.

(Linda) RON ABEL'S "SLOW DANCING" IS A FAVOURITE SONG OF MINE. FUN TO SING. RIC KNUTSEN'S ARRANGEMENT OF "ALONE TOGETHER" BLOWS ME AWAY!

(Tabatha) Have you recently finished any films or musical endeavors your fans
should know about?

(Linda) THE NEW CD IS "OUT OF THIS WORLD LIVE" WITH SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST DESI ARNAZ, JR. WE JUST MADE THE GRAMMY PRELIMINARIES FOR TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL. IN FEBRUARY I HAVE A MOVIE FOR LIFETIME COMING OUT... "MAID OF HONOUR".

(Tabatha) What are your plans for the future? Are you working on any new projects (singing/acting)?

(Linda) CONCERTS HERE AND THERE. "Man of La Mancha" NEXT FALL. AND I'VE CO FOUNDED AN INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL IN VENTURA, CALIFORNIA WITH AN INAUGURAL SEASON OF 08.

(Tabatha) You're also a Mom, how do you balance career and parenting? Parenting is already a full-time job ;)

(Linda) BEST JOB IN THE WORLD.

(Tabatha) Do you feel that you've had to make many family sacrifices for an entertainment career?

(Linda) YOU BET AND THEY WERE WORTH IT. MAINLY JOBS ON THE ROAD OR EXTENDED JOBS ON LOCATION. THEY WORKED WITH LITTLE ONES BUT CHILDREN'S LIVES ARE BUSY NOW WITH SPORTS AND COMMUNITY FRIENDS. EXTENDED TRAVEL JUST CAN'T WORK FOR NOW.

(Tabatha) As a Mom, give us your best piece of parenting advice.

(Linda) BREATHE AND LOVE.

(Tabatha) It has been a pleasure! Best wishes to you!