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Clare Kramer - Interviewed in London, May 2003
Welcome to Sunnydale
Tell us about how you joined the Buffy cast.
My introduction to Buffy was getting material that I was going to be auditioning with. If I remember correctly, the character was actually called Cherie at first, and there was no character description, no hint as to how this person was going to tie into the script or the storyline or anything at all.
I got the two pages and thought "Well why not?" I'd heard good things about the show, so just went in, auditioned, did what I felt was interesting and worked with the material a little bit and got a call later that day. "Okay, they want you to come back in and read for some more people", so I went in along with Charlie Webber who ended up being cast as Ben.
They went, "Okay, can you wait in the lobby," and then he went in, and they said, "All right, can you wait". They were talking and we looked at each other and thought, "Huh, what's going on here?" and next thing you know Joss came out and said, "Okay, you guys have the part."
Getting the top job
Was it a nice surprise when you found out a bit more about who Glory was?
When I was originally cast, I didn't know anything about the character, so once I signed on to do the season I was informed as the audience was.
It was an evolving character throughout the season and I would figure out the details per script. So, for example, when it was announced that Glory was a god to the audience, reading that script was the first time I found out.
That must have been a nice promotion.
Yes, it was.
Divine deficiencies
What were Glory's strengths and weaknesses?
The strength that Glory had [was], no self doubt. She was completely secure in herself, focused on what she wanted and dedicated to her cause.
Those same attributes were probably also her greatest weakness and caused her downfall in that she wasn't able to hold [the bigger] picture, she wasn't able to look at more than just herself.
Playing it straight
Glory was a very straight-down-the-line character. Did playing her give you enough challenges?
It did, it did. Even though she was very direct and dedicated, she still had her quirky side and her little innuendos and things like that. I wasn't so much able to play with motivation as much as I was with the minions.
The bath scene must have been fun to record.
It was a little chilly in there but I was glad [the minions] were blindfolded, since they were kneeling right beside me. I had on a little tube stocking that just covered my upper chest down to right above my knees, so not a whole lot.
Perfect pampering
As Glory likes being pampered, can you tell us what's your idea of the perfect pampering?
The perfect piece of pampering for me would be taking a long hike, finding a hammock at the top with some quiet classical music and a book that I was excited about reading, and then having someone come and serve me lunch on a tray. Some wine and cheese and grapes, nothing really extravagant but just peacefulness, quietness, stuff like that.
Bitchiness 101
Give us some tips on bitchiness, straight from Glory.
Well, say what you think, don't edit yourself, put it all out there.
I think you have to be very self-confident to be a bitch. A lot of people say that bitchiness comes from a place of self-doubt but I don't believe that. You really can't question anything when you're putting it all out there.
Season seven slipback
What was it like coming back for your season seven appearance?
I got a call out of the blue, "Oh, you want to come in and do this?" and my response was "Of course".
Well I get there and they start doing the hair and make-up and putting on the dress, and I'm like, "This is weird." It's been several projects and about a year since I was last in that character, so I'm thinking to myself, "I hope I can remember everything I did for her." It was also very fun and I got to see everyone and it made me nostalgic for my days on Buffy.
Did you get to meet the other big bads and get any tips on being evil from them?
I was morphed between other big bads, but I felt Glory held her own. She didn't need to take any tips from anyone.
The end of Buffy
What are your thoughts on the ending of Buffy as a show?
As far as Buffy ending, if the people involved feel it the right time then I'm sure it is.
I'm sure it's going to be sorely missed. That time slot's going to be hard to fill. It's sad.
Wickedly fashionable
Does evil dress better than good?
Oh yes. Evil dresses fabulouso, leather and stilettos and gold.
Did you get to keep any of the little red dresses?
I did not get to keep any of the red dresses. That's the question I'd probably say I'm asked the most, so I really wish I could have kept that first one I wore.
Acting for real
What would be your piece of advice to someone who's an aspiring actor or actress?
My advice to someone who wants to get into the business would be study, train, go either to a reputable school, [or] go to college, get your degree in acting and make sure that it's not just something that interests you for the fringe benefits.
Make sure it's a passion that you have, and that you can't see yourself doing anything else because it's a very, very tough business. I wouldn't want my children to go into it.
Varied roles
What have you been up to recently outside Buffy?
I have three films coming out over the course of the next year, all completely different. One is a really broad, hilarious comedy called LA DJ, one is a thriller, the next instalment in the Skulls series for Universal, and one that I just wrapped is called Mummy an' the Armadillo, and if anyone's a David Mamet fan they'll like this movie. It's very much like a Mamet play, it takes place in one setting over the course of about six hours and it's basically the dissection of a family and how they interact with each other.
All three are completely opposite characters and projects. They'll probably all appeal to different audiences.
Coming back to cult
Would you ever consider doing a cult film or programme again?
Absolutely. As long as the character is interesting, I consider everything that comes to me.
People take the time to take interest in my work, so I certainly take interest in anything anyone presents to me. If it's interesting, if it's a good study of human nature, then I'm intrigued.
Don't look back
What with DVDs coming out, have you analysed your work at all for any commentaries?
Actually, I prefer not to analyse my work at all. It's like any art, it's there, it happened. It's for other people to judge and I certainly hope they have opinions both good and bad, because controversy's a good thing.
Fan-tastic
What's your relationship with fandom been like since you left the show?
I think the fans are wonderful. It's an honour to be part of something that has so many fans and they're great. Buffy fans specifically have done a lot for me and my career, so I'm grateful.
I'm in London right now to attend the End of Days convention, which is in Blackpool at the end of next week. It's actually an Angel convention but I'm going to MC it as Glory. It's the largest UK convention that's ever been held so it should be very exciting.
Have you got some patter worked out already?
Well, I've been turning things around in my head, so I think it will be fun to MC and I plan on having a good time with the crowd.