Actually, I hold a degree in speech therapy. I was going to get my
doctorate but acting got in the way. Pity, I always thought I'd like to
do something dignified.
Mel Brooks is sensual with me. He treats me like an uncle - a dirty
uncle. He's an earthly man and very moral underneath. He has traditional values.
It's acceptable for men to act the fool. When women try, they're
considered aggressive and opinionated.
I was petrified of Barbra Streisand when I did What's Up, Doc? (1972). It was my first movie and every single thing about it was new. I was petrified of the palm trees!
In Hollywood I thought I was large and klutzy, like the characters I played. I never acted kooky, but I did fill a time slot slated for a woman who was expected to display interesting neurotic behavior.