Fans of the '80s primetime soap opera "Dallas" are in for a treat when the new edition lands on television on June 13, 2012. Instead of being a remake of the series, the original cast continues the Ewing's legendary family business. Patrick Duffy, Larry Hagman, and Linda Gray all return alongside a new cast. Marlene Forte plays the Ewing's housekeeper, Carmen. She recently stopped by to talk about "Dallas," acting, and her upcoming role in a Wayans spoof.
Thank you, Marlene, for talking to me. How are you doing?
I am doing great. Thanks. Excited for "Dallas "to finally air. I feel like we've been waiting forever.
You will be co-starring in the remake of the '80s series, "Dallas," which premieres June 13. How did you get involved with this project?
I auditioned for "Dallas" in the earlier part of last year. It took a long time to actually get the appointment. My manager sent me the script during the Christmas holiday, but he didn't have an appointment for me. According to Cynthia Cider, the head writer and producer, they saw everyone in LA before they saw me. I'm not too sure why they didn't want to see me right away, but I did eventually get the appointment, and I booked it. It was very easy for me. It is very well written and the character really reminds me of my mom! She is funny, loving, and opinionated.
Were you a fan of the original series?
I grew up watching the original "Dallas," and I was a BIG fan of Larry (Hagman) since "I Dream Of Jeannie"! So I was tickled pink to get to act with such a great TV legend! And Patrick Duffy is a legend in his own right! Patrick is a doll. And he is still very sexy! The entire cast is wonderful. The younger guys are really good actors. Josh Henderson is going to be a great new evil guy. He is amazing in this. The world is going to LOVE to hate him!
You play Carmen, the Ewing's housekeeper. Yet, in the original series the housekeeper was named Teresa. Why the change in characters?
Carmen is the new housekeeper, and Patrick also has a new wife played by the beautiful Brenda Strong. My name in Spanish means the same as her name in English! Strong = Forte!
Aside from the different housekeepers from the original to the current version, what other differences are there between each series?
The new "Dallas" has very strong women in it! Linda Gray, who is also from the original, really grows some balls in this reincarnation of "Dallas." This 'continuation' of "Dallas" is NOT a remake. These are they same Ewings we remember from the '80s. I think Cynthia did this beautifully.
Remember the Ewings? Well, they are still at it, and they have now pasted on their shortcomings to their off-springs. We are just lucky to still have the original great ones still with us -- Patrick, Larry, and Linda! And a few others that we will remember. Don't want to spoil anything! LOL.
What's next for you?
I just completed work on a Marlon Wayans spoof of "Paranormal Activity," which should come out toward the end of this year, and I'm currently working on another recurring on ABC Family's "The Secret Life of An American Teenager." But I'm really looking forward to getting back to "Dallas." I love this cast!
