An arresting link
WHEN Rashida Jones was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” at the Buckley School, the child of music producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton was thinking of a career in politics or law. Then a bout of depression caused her to seek an outlet in theatrical productions at Harvard University, where she was studying religion and philosophy. Jones subsequently built a career as an actress known for her beauty and quiet confidence.
Single and living in Los Angeles, Jones, 29, recently landed the female lead in TNT’s new crime drama “Wanted” as a former naval intelligence officer who becomes the lone woman in an elite crime-fighting squad in Los Angeles.
Your mother starred in “The Mod Squad” [1968 to ‘73]. Did you have any preconceptions about working on another Aaron Spelling production?
It’s not “The Mod Squad” at all. That was 30 years ago. My mom and I had a good giggle about the fact that we were both cops on Aaron Spelling shows. The shows are very different. Her hair was probably longer than her skirts. I’m in jeans out there, arresting guys, shooting guys, getting beat up, spitting in people’s faces.
Most people have a preconceived idea of what a Spelling production is. I loved “Melrose Place” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.” I was a bit hesitant when I first saw his name on the front of the script. I didn’t want to do a nighttime soap. I wanted to do something edgier. When I started reading it, I realized it was going in absolutely a new direction.
Both you and your character [Carla Merced] are greatly outnumbered by men at work. They give her a hard time as she tries to fit in. Is there any mixing of life and art on the set?
They’re all great guys. I love the cast and the crew. There is something that happens when they’re all put together. They become like a herd. There’s a lot of macho behaviors. They get really loud. It’s not easy. I’m usually the most tomboyish one in the pack. Now I feel really ultra feminine.
Luckily, we all have the same sense of humor. I’m a little more protective with myself, a little more cautious. Like my character, I’m a little more wary. The more time goes on, the less guarded I am. She’s gauging what the atmosphere is like. She gets more comfortable and lets down her guard a bit more. I start to wear a little more makeup as the show goes on.
[Carla] is not a cookie-cutter woman cop role. She shows them through her actions and her expertise that she’s worthy of being there. She can play their game, which is great.
How did your parents react to your choosing an acting career?
My father was initially a little disappointed that I wasn’t studying business or law. I think he thought I would pick some legitimate trade.
My dad is so unconditional about his support for me. He would support me as long as I was committed and I was happy. He knows how ridiculous this business can be, how working hard, being steadfast and talented doesn’t necessarily mean you do well. Now he’s really proud of me.
My mom helped me with every audition I had. She was never a stage mom. She’s an incredible coach. I’m so lucky to have that expertise in the family that I don’t have to pay for.
Does it help to have parents in Hollywood?
The nice thing is, I know more about the business from them. And they definitely have friends in the business who are really great. No way would that ever get me a job. You have to do well once you get in the door. I haven’t been handed anything.
How did you make the transition from Harvard to Hollywood?
I left school and moved to New York. It was really hard to get auditions for theater at the time. I knew it would be easier in L.A. Out of necessity I came back home.
My parents are such cool, regular, healthy people, I didn’t make some kind of blanket judgment about Hollywood. There is something disturbing, a self-importance, that is adopted by some people in Hollywood. There’s this weird thing -- fame and celebrity trumps almost any other ability and talent in the world. It’s a powerful thing and not to be taken lightly. You can have that amount of power and be incredibly smart and astute. But just because you’re famous doesn’t mean you have a worthy opinion. Especially now that you can be famous for doing nothing.
You spoke out when Tom Cruise denounced Brooke Shields for taking medication for depression.
It upset me a lot. I’m a true believer in you do what you need to do for yourself to become a better person. To so arrogantly criticize the use of SSRIs in public is really unfortunate. A lot of people use those drugs to get better. It’s not about being addicted to them or being on them forever. I would hate for anybody with that much power and talent to discourage somebody to help themselves.
I’m not on medication now. I was, and it helped me through a difficult time. I would never take that back.
Does acting help with depression?
I wouldn’t say it helps me battle depression. I think working, having a job, helps with that. It could be an actress or a stenographer. The bottom line is my parents. I had great parents who are concerned with their mental and spiritual well-being.
They named me Rashida, which means “rightly guided on the true path.”
No pressure.
-- Lynn Smith