Jill Clayburgh

The twice-Oscar-nominated actress returned to series television this week in ABC’s snarky soap “Dirty Sexy Money” on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. In it she plays Letitia “Tish” Darling, the matriarch of an impossibly wealthy Gotham clan and keeper of many secrets.

Had you been looking to do a TV series when “Dirty Sexy Money” came along?

I had done four plays in a row in New York, sort of back to back, and I thought it was time for me to get out of New York. I don’t think they could have taken me doing one more play.

What attracted you to the show?

It has a combination of being damn funny and having a family drama pulling you forward. And it also has some crazy mystery story going on.

Though the series is set in New York, it shoots in L.A. What’s it like for a native New Yorker?

I’m actually enjoying it. You know Park La Brea? Well, it’s my little New York. It’s got elevators and other people, and I can walk to Whole Foods and the Grove, and to my wine-tasting class.

Any downsides?

One thing that is not fun is going to the theater. In New York, you walk out of the theater and you walk out for dinner and a drink, then you get a taxi when you feel like it. But you certainly have beautiful day after beautiful day, so I’m adjusting to it.

Do you agree with the often-made accusation that Hollywood doesn’t write good roles for middle-aged actresses?

How could you not agree with it? That’s not a controversial statement. That’s a fact.

Why do you think that is?

Movies are so much bigger now, and the demographic has changed. They’re really not geared to an adult audience. That being said, why do older men get work? Now you’re asking a question that’s deeply sociological and rooted in our feelings about aging women.

There’s a silver lining to it for viewers, though, as people like Glenn Close, Holly Hunter and you are on series.

Absolutely. I guess a different kind of person watches TV.

--

--

Mike Flaherty