Housewife in Hollywood - housewifeinhollywood.com

Do you remember Penny Robinson from Lost in Space? How about Brigitta from The Sound of Music? What silly questions, of course you do!

Angela Cartwright is the actress that played Penny & Brigitta. These days she’s a photographer, novelist, artist and occasional actress.

The Danny Thomas Show, The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, The Love Boat, My Three Son’s, Adam-12, Logan’s Run, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Family Feud… going through Angela’s acting resume is like a stroll down pop culture lane.

Of course I had some questions for her. Here’s my interview with Angela Cartwright:

HIH: You were on The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour when the Ricardo’s went to Hollywood and the Williams family from Make Room for Daddy rented their house. You were very young but what do you remember from your time on the set with Lucy & Desi?

AC: I remember that was a hilarious show. Lucy loses her voice and she has to mime what happened at the cabin with the Ricardos and Williams families. Lucy had such an expressive face and I loved watching her. She had brilliant comedic timing and was a force to be reckoned with. Even though I was young I remember I really liked Gale Gordon who played the judge. He made me laugh.

HIH: There are quite a few fan made videos on YouTube dedicated to Penny Robinson. How does it feel being part of classics with such a big following such as Lost in Space and The Sound of Music?

AC: It never ceases to amaze me. Lost in Space seemed to arrive on everyone’s television screens at the perfect time. People needed to be swept away and dream of a life in outer space. The way to get there was becoming a reality. It really captured ones imagination. I was lucky enough to go to a real launch at NASA a few years ago. It was an amazing experience. NASA employees told me over and over how Lost in Space inspired them to join the space program… imagine that…Lost In Space inspiring future astronauts.

The Sound of Music enchanted movie goers in a different way. Maybe it was the music, the storyline, the beauty of the film…whatever that magic was, it was universal.

HIH: With all the children at different age levels working on The Sound of Music I imagine there were some fun times filming. Do you have a story you can share with us from your days filming in Austria?

AC: Coming right from The Danny Thomas Show I was thrilled to be working with other children. Heather Menzies (who played Louisa) and I hit it off right away because we both adored the Beatles. We had a club called the HePaulAng Club and we constantly sang Beatle songs on the set. I think the camaraderie among the kids really shows on the screen. We are all still friends today. In fact I just returned from a visit to the Von Trapp Lodge in Stowe, Vermont with four of the movie cast members. What an experience talking with the REAL Trapp family at their beautiful resort located on a mountain that is eerily reminiscent of the Austrian landscape.

HIH: The character Dr. Zachary Smith in Lost in Space was always getting into mischief. What was Jonathon Harris like on the set?

AC: Jonathan was a total professional. He always knew his lines and he worked hard at his role of Dr. Smith. He also had a playful side…every day in the early afternoon he went up in the rafters and threw tootsie roll pops at the crew…It was a sugar pick me up we all looked forward to.

HIH: Bill Mumy played the role of your brother Will Robinson on the show. He’s a musician, writer, producer, and actor now. I read that you were working on a fantasy-adventure novel with him. Is this fact or fiction?

AC: Bill has four CD’s coming out in July, Speechless, Carnival Sky (an all instrumental CD). He produced Sarah Taylor’s new CD The Cure to Everything and another Barnes and Barnes CD for the twisted mind OPBOPACHOP. Bill is a very prolific musician, check out his website for more www.billmumy.com

We started writing the fiction novel a couple of years ago and just recently we decided to rework a few things. Bill and I work well together and our imaginations click. I think it’s a good fictional story that people will really enjoy.

HIH: The science fiction novel Logan’s Run was made into a film and also into a television show. You played the role of Karen4 in one episode. Many child actors don’t stay in the business when they reach adulthood. Did growing up in Hollywood ever feel a bit like the paradise city in the Logan’s Run storyline where life ends at 30?

AC: That’s an interesting point. There is no question the transition from child actor to adult can be really difficult. I think sometimes actors are cast in one kind of role and they have difficulty breaking out of that. Actors should be given more credit… They are ACTORS…they can play many different roles if given the chance.
I was fortunate to have been cast as a New York kid, an Austrian Von Trapp and then a space adventurer. It’s hard for actors today who get locked in a certain kind of role. I know many actors who are chomping at the bit to spread their wings.

HIH: You’re a talented artist & photographer. When did you start creating art and what medium did you use first?

AC: I would have to say photography was the first artistic medium I got hooked on. Over the years it has evolved into embedding my photographs into different mediums. My book Mixed Emulsions – Altered Art Techniques for Photographic Imagery explored that concept. I shoot black and white film images and hand paint them with oils, acrylics, and other mediums. Then I cut them up and create new combinations with my photographs to tell my story.

HIH: You have more than a few websites and one of them is dedicated to your artwork, www.acartwrightstudio.com The subtitle is “home of an unruly artist”. Why do you call yourself an unruly artist?

AC: My photography and my art is constantly evolving and investigating image possibilities. Most recently I have turned my photographs into comfortable, wearable art clothing www.acstudio9.com

It’s just one more artistic avenue I have wanted to travel. So why do I call myself unruly? I like to break the rules to see where it will take me.

HIH: Sarah Fishburn collaborated with you on the book In This House – A Collection of Altered Art Imagery and Collage Techniques  and In This Garden – Explorations in Mixed Media Visual Narrative. You also created the Quality Art Zine – Pasticcio Quartz with her. Tell us about your latest book.

AC: Sarah is a great partner in creativity. We both have very different styles but we compliment each other in our passion to make art. In This Garden is a collaborative project involving twelve artists interpreting the word ‘GARDEN’. It’s a follow up to In This House where artists interpreted the word ‘HOME’. It’s amazing to see the diversity and individuality in each artists creations. Give an artist a word to interpret and there will be twelve completely different insights into that word. I love that. The books are also filled with tons of techniques and tips and insights into each of the artists.

Pasticcio Quartz is an ongoing outlet for our thirst for art. It’s a panoply of art from emerging and established artists, books, thoughts, words, tips, quips and lists. The word Pasticcio means a work or style produced by borrowing fragments, ingredients, or motifs from various sources, and that is exactly what it is. We self publish it three times a year and it keeps us in the artistic whirlwind. Art can be intoxicating…isn’t that why we do it?

Visit Amazon.com to purchase Angela’s books, including her latest book, In This Garden.

Jennifer Gimenez is an international model, actress, and producer. She is an inspirational woman in the entertainment industry with an exotic look, years of modeling experience, and a passion for life.

She has worked in films such as Blow, Vanilla Sky, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.

Her television appearances have included The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, Karen Sisco, and VH1’s new reality series Sober House.

After watching the trailer for Sober House, I wanted to find out more about this talented and passionate woman. She is “quickly emerging as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents”. Here’s my interview with Jennifer Gimenez:

HIH: According to IMDb, you were discovered at age 14 and became the youngest model to be on the cover of American Elle. What was it like being so young in such a demanding industry?

Jennifer: You know I want to start by saying how blessed I’ve been to be given the life I have. Modeling taught me so much. Yes, it was demanding in every aspect. From weight to how I looked, it all mattered. It’s a fast life, so if you don’t have your head on right you can get lost quick. I had my mom with me at all times. I’m so lucky for her. The pressures can really get to anyone and when you just begin to develop as a young woman it’s a bit overwhelming. I had a great team behind me from my mom, dad and family to agents.

HIH: You’ve been in quite a few music videos for artists like Prince, 2Pac Shakur, and Mick Jagger. You’ve worked with big names in film like Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise. These are not only talented performers but very sexy men. Were you at all star-struck with any of them?

Jennifer: Working with mega famous, sexy and super talented men has been a stroke of good luck for me. I was definitely in awe. The one who I was very shy next to was Tom Cruise. All of them took me off guard for a minute, I mean wouldn’t you be? I do have to say they were all very generous and kind to me. They made me feel very comfortable around them.

HIH: How has your Argentinean heritage affected your career?

Jennifer: Well in the beginning it wasn’t common for “models to have the exotic look”. I believe I was part of the ethnic barrier being broken. Also I am a woman with curves. Hello I’m Latin! Before I used to be insecure about it, today I embrace it!

HIH: Was your experience on VH1’s new series Sober House the first time you had the title of House Manager?

Jennifer: Yes, I was given the opportunity to be a part of Dr. Drew’s team after having battled many of the same experiences that the house residents would have to endure. I’ve been where they’ve been. The only difference is that my early recovery was not put out there for the whole world to view. That just blows me away how courageous these people are.

I was brought on based on my recovery and I am and have been in the entertainment/fashion industry since the age of 14. I have gone to any lengths to get better. That also included not working for 3 years. I just focused on getting a foundation in my life. So Dr. Drew and the producers thought it would be great for me to help these guys. I get what it’s like.

HIH: On your MySpace page under the Interests section you mentioned surfing and being ONE with the universe. I think many people that wrestle with addictions are tricked into believing that their drug of choice can bring that feeling. Do you have any advice for viewers struggling with addiction?

Jennifer: The only message I have is “hope”, that there is a solution. If a girl like me can do it, I promise you, you can too. There are 12 Step programs, rehabs, therapy and doctors that can help. I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had to finally surrender.

Have you ever felt that you either couldn’t live and or couldn’t die, and was stuck in the middle (I call it…hell)? I’ve been there. This is a disease that not only kills your body and mind but your spirit. I am a member of a 12 Step program and I am in recovery today. I use to think that was for losers. But I had such a spiritual bottom that I was willing to try anything.

I had finally surrendered. It had been a process. Some days are better than others. I am a human being today instead of a human doing.

I have a wonderful woman that is my sponsor. Women for me have been my saving grace. Oh how much I love and honor you women. I am no longer alone in my journey of life. I have great relationships with my mom, brother, boyfriend, family and friends. I am a woman with integrity, grace, and dignity. I believe every human being has some loved one, relative, friend, or themselves that has to deal with the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.

With hope comes faith and through faith comes the will to live… Please don’t give up.

HIH: The preview trailer for Sober House looks intense. I’m sure the task of managing celebs in recovery was difficult. Many moons ago I was a Squad Leader in Army boot camp so I can relate to the difficult part, but did you take any fun memories with you?

Jennifer: This show on recovery was intense, both emotionally and physically draining. I would do it all over again though. I have so many great memories. When I heard, after all the drama had just occurred, that Andy Dick was coming in the house I was like, “Hells no, I’m out!,” just because, I believed the media on him. Andy ended up becoming my angel and the person I identified the most with. We instantly hit it off. We just laughed and laughed, cried a bit, and laughed. He encouraged me to refocus on my acting career. Till this day he and I are super close. We talk 3 to 4 times a day. I love him.

We were being filmed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so there was a month full of memories that will last a lifetime with all the residents. I spent numerous intimate moments with Seth, Nikki, Mary, Rodney, Amber, Steven, and Andy. What you won’t see is that I developed friendships with the crew and production staff.

HIH: You mentioned you’ve lost weight since the taping of Sober House. Congratulations! How did you do it?

Jennifer: After The Sober House I realized I was in the next phase of my life. I must be clean in every area of life. I had been working so hard on the inside that it was time for me to have my outside meet my insides. I started walking then jogging/ running on the treadmill on my own. Now I’ve been working with Eric Pakel. He is a teacher and trainer. He’s taught me a new way to approach my mental and physical health and state of mind. I am learning that exercise has to be an introspective process, just like getting sober was. This weight battle thus far is the hardest thing I’ve overcome. Not eating or eating out of emotions is a no no for me today. Balance is the key. I’ve lost 50 pounds, image use to be everything to me. God is running the show not me.

HIH: What’s next for Jennifer Gimenez in 2009?

I am so excited for the future, the sky’s the limit. I hope to continue acting and modeling. I also look forward to producing as well., although my recovery always comes first.

Visit Jennifer’s official website http://www.jenngimenez.com/

Check out http://VH1.com for showtimes, and more information about Sober House.