Interview with actress Bo Derek



It's not everyday that one gets to spend an evening on the set of a Hollywood style movie or talk to a well known actress such as Bo Derek. However, back in December of 1999, prior to wrapping up filming on the picture "Frozen With Fear", which was shot here in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, I had a rare opportunity to do just that. Bo Derek became a national phenomenon during the 70's after appearing in Blake Edwards romantic comedy, 10. In it, she played a perfect 10, who although a newlywed, attempts to seduce infatuated Dudley Moore. She's also been seen in less notable films such as Tarzan the Ape-Man and Bolero, as well as having a role in the hit movie Tommy Boy with the late Chris Farley. I found to Bo to be quite charming and still a very attractive lady.

GB - Have you enjoyed your stay here in Fredericton?

BD - Yes very much. It's been very nice. I haven't gotten out too much because we've been working a lot but other wise the people have been very nice and I've had a good time.

GB - Tell me about your character in the movie Frozen with Fear?

BD - My character is an agoraphobic. She is afraid to leave her home or wherever her safe place is and in this case it's her home with her husband. Also there is a twist to the story as I'm being haunted and driven crazy, attacked and so on. All I seem to do is run and scream and cry in every scene.(laughs)

GB- Your first big break came in the late seventies with the movie "10" with Dudley Moore. What did that do for your career?


BD - "10" was amazing! I had no career before "10" and then all of a sudden I was able to do pretty much whatever I was able to do in the business.

GB- I understand Dudley is quite sick now. Do you still keep in touch with him?

BD - I have and it's just so sad what is happening to him.


(Note: Interview conducted prior to the passing of Dudley Moore)

GB- Did you find after that movie you were regarded more as a sex symbol than a serious actress?

BD -No I think I was taken seriously. Probably some of the projects I chose to do after that had more to do with what people thought of me. The industry was very open and probably hoping that I could do anything.

GB- Last year you returned to television in NBC's Wind on the Water. Did you enjoy that and how does doing television compare to doing films?

BD -Yes very much I loved it. We were on the island of Hawaii. I think I was there three months. It was fantastic. It is not much different than films. It depends on the television show but much of television today is as good or better than most films.

GB- Also a while back you appeared in the hit movie Tommy Boy. Was that fun do to?

BD - Yes very much. I did Tommy Boy about three years ago and had so much fun working with Chris Farley and David Spade, Rob Lowe and we had a great time. Also Brian Dennehy I had worked with him on "10".

GB- I understand you have a great love of horses. How many do you own?



BD - Yes, right now six... no seven as I just got a new one from Portugal. I grew up on the beaches of Southern California surfing and sailing and I've always loved horses so it was part of my dream that I was able to fulfill to have horses.

GB- And you got to ride them in Bolero!

BBD -Yes, I loved that movie because of the horses. It was really fun. I love Spain. I go back two or three times a year usually to visit friends and ride horses.

GB - Can you speak Spanish?

BD - No but I keep meaning to. It's really difficult for me. Language, I am sorry that I haven't. I think I just always expected that you learn a word in place of a word and when I discovered how difficult the grammar was and learning that was very discouraging for me.

GB- Are you looking forward to returning home?

BD - Yes I am especially because of Christmas time, as so I'll be able to be home four days before Christmas.

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