Amanda Seyfried in The Last Word
She’s come a long way from being a mean girl – the wife and mom shows her acting range in her new film, The Last Word
IN HER latest movie the actress plays an obituary writer dealing with a controlling retired businesswoman, played by Shirley MacLaine, who demands to be involved in the creation of her obituary before she dies. The 31-year-old’s husband, actor Thomas Sadoski, also stars in the dramatic comedy. The couple, who’d been dating since early last year, tied the knot in March this year and Amanda gave birth to their daughter – whose name they’ve not revealed – a few weeks later.
Here the Mamma Mia! actress talks about trying to impress 82-year-old Shirley, her epitaph and becoming a mom. What was it like working with Shirley MacLaine? I can – hand on heart – say this was probably one of the best experiences of my career, even my life. You dream of getting to meet, let alone work with your idols, and then it happens and suddenly you’re faced with the terror of not being able to impress them or even make a mark. I’m still not sure I did, to be honest. But Shirley definitely changed me. This movie changed me and changed my life. Didn’t Shirley say you and your husband, Thomas, basically got pregnant on set? I think she said she was nearly there for the conception! You’ve worked with Thomas before. What was that like? We worked together twice last year. We did a play called The Way We Get By and got to know each other, and then got to know each other more while working on this movie. The Last Word is about how we’ll be remembered after we’re gone. What would be written in your obituary? I’ve also been asked what I’d like written on my tombstone and I said, “She risked it all.” Which is kind of ironic because that’s not my natural state of being. I’m frightened by risk – I’d shy away because I didn’t want to fail. That’s why I identify with my character, Anne – she fears failure. It’s the worst thing in the world for her. And it used to be the worst thing for me. But I’ve learnt that taking chances is how big rewards are produced. So I’ve taught myself to say yes, and if I fail, I fail. But at least I’ll learn from it. So what’s the biggest risk you’ve taken? I’d say motherhood takes that honour. It’s probably the biggest risk I’ll ever take. You’re bringing a person into the world, and you’re responsible for their well-being, their development. It’s a pretty big deal. Was your daughter’s birth everything you’d hoped it would be? It was just perfect. It was quiet and beautiful, the best moment of my life. She opened her eyes right away. We just connected. And she connected with Tommy – he was the first person she looked at. -