Italy go-to spot for ‘First Lady’ actor
On her previous trip to Italy, actor Kathleen Garrett had an in. “I had recorded an audiobook titled ‘Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride’ by Lorenzo Carcaterra, which took place in Ischia,” she said. “I became so fascinated by the island that I had to go to it. The book spoke of several locations describing its natural beauty, delicious food, great wines and restaurants. I had a head start in researching the territory before we left. I then did my own Google research on the island and its villages.”
Garrett, who is based out of New York and Santa Monica, California, is best known for her work in the Emmy-nominated miniseries “Inventing Anna” and “The First Lady.”
Q: Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which one do you think would make a good travel partner and who would be a nightmare? A:
I think Laura Bush would make a good travel partner. When studying her for “The First Lady,” I realized what an interesting person she is and (I) would love to have the chance to know her better. My nightmare character would definitely be Sasha Thomas in “Inventing Anna.” You’d better have some clout or she won’t give you the time of day. Don’t get on her bad side.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination? A:
Italy has always been my favorite go-to. I was just there for my birthday on the isle of Ischia. What a magical and romantic place. It’s a thermal island with many natural thermal baths. I highly recommend staying at a hotel spa that offers several thermal pools and fine dining. If the
hotel (or) spa is too pricey, there are several thermal parks that are quite affordable. The Tyrrhenian Sea is beautiful. I would recommend hiring a boat to take you to different coves and beaches throughout. Sant’Angelo is a must for quaint shops and restaurants. The Castello Aragonese is a medieval castle that once guarded the island and is a mustsee. Definitely drink the local wines and spirits. The people are wonderful, but I highly recommend you brush up on your Italian. Though the (employees at the) higher-end hotels and restaurants speak English, if you want to mingle with the locals, Italian is a must.
Q: Where are some of the places you’ve filmed on location? A:
Australia was where I shot a pilot for CBS. I loved Australia. It felt like the States in a 1950s time warp. I also did an Italian film in Cinecitta, which was great fun. Even though I spoke Italian, my lines were in English and everyone else’s lines were in Italian. Go figure, but I guess the Italians are into dubbing. San Francisco is also a fabulous town to shoot in.
I shot several commercials there and in Chicago. Coming from Los Angeles, I didn’t realize how cold Chicago is in October and brought light clothes. Dumb, right? Needless to say, I fled to a department store for warmer wear almost immediately after leaving the plane. And, of course, New York City and Los Angeles are always a gift to be working in.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child? A:
The very first trip was to Lake George in the Adirondacks. What a beautiful lake — so peaceful and calming.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways? A:
There are several. Lake George (New York), Cape May (New Jersey), Santa Monica. When I’m in New York City, Vermont in the fall. But I guess that’s not a weekend getaway.
Q: What are your favorite cities? A:
This may sound cliche, but they’re Rome, Paris, London, Budapest and the two cities I live in.