JAMES MAGAZINE
20 QUESTIONS WITH
RITA WILSON
BY
JIM JORDAN
Q: Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert?
A: I’m both really. To perform you need to be somewhat of an extrovert. But songwriting requires introspection.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: Cannot narrow this down to just one. How is that possible? It’s also changed throughout the years. I will always watch The Lady Eve if it’s on TCM (Turner Classic Movies.)
Q: What was the last show you binge-watched?
A: Tehran.
Q: Who’s your favorite designer?
A: I love Tom Ford. He always seems to know what women want. I love Prada because it has so many vibes to choose from.
Q: Who’s your first celebrity crush?
A: Does having a date with Sean Cassidy count? He picked me up in his mom, Shirley Jones’, Cadillac and we went horseback riding at what was then Pickwick and is now the Equestrian Center in Burbank. I was maybe 16. He was a gentleman and very kind.
Q: Who would play you in the movie of your life?
A: If it were the decade of the forties or fifties, Barbara Stanwyck. If now, Phoebe Waller Bridge.
Q: Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
A: Any deserted cove with clear, warm water.
Q: What is one of the happiest moments in your life?
A: Mother’s Day, two years ago, was just one of the most beautiful days surrounded by family. So many laughs. Everyone happy.
Q: What’s your favorite childhood memory?
A: Being cast as Pat Conway on an episode of The Brady Bunch, which got me my SAG card.
Q: Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: There are categories to this. Love, family and work. But I’d say I feel even my failures have made me proud because I have learned from them and without them the accomplishments wouldn’t be as sweet.
Q: What would be a good theme song for your life?
A: The first song I ever wrote is called Grateful. That kind of sums up everything I feel about my life. Even with the trials we have in our lives there’s still always something to be grateful for.
Q: What would be the title of your memoir?
A: She Likes to Laugh.
Q: Do you sing in the shower?
A: Hell, yeah!
Q: Where is the most memorable place you have performed?
A: Oooh!!! I’d have to say my debut appearance at The Grand Ole Opry and the Sydney Opera House.
Q: Who is your inspiration?
A: I find inspiration in so many people. My friend who walks every day during quarantine and has lost twenty pounds. Or the songwriters I work with who bare their souls. Artists who keep working without worldwide recognition. Writers or artists who are uniquely themselves and follow their own intuition. My mom and dad.
Q: Describe your sound
A: Up until now I’d say Singer/Songwriter meets Country meets Southern California Seventies music.
Q: What advice do you have for kids who want to be actors/actresses?
A: You have to love it so much that you believe there’s nothing else you could possibly do. You’ll have been patient. Your choices define you as much as what you choose NOT to do. And sometimes it is hard to say “no” when you should.
Q: What would you like remembered about you?
A: That I have a strong faith, that I love deeply.
Q: What cause do you most identify with?
A: Breast Cancer Research Foundation for funding to find a cure for breast cancer.
Q: What is one message you would give to people who have lost their way?
A: Never give up. We all lose our way at times in our lives. It’s just dark for a moment. Keep walking, breathing. Life is one day at a time. The sun will shine again.
