Her first major role was that of Catherine Martin in "The Silence of the Lambs," and Brooke Smith has since accumulated dozens of film, television, and stage credits. Other feature film work includes Curtis Hanson's film "In Her Shoes," Woody Allen's "Melinda and Melinda," Daniel Minahan's "Series 7," and Joel Schumacher's "Bad Company." She was honored with an IFP Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Louis Malle's "Vanya on 42nd Street."
On television, Smith had a recurring role on "Six Feet Under." She also appeared on "Law & Order," and was most recently seen playing Dr. Erica Hahn in the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy."
Smith is currently starring in Neil LaBute's Some Girl(s) opposite Fran Drescher, Eric McCormack, Judy Reyes, and Maura Tierney. During rehearsals, Smith and I spoke about this production, in which she is reunited with director Jo Bonney, with whom she worked with on Stop Kiss at The Public Theatre.
Nick Orlando: Brooke, it is a pleasure speaking to you. How are rehearsals going?
Brooke Smith: They are going well! I just found out last night that we are not working today or tomorrow and that's a little frustrating because I feel like we just started to get going. I sort of don't know what to do with myself when I am not rehearsing, but they are going well - really well!
Nick Orlando: What attracted you to this production?
Brooke Smith: I have to be honest and say the first thing that attracted me was as a lifesaving device because I felt that if I didn't do a play soon, I don't know. I kind of forgot what acting was.
Nick Orlando: Why?
Brooke Smith: Because I was in LA - there is nothing against LA - but I was sort of doing some work that wasn't very satisfying and it wasn't paying me well either. I was just getting frustrated. I was missing something with some substance. Everyone close to me was telling me the same thing, 'You need to do a play.' First, I fled to Mexico, and then by the time I got back, there was an email saying that they offered me the play. So, I basically hardly read it, and said 'Yes!' I was just dying to come home and do a play. I have always wanted to work with Neil [LaBute].
Nick Orlando: Your character, Sam, is a Seattle housewife. How do you relate to Sam? What do you like about her?
