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You havent worked with Ryan Murphy before.
What was the casting process like?I have not and I always had wanted to.
It was Jon Robin Baitz.
He thought I had to change my whole schedule [for it].
So it comes from having amazing, wonderful friends.
Did you remember anything about Andrew Cunanan or how Versace died?
Was that something you paid attention to?Yes, I had followed it.
Its disheartening, I think.
I dont think I knew anything about the Miglins.
Did you?No, I actually didnt.
I talked to the producers about what they were wanting and what they were seeing and what they needed.
What does that homework entail?I sit with myself, looking at what drives someone.
We talk a lot about the character.
So, thats the kind of thing that I do.
Did you watch videos of her?No, I really didnt want to.
Ryan was very specific about what the look was.
He had translated all of that to the makeup and hair people and what they wanted to see.
I am doing a representation in a piece, so its not, for me, it isnt helpful.
In another case, it might be, but no.
And she had a man who supported her in her endeavors.
The scene when they return from the banquet and he thanks her for introducing him was very sweet.
It showed their genuine admiration and affection.Thats exactly right.
Do you think Marilyn knew about Lees secret life?I dont know.
It is not an ordinary event.
And so, were talking about whether someone knew or not.
Maybe unconsciously thats possible, but I dont know.
And I dont think that actually matters.
How a culture makes people stay in the closet, and how thats what took place.
Thats so much of the top note of what I think this story is about.
Its like, lest we forget, this is still going on.
These kind of people and their vilification of this community, a community that is so extraordinary.
What did you find most challenging about playing Marilyn?Thats an interesting question to ponder.
It wasnt the work.
I have great admiration for her.
Shes an incredible businesswoman.
Shes an incredible person.
She was out there in the business world in a major way, early, early on.
She found a partner who supported her efforts.
I have great respect for her.
That is their business.
That is their life.
That is the way they choose to hold this.
But Im wondering how you worked it out for yourself.
How do you tell the story as an actor, knowing what the family has said?
Does that impact you in any way?Theyre two different things.
Im given a script.
I dont get involved in that.
I have a very different job.
I have a very separate job, and my job is to do what Im given to do.
She was perfectly still except for her nails.
I just thought that was so powerful.
It also shows you her detail to beauty and to grooming.
Her whole business is a beauty business and you see that.
Those nails tell you a whole story about this person.
I think thats brilliant writing.
Its just extraordinary to me.
Did you choose to end that way?
Thats a very emotional moment, so I dont always remember what happens in those moments.
Do you remember how you were feeling?
That was a very beautiful, poignant moment.Yes.
Theres the sorrow, theres the loss, theres the knowing that you have to get on with life.
Tell me about working on that powerful scene.
You really have to be not thinking about that, but thinking about everything else.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
