Hello! My name is Martha Plimpton and I’m I am an actress who’s done a lot of things, including this new ABC comedy “The Real O’Neals” which I am very proud to be doing. I have never been on Redditt before and I have no idea how this works. So. Ask Me Anything.

Proof: https://twitter.com/MarthaPlimpton/status/798582219942088704

https://twitter.com/MarthaPlimpton/status/798581479823577088

EDIT: Well, this was fantastic. I so enjoyed this! Maybe we'll do it again sometime. Thank you all for your questions, from the silly to the heart-felt. Here's to all of you. Take care of yourselves and each other, and let's try and make the world a kinder place this week, next week, one week at a time. THANK YOU!

Comments: 115 • Responses: 30  • Date: 

CivilWarHoundour24 karma

I'm an eager Twitter follower of yours and I've loved you ever since I saw you on Raising Hope. My question is that do you ever miss your Raising Hope costars and do you still keep in touch with them?

MCPlimpton25 karma

Thank you! And yes, I keep in touch with pretty much everyone. We became very close. Shannon Woodward and I serve on the board of A is For together, and I love her intensely. And Garret will always be my favorite first fake hubby.

tdc0924013 karma

Hello! My question is: would you ever want to do a Raising Hope Reunion? Like a.. check in where they are now, kind of thing?

MCPlimpton12 karma

Sure! I'd do that. I'd love it.

ironicsans11 karma

Running On Empty is one of my favorite movies but as far as I can tell it has never been released in any form other than pan-and-scan standard definition. Any idea why? Who do I need to petition to get it released in HD? (Long shot that you know the answer but I have to ask)

MCPlimpton12 karma

Huh. I never thought about that. Interesting. Maybe it just hasn't ever been formatted that way? Honestly, I have no clue. I barely even know how to be on Reddit. Eek!

BuffyTheMoronSlayer10 karma

I'm a longtime fan (My husband and I watch 200 Cigarettes every New Year's Eve and make crab dip because of Monica) I've never watched the Real ONeals so what makes it stand out as a show?

MCPlimpton13 karma

Oh, that's fabulous! How's the dip? Can you post a recipe?

I love our show. The Real O'Neals gives us a fantastic opportunity to explore the classic coming of age issues every teen goes through, and that every family experiences, from the perspective of a young gay man. It's about learning to readjust your expectations, questioning your prejudices, and growing up alongside your kids. Things every family can relate to, I think. Also, it's really freaking funny, IMHO.

stankery10 karma

Martha Plimpton! squee! you were always my celebrity crush. it's just exciting to say that.

what was it like working with John Waters?

MCPlimpton13 karma

Thank you! I LOVE John Waters. He is insane in the best possible way. And more than that, he is a deeply compassionate person. He loves his city, his friends, his community. I'd work with him again in a heartbeat.

ilonarcari10 karma

Is there any chance you might be back to The Good Wife spin off? Cause you really would make Diane run or her money!

MCPlimpton6 karma

I hope so!

stanrc7 karma

I just started a rewatch of Raising Hope and it is such a great show, all the characters seem perfectly cast and written for. Are there any specific scenes that stand out that were just too funny to get through without laughing?

Goonies never say die.

MCPlimpton12 karma

Thank you! And I happen to agree. I LOVED working on that show, and it changed my life in so many ways. I made lifelong friends, I felt happy going to work every day. I remember one scene where Garret had to talk about an unseen character named Heidi (this happens to be my best friend's name) and for some reason, honestly, I couldn't hear him say her name without breaking. I don't remember laughing that hard ever, every, in my life. He did that a lot. He once made me spit milk through my nose during a breakfast scene. And I loved doing the drunk scene with him after we infiltrate the kazoo company and go to the Mexican restaurant. I honestly think that scene may hold some of my finest work as a professional actor.

pussgurka4 karma

Waffles or pancakes?

MCPlimpton9 karma

WAFFLES!!!!

maroonmonday4 karma

What advice would you give to someone that is interested in a career in acting?

MCPlimpton11 karma

Hmmmm...go to Russia! I'm only half joking. I did! Well, for research before we did The Coast of Utopia. Anyway, if you want to act....ACT! And pay no mind to becoming famous or rich. That's a lottery. Be true and kind and generous and present, and try new things, and most of all, don't take yourself too seriously.

sollasollewmn4 karma

Hi, Martha. Big, big fan of your work (and your politics). Do you prefer working in film, TV, or stage?

MCPlimpton3 karma

I really love the immediacy and the rehearsal process in theater. It's not dissimilar to TV in some ways. In that you feel a relationship with an audience that I don't remember getting from film. It's been so long since I made a movie, I'm not sure I can say if I prefer it or not at this stage. I just like working, really, and I'll go wherever the work and the people are interesting and challenging and good!

penisorus4 karma

martha would you take a look at a group my friend started on facebook? the election results really affected her and shes thinking about changing careers to become more involved in womens rights activism. she has started a project to connect women in states where access to birth control and contraceptives may be difficult to people in states where access is better. she is new to activism and is asking for as much guidance and support as she can get. i know you gave some advice above but do you have any for someone just starting out? she has always admired you greatly and loves your work as an actor and with a is for. its called the underground contraceptive project here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/Underground-Contraceptive-Project-219693391785485/ thank you for all your work!

MCPlimpton7 karma

Hey, this is a REALLY great idea. Your friend is right, there are going to be some intense battles coming up to protect women's access to reproductive health care, and birth control access is going to top the list. She can write to us at A is For, through the website, if she wants to talk with us or ask questions. It's VERY important work, and I'm glad she's pursuing it. We need all the help we can get. Your friend is awesome. She can also reach out to other groups, like Sister Song, that focus on WOC and the intersections of race/class/repro health among other things. they are a great group and they do EXTREMELY important work.

berlinwallmart3 karma

Hi, I'm a huge fan of yours! Can you share any memories of working on the film Parenthood? Thanks for the AMA!

MCPlimpton13 karma

That was one of the happiest experiences of my life. That cast was incredible, and it was honestly a joyful, brilliant time. We stayed in these furnished apartments all in the same complex, some of us. And I remember one night shooting the drag racing scene, and Joaquin and Keanu and I were blasting Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" album (my personal fave of all time) and dancing like idiots. That's one of my memories.

TheKoi3 karma

how did you get to be so cool?

MCPlimpton7 karma

Hee! Thank you. x

ilonarcari3 karma

I know you are very active with Plan Parenthood, would you like to explain what "A is For?" is about?

MCPlimpton23 karma

A is For is an organization I co-founded with some very brilliant women friends that seeks to advocate for abortion and reproductive rights, and to eliminate the shame and stigma associated with one of the most common medical procedures there is. We work to raise awareness through art and activism, and we support on the ground orgs who are providing financial help for women seeking to exercise their Constitutional right to physical autonomy and self-determination. That's the short answer!

sixmilewidowspeak3 karma

Hi Martha! I was enamored with a movie you were in called Samantha. I also loved running on empty. I happen to follow you on twitter as well,as well as a few actors who hold the same views on politics as you. Although it's comforting to hear people share the same views as I but i wonder if it's too much discontent. I wonder if my views are keeping me from moving on. I'm a gay married man with a disabled sister who lives with us. I'd like to adopt. This presidency makes me scared and anxious but should we wait and see what happens? I've felt physically horrible since the election and feel exhausted thinking of it.

MCPlimpton10 karma

Believe me, I empathize with your feelings. It is a very scary time. As far as moving on...well, maybe it's better not to right now. Maybe it's better to stick with those feelings and work through them through resistance and action. Write to your representatives, call their offices, and demand that your rights be respected and protected.

sixmilewidowspeak3 karma

Thank you for responding! Perhaps less couch potato activism will give me less anxiety. I also wanted to mention that I urged my husband to be MySpace friends with you way back when because I was too nervous to do it. He made a comment about Abe vigoda at an Oprah gathering. I would like to apologize for that. I haven't watched your new show but I'll give it a shot now.

MCPlimpton2 karma

Thank you! We're on tonight at 9:30/8:30 central on ABC. And you can catch up with us on various platforms. I hope you like the show. I think you might! Tonight's our Thanksgiving episode.

Jmk19813 karma

Hi Martha- I've been a big fan since I was a kid- but, really even more so in the mid-2000's. Because of your Duane Reade rant. Also, I think I once met you on Columbus Avenue somewhere in the 80's, circa 2003-4. I was drunk and you seemed nice. Or the person I thought was you seemed nice.

Can you please offer some words of inspiration in these incredibly depressing post-election times? Will you please be my Oprah today?

MCPlimpton8 karma

Ok, this is hilarious. Yes, I remember that Duane Reade rant. I stand by everything I said back then.

And I can tell you that we're all as depressed about it as you are. So don't feel alone.

Mutt12232 karma

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

MCPlimpton5 karma

I like vanilla chocolate chip and there appears to be a nationwide shortage, as I can never find any anywhere!!!!

twofishbaking2 karma

How are you, and AIsFor? Any big plans in the near future?

MCPlimpton4 karma

Well, this election has thrown us all into a place of urgency, obviously. So our plans will reflect that urgency as we try to be responsive and resilient in the face of what is sure to be a new level of hostility to women's health rights. More immediately we are building a new, more comprehensive and flexible website, developing some short-term initiatives, and trying to determine what this Women's March on DC is about, who is organizing it, and how to be most effective with it. We also have our Calling For Choice auction coming up again! People can bid on a celebrity to record their outgoing voice mail, and the proceed will go to a number of clinics that are particularly threatened.

sollasollewmn2 karma

Virginia Chance and Eileen O'Neal are going toe to toe. Who emerges victorious?

MCPlimpton12 karma

Well, I'm not one to encourage competition between women. There's room for all of us. That said, I think Virginia would kick Eileen's ass in a brawl, if that's what you're asking. She'd come out scarred for life, but she'd get the KO.

sklauda11 karma

Have you ever seen anyone play (like a Let's Play) the Minecraft game, especially with all Olivia-based choices?

MCPlimpton2 karma

No! How would one do that? That sounds fun.

Mr_Potamus1 karma

Can you please let us know whats going on with the Goonies sequel? Pretty please?

MCPlimpton11 karma

I wish I had an answer for you, but I can tell you that I really wouldn't expect it. It's been teased for decades and I don't think it's going to happen. At least, as far as I know. I think Dick Donner, who is a brilliantly funny man, likes to torture us all with the prospect. I believe it's his revenge for having been tortured by all of us for 6 months in 1984.

jackarroo1 karma

I love the Real O'Neals, but my question is more about your choices in life. You've been surrounded by acting and theater from your earliest moments, did you ever feel like you could be anything else? Or when was the last time you thought "maybe I can do something else?"

MCPlimpton2 karma

Good question! I guess since I've been doing this since I was 8 years old, it always just felt like what I was meant to do. I've often WANTED to do lots of other things. Write, drive a semi, be a chicken farmer, open a florists, or be a professional sheet ironer at a small boutique hotel on the island of Yap....

ilonarcari1 karma

I also watched "The Company" lately and I really was amazed by you and Stephen Colbert. Do you miss theater? and would you like to work with Colbert more?

MCPlimpton7 karma

Thank you very much! That was one of the most terrifying experiences of all our lives. We did the show all together for the first time in front of 2000 people. Rehearsed it all in about a week or so. INSANE. I would do anything with Colbert again. I adore than man. He is one of the true greats, imo.

TallDuckandHandsome0 karma

What is the worst experience you have ever had on set?

MCPlimpton4 karma

It's magic every time. Ha!

TallDuckandHandsome-8 karma

Not really an answer to the question Martha. That implies there is no qualitative difference in your experience on every set. All filming is the same whether it starts at 3am and runs for 18 hrs, or is a leisurely advert.

Please try again.

NotYourTypicalReditr8 karma

You leave Martha Plimpton alone!

MCPlimpton3 karma

Thank you!

NotYourTypicalReditr1 karma

You're welcome! I'm honored you replied. I posted this too, but it was removed so I'll add it here.

I don't have anything to ask you. Unless you can set me up with Shannon Woodward. But I love your entire body of work, though I'll admit to not watching your new show yet. Keep being you!

MCPlimpton1 karma

Give our new show a shot. I think you might like it. Honestly. Tell me what you thought. I'm on the twitter machine and I read and reply to people there, too!

MCPlimpton3 karma

HA! Oh, I don't really know. I mean, I've worked in easy situations and hard ones, like everyone else. I once had to shave my head twice a day while filming in the winter in Germany. Another time I was in Poland all winter filming in 40's period costume, so was constantly freezing. The worst times appear to have been during winter in formerly Eastern Bloc countries. Does that help?

TallDuckandHandsome-2 karma

Yeah a lot. My partner is an actress and I spend a lot of time talking to her about ups and downs (not like yours) so it's always interesting to here how things are across the whole spectrum of success.

Thank you for your response. And thank you for taking the time to do this. We all appreciate it.

MCPlimpton1 karma

Thanks very much! And thanks for asking for clarification. My best to your partner. It's a hard and weird job, but it obviously has extraordinary rewards. And not just of the material type. I wish her the best!

malcontented0 karma

Did you vote for Trump or Clinton and how freaked are you about Trump?

MCPlimpton8 karma

I am, like most of the rest of the world, completely freaked about Trump being president of the United States. I think it's obvious that I did not vote for him. Nope.