interview : carrie preston, True Blood

It’s easy to assume that actors are similar to the characters they play – but with Carrie Preston that couldn’t be further from the truth. Fans of True Blood will know her as southern bell bombshell, and Merlotte‘s only reliable waitress, Arlene Fowler. But unlike the loveable but ditzy Arlene, Preston is clever, insightful and deeply in tune to the subtleties of characterisation.

True Blood spiralled to popularity as a headliner in the current vampire revival alongside Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. However, even the casual observer can tell that underneath the sex, blood and rock and roll, True Blood is an intellectual cut above the rest. Whether it’s the suspenseful storylines, the political undertones, or the graphic sex scenes – either way, True Blood has been sucking in viewers (pun intended). Preston is happy to be a part of that phenomenon. ‘I feel so lucky to be in a show that people relish,’ she says. ‘True Blood was the seventh pilot that I acted in over the years, and it was a relief to finally have one of them hit. I had a hunch it would go over well, but I never dreamed it would reach the fever pitch that it has.’

So, why are vampires so popular again? ‘People are so taken with the idea of living forever,’ Preston explains. ‘And especially with the idea of beautiful, dangerously sexy, young people living forever!’ Ah yes, sex sells. And fantasy escapism sells even better.

True Blood certainly boasts a host of attractive and dangerously alluring vampires, along with handsome werewolves and shape-shifters too. Indeed, so many of the regulars have turned out to be mystical in some way, Arlene is one of the few mere mortals left. ‘I sometimes feel like the supernaturals are having more fun!’ Preston jokes. ‘But I think it’s important to always have representatives of the real world in our show so the audience is aware of the context in which the supernaturals live.’

In many ways, Arlene is not only “normal”, she’s typical. As a working single mother, she represents a very real, very marginalised group of Americans. She speaks for women who often cannot speak for themselves. Preston is conscious of her role representing this disempowered demographic. ‘I feel a strong responsibility to honour Arlene and not make fun of her,’ she explains. ‘I am protective of her because I feel like it’s easy to play her stereotype rather than her specificity. I try to deal with the stakes (no pun intended) of what she is dealing with.’ Though she deals with her fair share of supernatural problems, Arlene also injects a slice of reality, as she deals with problems common to many Americans. ‘She is a single mother barely getting by and trying to protect her children, her values, her life.’

Preston is quick to point out her character’s strong qualities too, rather than just focus on her disempowerment. ‘Arlene is a survivor. […] She takes her job very seriously, which is something I’ve always respected about her. She doesn’t suffer fools or unprofessionalism lightly.’

Speaking of her job… how does Merlotte‘s bar even stay open, with most of the staff being killed, turning into animals or getting kidnapped by vampires? Sometimes it seems like Arlene is the only one that does any work. ‘Arlene is Merlotte‘s most valuable player for sure!’ Preston insists. ‘She has daily meltdowns trying to keep the place running. But she wouldn’t want any other job. Arlene is a little addicted to drama, I think.’

Preston also sees a shrewd businesswoman, beneath Arlene’s superficial exterior. ‘Arlene’s legs are selling point for her,’ she says, explaining the very skimpy Merlotte‘s uniform. ‘She wears high heels to make her legs (and her ass) look good. She is never without her coiffed red hair, her fully done makeup, her golden tan and her French tip nails. And she gets better tips because of it! “Just do the math”, she would say!’

For the full interview, stay tuned for the release of Issue 20 of Lip, coming out soon!