Note: This story contains spoilers for “Duster” Episode 2.
Best known for films he made with ex-husband John Carpenter, including “The Fog” and “Escape from New York,” Adrienne Barbeau stars in this week’s episode of “Duster” as the secret wife of an FBI agent.
The EP also includes another actress who plays barbo, which she may have seen in 1972. The young Barbaugh (played by Michaela Hoover in James Gunn’s “Superman”) helps the main character Jim Ellis (Josh Holloway) by deflecting older businessmen so that Jim can steal a valuable pair of Elvis Presley’s blue suede shoes.
Barbeau talked to TheWrap about someone having her play as a character for the first time. The 79-year-old actress said she was “tickling pink.”
“The 70s were my time,” said Barbaugh, who, as the show portrays, was nominated for Tony for his portrayal of Rizzo in the production of “Grease” on Broadway.
TheWrap: How did this role come your way?
Adrienne Barbeau: I thought they were asking me to play themselves in this episode, but no [Abrams] It offered me another role. He called, and it was in the 70s and we want to use Adrienne Barbeau as a character. And I said, “What a compliment,” I actually tickled the pink. And he said.
TheWrap: What did you think of Michaela Hoover’s performance as “Adrienne Barbeau”?
She’s much more beautiful than me. They went a little far in terms of who I was at the time. I don’t drink. But perhaps this Adrian Barbaugh did.
Michaela Hoover plays Adrian Barbo in “Duster” Season 1 Episode 2 (John Koparov/Wire Image)
Is this the first time someone has played you as a character?
Yes, yes, that’s rare. Actors are not often portrayed at a young age that I can think of. It was really fun. Of course, I’m in the second episode and I’m trying to tell someone my friend that they should watch it. It’s like Adrienne Barbeau is in the second episode, but I did it too.
What about Evelyn Breen, the character you play?
She is the wife of an FBI agent whose file is ultimately missing in a mental facility, as the Rachel Hilson character begins with a journey to figure out what’s going on. I don’t know much about Evelyn yet. They tell me that she’ll be back if there’s a second season.
She has something to do with the powers in Washington. She also wants to stop investigating Nina.
Yes, definitely.
Because Nina is black.
Unfortunately, yes. That’s not what I’m comfortable playing. But yes, she made a statement about “people like you” and it’s clear that she’s talking.
The episode is stealing Elvis’ blue suede shoes. Have you ever met Elvis in real life?
The only connection to the truly ambiguous Elvis is that my son is a music producer and he was nominated for a Grammy Award for the “Suspicious Heart” version. [Baz Luhrmann’s] “Elvis.” Ah, and my ex-husband, John Carpenter, directed the miniseries, “Elvis,” along with Kurt Russell. I thought it was amazing.
Was it a bit surreal to be on a show where everyone is dressed like in 1972?
The fashion designers at this show are amazing. I was really impressed with everything she did. The wardrobe I wore in “Mode” doesn’t reflect what my character wears in “Duster”, but she really has it. It’s so much fun, and the music… this was one of my days. I really enjoy the series because I love music from the 70s and 60s.
I saw you in the episode “9-1-1.” Do you go looking for work or do you mostly call you and ask them to take part in their shows and movies?
Now I’m doing a film that I’m very excited about where the writers and directors approach me.
I’m called to come in and go to an audition. I do a lot of audio work and sometimes audition for audio jobs, but in most cases they are direct offers. In the last two films, they called me and said, “Would you please read this script? We want to do it to you.”
Adrienne Barbeau (Avco Embassy Pictures/Studiocanal from “The Fog”
You are very well known for your voice work, and of course you played DJs in “Foot” and you voiced your computer in “The Thing.” It feels daunting to see people not automatically hire you for things.
I think there is a certain factor, especially as we all get older, that even if you know what they do, you still need to see that person. But do you want to see what they look like now? If I were asked to audition, it would never bother me.
Looking back on your career, is that what you thought it would be?
I don’t feel like I’ve never worked in my life for a day. All I ever wanted was to be able to support myself as an actor. I told myself that if I hadn’t had a measure of success by the age of 25, I would get a degree and teach acting. But by the time I was 25, I was on Broadway and had a Union Card so I went from there. I was incredibly lucky to be able to do this for such a long time. I have been working since 1963.
“Duster” will release a maximum of new episodes on Thursday.
“Duster” Post: Adrian Barbaud was “Tickled Pink” by her unusual double role in the Max crime drama.
