Flair Mag Fall 1999
Q&A with Jane Leeves
Jane Leeves , 37 , the loveable Daphne Moon on television’s hit comedy series Frasier , appears in Miramax’s new film “Music of the Heart” . Here she talks with Kathleen Beckett about her life , love , Niles , working with Meryl Streep and visiting her nude web sites.
Q :- When you were growing up in East Grinstead England did you have nick names ?
A:- I was called Spider and Rubber Lips. people used to comment on my lips all the time and say “They’re really big” or “they’re a weird shape”. when you’re a kid , these names stick with you and sting a bit. i thought “Maybe my lips are too big , but I’ll probably grow into them one day” Only now do i realise that they probably are assets.
Q:- And your legs ?
A:- they’re quite long. People are always commenting on how tall I am. they say I don’t look that tall on television , for some reason . But I’m near 5 foot 10 inches
Q:- And your vital statistics ?
A:- I’m usually between size 4 and a 6. I have no idea what I weigh - usually about 125 - 130. My shoe size is 8.5. and I’ve got long skinny arms and legs , but the dance thing gave me some muscles in my legs so i wouldn’t feel too bad about them
Q:- When where you dancing?
A:- I went to a school for the arts when I was 13. I was really vigorously studying ballet there. then i had an ankle injury that slowed me down quite a bit. I would never be lead ballerina , so it wasn’t for me. But they started me on this whole entertaining road . I went to London when I was 18 and did what I could , a bit of modelling and a bit of dancing.
Q:- You’re well known for playing Miles Silverberg’s girlfriend on Murphy brown , Jerry’s virgin girlfriend on Sienfeld and Daphne the nursemaid on Frasier. Is there any Jane Leeves in those roles ?
A:- They’re really earthy , quirky women. they seem to have it all together in some respects , but in the areas of relationships and love they’re not secure - which is sort of like everybody.
Q:- Speaking of love , what does Niles see in Daphne ?
A:- She’s the antithesis of everyone Niles is used to. i picture him standing in the Kitchen with a martini in hand and her at the sink fixing the plumbing. he’s fascinated by that. But I think there’s a real friendship that’s developed between the two of them. I think you really get to see the real Niles when he and Daphne are alone. there are moments when he’s so human and loving and sweet. and then he just can’t help himself anymore.
Q:- Is that what Daphne sees in Niles , that side of him ?
A:- Yes , he’s the most sweet kind gentleman , very different from anything she’s ever known. She’s grown up with eight ruffian brothers , and here’s a man that treats her like a goddess.
Q:- What does your husband [Paramount executive Marshall Coben , whom Leeves married in 1996] see in the real Jane Leeves ?
A:- I don’t know. He loves me. we’re the perfect match , I can say about him that there’s not a thing i don’t like.
Q:- I understand you and Peri Gilpin (another Frasier co-star) have a production company called Bristol Cities. Does that name mean anything?
A:- It’s actually cockney for Titties. When Peri and I were starting this company (we’re basically looking for great material to produce for TV movies and series) everyone said to us , “You should come up with a name that signifies two women.” And we thought “what would they say if we were a couple of guys?” so i said “Bristol Cities” out of the blue. we can get away with it because no one knows what it means.
Q:- There are so many nude web Sites showing your Bristol Cities. Where do those pictures come from?
A:- Most of the time they put your head on top of somebody’s body. there are no nude pictures of me out there. But the ones I’ve seen , the head is just a little too small for the body and they’ve chosen rather well-endowed young ladies - which if anyone knows me I am not. My husband found one site and said “Honey come and look at this,” and we fell on the floor laughing it was so funny.
Q:- I suspect you are fully clothed in your new film , Music of the heart ?
A:- I have a small but pivotal role in it. it’s a true story about a woman named Roberta who started a violin program in Harlem. I play a German lady married to a famous violinist who arranges a big benefit concert concert at Carnegie Hall. Meryl plays Roberta and Gloria Estefan has her first screen role as a school teacher and she’s wonderful. Cloris Leachman plays Roberta’s mother and Angel Bassett plays the headmistress of the school.
Q:- What accent does Meryl Streep have ?
A:- A regular American one
Q: And your accent ?
A:- A slight German accent. This is a woman who has spoken English most of her life. my scenes with Meryl, the queen of accents , were pretty terrifying. But Meryl is so professional , she just knows how to make everything work. Sometimes I’d be petrified , but then you’d get on set with Meryl and she’d put you completely at ease. She’s amazing.