I know Téa Leoni doesn’t get too much interest around here, but I like to talk about her and I like to read her interviews. She has a good head on her shoulders, she has thoughtful things to say, and she’s not looking for fame and admiration like so many other celebrities. The last time we covered an interview with Téa she revealed that she loves to fly fish and fry up what she catches. We also heard that she’s dating her onscreen husband, Tim Daly.
Téa, 49, covers the March issue of More Magazine. The editorial is beautiful and looks like an ad for a luxury brand. Téa is promoting Madam Secretary, which returns March 1 to CBS to finish its first season and has already been renewed for second. As you know, Téa’s divorce from David Duchovny was finalized last year. They have two children, Madelaine, 15, and Kyd, 12. Téa. Téa admits that things got messy in her marriage, but she doesn’t get into details and she maintains that she loves David. Téa got candid with More about her career, children and her grounded outlook on life. As usual, this was a joy to read:
On misogyny and ageism in Hollywood:
[Brett] Ratner (her director on the 2000 film The Family Man)—whom I really like, by the way—was going around telling people that despite my age, I was ‘still doable.’ I think I was 34 then. And he was something like 28. I asked myself, ‘Do I still care about that?’ And at that time, I did. I felt that pressure to be ‘doable.’ It was the meanest thought I’d had for myself in a long time.Thankfully, I’ve moved past all that. Chasing youth is a war I’m not going to win. It’s not like I’m thrilled to turn around and catch my can in the mirror, but I can see now how much of my happiness could be a victim of trying to stay young and desirable. And it feels like peace and victory to be relieved of that burden.
On her early career:
I had one long thread of shitty advice throughout my career, which was, ‘You have to do this in order to do that.’ So I did some projects that were lacking. I was ‘the chick of the flick.’On her industry reputation as a “Pass-a-dena”:
For every project I do, there are a lot I don’t. People have asked if I’m lazy. In a way it’s flattering. But the truth is, if you’re going to pull me away from my children, I need to have some connection to the work.”On what’s more important to her than an Oscar:
People tell me I’ve never really made it. They say, ‘You don’t have an Oscar.’ There’s not an accolade in Hollywood that could replace time with my kids. At this stage of my life, it’s not about contentment. Or appealing to 20-year-olds. Or awards. It’s about finding something more. As I tell my daughter, ‘Hear your voice first.’On living in the now
Now when the kids walk in, I’m listening to them and just loving them. I’m getting much better at noticing that life is good. That everything passes. I tell my children that. Think about the now, not the then or later. That’s the art.On her ex, David Duchovny
On occasion, I want to throttle him. But in any real relationship with someone you love, that’s true.
[From More Magazine, received via email]
Her advice is simple and yet poignant: don’t chase fame or youth, live in the moment and be present with the people in your life. I didn’t realize that actors judged each other by their awards, but I guess there are judgmental people everywhere, and there are even those who will say it to your face. Téa doesn’t care, she’d rather be fishing or hanging out with her kids and she’ll tell you about it. She’ll also tell you about directors being creeps. I bet she has worse stories to tell.
Images credit: ©Rene & Radka/MORE Magazine
Wow, Brett Ratner is just a nasty piece of work isn’t he?
But living well IS the best revenge — and she always makes me think of Robin Wright’s recent success.
I picture Tea finding a great show too.
He is the absolute worst. I would like to say that he is the most misogynistic guy in the industry but sadly I think he fits right in the industry. So many men in Entertainment (the whole industry from creative to legal etc.) feel like they have the freedom and security to talk about women in such a manner without any fear of retribution. Its so sick.
I think these misogynistic men in Hollywood are such losers and lowlive, that they will say anything offensive about women like they will use a blow up dolls to f*ck with.
I love Tea interview with More magazine. She looks great and she is extremely beautiful, and also the accolades and stuff is right on point.
I’m not at all suprised that actors judge each other by their awards. It’s an insecure and judgmental industry that sometimes seems to be more about who you know than how talented you are
Man, I really like her. She seems so normal. I hope she continues working.
Me too! She’s cool and quite an actress!
Tea is a classic beauty and talent. She would slip right into the golden age of Hollywood effortlessly. Myrna Loy, Carole Lombard, Katherine Hepburn…
I love reading what she has to say. Thanks!
I’ve always loved her since I saw her in Flirting with Disaster back in the 90s.
She’s always come off as smart and funny.
Telling someone they haven’t really made it is kinda shi*ty, I can’t imagine living around people like that, but she sounds really grounded. I’ve always liked her, and she’s absolutely gorgeous!
its realls crappy but in this case also ridiculous. should Gwyneth Paltrow who won an Oscar make fun of Gary Oldman who has got none? ok we all know she would 😀 but thats not the point obviously.
Oh Maria, that goopy comment just made my day, lol.
I’m so glad she called out the director! What an ass.
Brett Ratner has so not something to say about someone’s else look. Ever. And talent-wise, he’s about the bottom of the barrel.
Brett Ratner is the worst. I hope every actress on his next film goes around telling everyone that no matter what, he ISN’T doable. Can you imagine if that were in a corporate setting? Sad there are no repercussions on a film set.
No Oscar = not making it? Whatever. If you were able to support yourself and family as a working actor, you’ve made it. Everything else is just the cherry on top.
Exactly! Getting paid to do what you love at the top level of your industry…there are few people on planet Earth who have that privilege. She knows it and seems to have her priorities straight.
Tea is a funny woman . She’s very underrated.
If having an Oscar is the standard, I guess most actors have never made it. That’s crazy.
I’ve always liked her. I admire her for transitioning into middle age with grace and for putting herself and her children ahead of meaningless career moves by carefully selecting her projects. She seems very grounded and wise.
Man, Hollywood must be just brimming with delightful people. I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with these complete jackasses.
What a vapid, empty sad person. I feel sorry for her.
Yeah, she has her tv show that’s just been renewed, a great attitude about aging, two beautiful children and a good relationship with her ex. Poor thing.
Vapid, empty, sad? She’s the utter opposite. She puts her family and a happy life ahead of taking crappy film roles, going to the opening of an envelope or constantly shilling herself (hello J Lo). She has a very successful career on several solid, well acted television series. She’s grounded and content. How you can equate her wonderful common sense attitude and understanding spirit to vapidity and emptiness is beyond me.
A lot of the interview is good and grounded, but I think the Oscar part is an internal narrative; that she questioned her own success, and reasoned that the bargain of her children had greater value. I really don’t believe anyone said that to her.
She is one note in her acting, I haven’t seen any revelatory breakout performance. That said, she seems cool in real life. Her new show is like nails on a blackboard, or more accurately, a droning noise in the apartment that you can’t find, so you can’t remedy it.
I agree, Kiddo! Tea always seemed like a cool girl! But, I’ve never thought her acting was anything special…maybe, she was never offerred anything that would showcase some talent, that I haven’t seen, yet…but, I don’t think so! To me, she is more a TV actress, than a “movie star”! Not saying there is anything wrong with that…an actress can make lots of money on a TV show, if its successful, even with limited talent! I do admire that she is aging gracefully, (she looks fantastic), and I just wish other actressess would take a lesson from her (Courtney Cox, I’m looking at you)…
Courtney Cox makes me very sad, because she is a beautiful woman, who ostensibly went so far to look better, that she looks worse.
I agree that Tea is no Meryl Streep. That being said, I’ve always enjoyed her in movies and shows that I have seen. We like Madam Secretary. It’s a bit formulaic and predictable, but entertaining. Tea entertains me. What more does one want from an actress? P.S. I’m pretty sure most 20-somethings would still find her “doable.”
Honestly, I’ve never heard of her–not until a few months ago with her “He’s my idiot” comments. I heard about her ex/X Files, but I’ve never seen her in anything.
Scorses didn’t have an oscar until 8 years ago…you gonna tell him he hadn’t made it yet? That’s a pretty stupid way to judge “making it,” imo.
She’s 49? I would never be able to tell. Looks like 30-something. Gah! Good for her.
She looks really beautiful in this shoot and she seems really intelligent. Much more intelligent than the average Hollywood star. I don’t understand how anyone thinks that she hasn’t made it. In my opinion she has pretty much one or almost everything that 99% of us want in life: wealth, beautiful children, and a steady career that allows her to spend time with her family. She’s made it in my book. David Duchovny won’t find anyone better than Téa. He messed up big time with his marriage but I’m glad that they are on friendly terms.
I can’t stand David Duchovny! I don’t get what anyone sees in him…
“Chasing youth is a war I’m not going to win.”
That is simple but brilliant. A lot of celebs, male and female, need to learn that. Smart girl.
I love The Family Man and I think she was great in it. I also love what she is saying in this interview. Clearly she has her priorities straight, unlike so many in Hollywood.
You and me both,that is one of my favorite movies ever and I love this interview. She is so refreshing!
God, I wish I could shake my forever crush on David Duchovny. It sounds like it was a great move to get out of that marriage.
HONK for Tea Leoni! She is super talented and I admire her commitment to living a balanced life. There are only so many tortured artists I can handle at a time.
I am a little confused about her take on her career. On the one hand, she believes she has made a lot of mistakes and often has played the chick in the flick. On the other, she is really choosy and only wants to do work that will validate taking away time from her children.
She sure sounds like she’s made it to me. She’s been a successful working actor for decades and has the luxury of turning down work. And I’m wondering if getting that Oscar is kind of overrated. I guess it’s the industry that she’s in though. From everything I’ve read her marriage imploding was very messy. It’s nice to see that she and David aren’t bashing each other. Not only does she look great but has a very healthy attitude about aging. I admire that.
I’ve heard the same said about the likes of Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Aniston, etc. who are not Oscar winners either and probably never will be, but have achieved tremendous financial success, name recognition and seem to have a steady stream of offers to do films and endorsement deals…Both are clearly set for life and have more money than they know what to do with. Garner in particular has no hope or desire for an Oscar and seems to seek out acting opportunities that are NOT Oscar worthy..
Many actors and actresses who’ve “made it” don’t have Oscars. I don’t think someone told her that I think she believes that.
I always thought she is a beautiful woman. “Hear your voice first” is an excellent advice to anyone. Money and fame can only take you so far. Get an “Oscar” from your kids, family and people around you, that’s an achievement you will always cherish. 🙂
I had a train of thought from reading the title before reading the article and her interview snippets, so I”m glad I read everything because I do agree with her on most points. I was coming in here to say something snarky, so it took me by surprise that it was a good interview. lol
I have loved Tea since I first saw her on the sitcom “Flying Blind” twenty years ago (or more).
I love her!
Wow, the fact that Duchovny was barely mentioned in the thread shows just how well she has emerged from what must have been a personal hell.
Also, Tea’s answer to the Duchovny question was a slam dunk!
Wasn’t she in a comedy with Jim Carrey called Fun with Dick and Jane? About a couple that tries to plan a bank heist or something. I remember thinking it was so silly that it was pretty funny.
Also she was in a Jurassic Park movie, forget which one. She had a super short haircut and I remember thinking I didn’t like it. Also maybe she was in Spanglish? She isn’t super well known yet she has been in the most random movies.
love love love tea. such a charming actress and seems like a v cool chick too.
This is refreshing to read. There is another site that always makes Tea out to be one diva meltdown from a straight jacket. I’ve always liked her and I like how she’s playing the character in her show.