Maggie Siff is a talented actress known for her diverse roles in television and film. From her early appearances in "Mad Men" to her complex character in "Billions," Siff has consistently delivered compelling performances. This article delves into her career, exploring her thoughts on acting, her experiences in Hollywood, and her memorable roles.
Early Career and "Mad Men"
Many viewers first encountered Maggie Siff in "Mad Men," where she played Rachel Menken, a Jewish department store heiress. Rachel was a strong and independent character who even turned down Donald Draper, making her stand out in the series.
"A Woman, A Part": Exploring the Intricacies of Hollywood
Siff starred in the film "A Woman, A Part," which was filmed more than a year before she began shooting the first season of "Billions." She noted the long production timelines for movies compared to TV, emphasizing how this extended period can be beneficial for an actor. The time allows for detachment from the small details on set, making it easier to appreciate the project as a whole.
In the film, Siff played Anna, a TV series star who has been mistreated by the industry. Initially, Siff felt she had little in common with Anna. The script felt "scary" because it reflected unflattering aspects of Hollywood. However, she was drawn to the opportunity to explore her industry intimately.
Relating to Character Frustrations
Siff connected with her character's frustrations, particularly the stagnation that can come with a long-running role. She acknowledged that most actors, at some point, question their motivations for acting, wondering if they are doing it for approval or the thrill. Siff believes it is important for actors to reflect on who and what they are working for.
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Siff admitted that she had been asked before about her decision to pursue acting. She shared that her darkest moments in Hollywood coincided with difficult times in her personal life. She coped by nurturing relationships outside the industry, which helped her stay grounded. Her family, including her husband and daughter, provides a sense of normalcy when she leaves work. According to Siff, her work occupies a smaller part of her life now than it did in her 20s, even though her career is currently bigger.
"Billions": Embracing Complexity and Intrigue
Siff discussed her role in "Billions," where she plays Wendy Rhoades. She mentioned a table read for the show, emphasizing that the script was "great" and the storyline would be "complicated, fraught, and fun." She finds it easy to return to the character of Wendy due to the writing, the way she is dressed, and the words she speaks.
"Sons of Anarchy": The Impact of Tara's Death
Maggie Siff's role as Tara Knowles in "Sons of Anarchy" was marked by significant emotional depth and a tragic end. The death of Tara at the hands of Gemma Teller-Morrow was a pivotal moment in the series, deeply affecting the characters and the storyline.
The Emotional Toll
Siff and Katey Sagal, who played Gemma, both experienced intense emotions while filming the scene of Tara's death. Siff described the experience of filming the scene as feeling everything around her, especially the presence of Sagal and Charlie Hunnam (who played Jax Teller). She noted that the loss was not about her but about the people her character was leaving behind.
The Necessity of Tara's Death
Kurt Sutter, the creator of "Sons of Anarchy," explained that Tara's death was necessary to drive Jax's character development in the final season. Removing Jax’s "true north" was intended to create a major psychic and emotional shift, influencing his actions and decisions.
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Gemma's Perspective
Katey Sagal revealed that portraying Gemma in this act was challenging. She felt nervous about the murder and struggled to remain true to Gemma's perspective. Gemma's actions were motivated by a belief that Tara had betrayed her, her son, and her grandchildren. In Gemma's mind, Tara was destroying everything she held dear, leading to a blind rage.
The Brutality of the Murder
Sutter chose a simple and pedestrian method for Gemma to kill Tara, using household items like a tub of dirty dishwater and a carving fork. This mundane approach was intended to make the act more horrific, highlighting Gemma's reactive nature.
Tara's Final Scene with Jax
Siff considered the scene in the park, where Jax finds Tara and their children, as the most important scene for her character. She felt that Tara had accepted her fate and wanted to say goodbye to her children and express everything she needed to say to Jax.
The Aftermath and Time Jump
Sutter decided to implement a time jump for Season 7 to allow the weight of Tara's death to resonate. This approach mirrored a similar time jump in the previous season.
Reflecting on Tara's Transformation
Siff noted that Tara did not fully transform into Gemma before her death, remaining a hybrid of her former self. She believed that Tara's conscience never completely disappeared.
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Siff also addressed the fan reactions to Tara's actions, acknowledging that some viewers struggled to understand her betrayal of Jax. However, she emphasized that their relationship had redeemed both characters and that it was important for them to find their way back to each other before the end.
Drea de Matteo on "Sons of Anarchy"
Drea de Matteo, who played Wendy Case in "Sons of Anarchy," offered insights into her character and the dynamics within the show. She praised Maggie Siff and expressed her enjoyment of working with her.
Wendy's Journey
De Matteo described Wendy's journey as one of recovery and growth. Initially, Wendy was extremely vulnerable and a mess. She then became sober but remained a raw nerve. Eventually, she returned with confidence, aiming to be a responsible presence in her son's life.
Wendy's Perspective
De Matteo believed that Wendy was not seeking to be part of the club or its community but rather to be involved in her son's life without causing drama. She wanted to make amends and be present for her son, even if it meant not being recognized as his mother initially.
The Challenges of Playing Wendy
De Matteo enjoyed playing complex characters with troubled pasts. She liked exploring the "messy" side of Wendy while also portraying her newfound confidence and sobriety.
The Dynamic Between Jax and Wendy
De Matteo compared Jax and Tara's relationship to Adriana and Christopher's from "The Sopranos," noting that Wendy was not as central to Jax's life as Tara was. She suggested that Jax often acted to protect Tara, which sometimes meant keeping Wendy at a distance.
De Matteo's Experience on Set
De Matteo felt welcomed by the cast and crew of "Sons of Anarchy," comparing it to her experience on "The Sopranos." She appreciated the opportunity to work with Maggie Siff, whom she greatly admired.
The Evolution of Wendy's Character
De Matteo explained that the writers, particularly Kurt Sutter, did not initially plan for Wendy to have a significant role in the series. However, after she decided to continue playing the character, they developed her storyline, incorporating elements of her real-life personality.