February
4 'Big Love': 'The Henricksons are just another unconventional family'

Q. If you had to choose, which lady would you like to have as your wife in real life? — Marc
A. Well, if you are a polygamist you have to love all your wives the same, just as a parent loves all his children the same.

Q. Then, let’s phrase it this way: Which trait of each wife does Bill H. find the most attractive? — Kathy
A. Barb (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn) is the closest to being his contemporary and she’s his first love. They share the longest history. He relates to Nicki (played by Chloe Sevigny) because of their shared understanding of being raised on the compound. And he loves Margene’s (played by Ginnifer Goodwin) spontaneity and freshness. (Pictured: Goodwin, Tripplehorn, Paxton and Sevigny on the red carpet.)

Q. Having been asked that question, does it seem easier to reconcile yourself to the position of real polygamists not wanting to choose — or not having to choose? — Stanley
A. This lifestyle just kills Bill H., physically. It’s like a free ticket to an insane asylum. But doing this show has broadened my views on polygamy.

Q. If you had a personal invitation to spend a few days with a family in a real polygamous community would you accept? If you did accept, would go representing the show or just yourself? — Lori
A. Possibly. That might be interesting. Why not?

Q. Do you feel that the life your character plays should be against the law? — GLR
A. No.

Q. If all the abuse was eliminated could this lifestyle be acceptable? — GLR
A. Certainly.

Q. I would like to know what experiences Bill has had with reactions or comments on the show from the Mormon community. — Kent
A. None, actually. There was a big concern before the show started about the audience’s reaction and the network actually ran a disclaimer when the show first aired. But the show really teaches tolerance of other cultures that may be foreign to us. The Henricksons aren’t Mormon; they’re a family of people who came from a Mormon background. Their problems are really problems that touch every walk of life. The show is really a lens through which to examine contemporary life.

Q. Are there some funny times on the editor’s floor that we would all love to hear about? — Stanley
A. Well, any time Jeanne (Tripplehorn) starts laughing, we may as well send the cast and crew to lunch because it’s going to be an hour before we get anything done. Jeanne has a wicked sense of humor and if something strikes her as funny she just comes apart at the seams. It’s very funny.

 Q. Bill, during the filming, have you had any trouble keeping your wives names straight? — Stanley
A. No, but sometimes I have trouble keeping the younger kids’ names straight.

Q. I assume that plural marriage was not something that any of you thought much about prior to this series. How has your view of plural marriage changed from the time your agent first pitched the show to you until now? — Stanley
A. I’m intrigued by the way the audience has changed their views. At first people were like "What is this?" I think it really put a face on the folks in Texas (referring to the raid on Warren Jeffs’ polygamist compound last year). The show is about family, solidarity, strength, religion and teamwork. On a theoretical level, at least, I think I understand the lifestyle better now.

Q. Do you think the program could work on another cable channel or broadcast network? Perhaps it’s better to ask, why do you think it fits so well with HBO? — Kevin
A. HBO has developed a reputation for developing original, groundbreaking shows with high quality production, directing and writing. Everything is done on a motion picture level. It’s the first series that any of us (Bill and the three actresses who play his wives) has ever done so we consider ourselves very lucky. HBO has also explored unorthodox families from the Sopranos to the Fishers on "Six Feet Under." The Henricksons are just another unconventional family.
Note: As one reader points out, Ginnifer Goodwin was, in fact, a regular on "Ed." Thanks, Darrin, for the head's up. KL

Q. Although I enjoyed watching the show in the first two seasons (based on the interesting family dynamics of the characters), I ultimately couldn't get over the "ick" factor of the of the realities of the compound. I understand that the program probably shows what actually goes on in Warren Jeffs’ (and others’) polygamy compounds, but I find it difficult to stomach the storylines regardless as it’s just too far beyond mainstream life. Do you find some of these storylines hard to reconcile with your own ideas values, and what is your internal dialogue to not reject the same? — J.
A. It’s not for me to reconcile. I don’t play any character with judgment — as an actor, you can’t.

Q. Bill Henrickson abandoned the Mormon church but later returned to its teachings in terms of "the principle" (aka polygamy). However, he still seems to have disdain for the faith that created the principle. Is that true? And what drives Bill H.’s faith in polygamy? — Dana
A. He has a disdain for Juniper Creek and what it’s become. He believes the principle is good, when practiced the right way. Religions can all be idealistic. If you boil them down they’re all about "live and let live" and giving thanks.He has faith in the principle and looks at its original tenets in an idealistic way. He grew up on this oppressive compound and he feels a lot of shame, resentment, bitterness and anger toward it. Yet he came back to the principle and he’s trying to live by it.

Q. As an actor, do you believe that Bill Henrickson is driven solely by his adherance to the principle, or is he confusing selfishness with faith? — Jim
A. He’s just a man. His imperfections are what make him interesting. His intentions are always good but hell is paved with good intentions. He can never stay ahead. In the end, he’s just a man like any other man.

— Posted by Kathy Lyford