Christine Baranski

But there was no...

No, no.

I went to Juilliard at the age of 18.

I was a virgin.

But, you know, we're talking the 60s, where it was love the one you're with and all of that.

So it was a very libertine time.

I call it Dionysian era, where, you know, I mean, my God, sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

But I came to New York as this, you know, Polish...

Catholic virgin.

And I lived with a family in exchange for room and board.

I babysat their little child while the mother went off to work in a hospital.

So the first year and a half, I lived with a family.

But Juilliard was within walking distance.

My mother couldn't afford an apartment for me, certainly not.

But yeah, the dream to be an actor was born in Buffalo and a number of very strong influences.

My teacher, Miranda Curry, hugely inspired.

But was that a particular challenge because of a speech impediment?

Oh, well, when I auditioned for Juilliard, I flew there and they asked what I was going to do for my audition.

And I said, Viola from Twelfth Night.

And I heard from the dark theater, Viola.