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M.A. Cassata's Blog

TMW Interview with Miss Piggy

One of my most fun interviews was with Miss Piggy and Kermit. I talked on the phone separately to The Muppet stars. Of course, the actors that portrayed them did the entire interview in their voices. If you close your eyes long enough (I did as we spoke) it seems very real I did this for my TMW site. Hope you enjoy.

 

The Mac Wire

By M.A. Cassata

 

Miss Piggy makes her long-awaited and much-sought-after return to the big screen in 2011 in Disney's "The Muppets." The larger-than-life star of television, film, stage, online and all media known and unknown throughout the universe has been dominating show business since her initial public appearance in the chorus on "The Herb Alpert Special" in 1974.

 

She appeared as 1st Sow in the "Return to the Planet of the Pigs" sketch on "The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence" in 1975 (which was, in effect, the pilot for "The Muppet Show"). But her unforgettable break-out performance came during the musical number "Temptation" on very first episode of "The Muppet Show." Miss Piggy started as a chorus pig and came back a star... who wouldn't let go of Kermit. The rest is history.

 

Miss Piggy's film credits include "The Muppet Movie" (1979), "The Great Muppet Caper" (1981), "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (1984), "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992), "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996) and "Muppets from Space" (1999). She's also had starring roles in the TV films "Muppets' Wizard of Oz" (2005) and "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa." In addition to her star-making turn in "The Muppet Show," which ran from 1976-1981, Miss Piggy's television credits include "Muppets Tonight," as well as the blockbuster TV specials "Miss Piggy's Hollywood" and "The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show." She has appeared on every talk show worth talking about, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Live with Regis and Kelly," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," "The View" and "Today," among others. Piggy has also been featured on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Got Talent," among other notable programs lucky enough to land her talents. She stars in a veritable cornucopia of videos and captivated audiences worldwide with her appearance in the recent Webby- winning Muppet viral video performance of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2009). She has graced the covers of magazines around the world and appeared on the 68th Annual Academy Awards® as a presenter. She is still (impatiently) awaiting her first nomination.

 

Piggy's book "Miss Piggy's Guide to Life" was a national bestseller. And she recently followed up this success with her wildly popular book "The Diva Code: Miss Piggy on Life, Love, and the 10,000 Idiotic Things Men Frogs Do."

 

A CONVERSATION WITH MISS PIGGY...

 

What is Disney's "The Muppets" about?


It's moi's story, of course.It's about how I am working in Paris and Kermit and the other Muppets come over and beg me to come home. I run the complete gamut of acting—from smiling to frowning. It's got Oscar® written all over it—and I'm not just talking de La Renta. I have heard rumors that there's another storyline in the movie that doesn't involve moi, but who really cares about that?

 

What is your role in Disney's "The Muppets?"

 

Moi plays moi. It's a casting no-brainer. Naturally, all of Hollywood's top actresses tested for the part—Roberts, Streep, Winslet, Jolie, Bullock—but in the end they decided that there is only one moi and I'm it!

In the movie, I portray the plus-size fashion editor of Vogue Paris—I'm in charge of a whole office full of editors who all want to look just like moi. But of course, Kermit wants me back with the Muppets to save the day and put on some big show. Can I resist? Well, see the movie and
find out.

 

How does your life differ from the characters you portray on the big screen?

 

In real life, my wardrobe is much, much bigger and more expensive, but I'm a lot like what you see on the big screen. The camera does add a few pounds—when people meet me in person they're always amazed at how svelte I am. Take my word for it.


What made you agree to star in Disney's "The Muppets"?

It was written especially for moi. And they said I could keep all the shoes.

 

What is the funniest scene in the film?

 

The scene where Kermie begs me to come back to Hollywood with him is the funniest scene. I'm hilarious; and the frog isn't half bad either. There are so many very funny scenes in the film... and guess what, moi is in all of them! Coincidence? I don't think so.

 

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?

 

Jason is a sweet, sweet man... and a very funny comedic actor. Of course, when I heard he wrote the movie and could write my part even bigger, we became best friends forever.

 

...Amy Adams?


Amy and moi are so much alike, except for the fact that she's been nominated for an Academy Award® THREE TIMES and I've gotten bupkis! (Entres nous, I think they just don't want to nominate anyone outside
their species.) There was a little tension at first, but once Amy learned about not touching the frog, we became fast friends. We hang together whenever we're in the same city, which up to now has been... let's see... never.

 

...Kermit?

 

What can I say about Kermie and moi? Separately we're fabulous and together we are absolute legends—like Astaire
& Rogers, Tracy & Hepburn, Oprah & Stedman.

 

...Walter?

 

Walter is delightful! He worships the Muppets and especially moi. And as everyone knows, I absolutely adore being worshipped. 

 

You are a fashion icon. What is your secret?

 

I have a few fashion secrets: Never wear anything that requires a hoist to get into. There is no such thing as too much accessorizing. If it's expensive, it fits. Style comes in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the bigger you are, the more style you have.

 

What do you do in your free time?

 

Shop. Eat Chocolate. Pose for photographers. Rinse. Repeat. I'm a diva. I have people to schedule my free time. You have no idea how time consuming that is.

 

Are you and Kermit together?

 

Of course we're together. In the movie, we seem to be apart, but that's just for dramatic tension. In real life, we're fabulously happy and the longest-running interspecies couple in all of Hollywood.

 

Why should audiences see Disney's "The Muppets"?

 

Because moi is in it! What a silly question! It is the best movie I have ever made...and therefore the best movie ever made. Other than that, it's got a lot of laughs and you'll have a good time. Are those enough reasons for you?

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Best 5 Books About Writing Every Writer Should Own

If you want to become a better writer, you have to keep writing and studying your craft. Over the years, I've read hundreds of books on writing better and faster and I keep researching for new titles I haven't read yet. Still a favorite go-to for me is Strunk and White, The Elements of Style. It still holds up after nearly 100  years! As mostly a non-fiction writer who focused on entertainment and pop culture, I could not get by without the AP Style Guide. 

 

It takes courage to write honestly and to write well. Bookfox.com is one of the dozens of writing sites I visit regularly to stay engaged. 

 

What I like best about this site is that it a great resource for writers just starting out. Sometimes I forget what that is like since I write for a living. It's been mentioned  by some of my favorite media outlets including Publisher's Weekly,  Writer's Digest and The Chicago Tribune

 

So here's author John Matthew Fox's Top 5 Best Books  (including print and Kindle editions) on writing which mirrors many of my own choices, especially On Writing by Stephen King. Here, he explains why each book is necessary, so pay attention.  Regardless of your level of writing experience these books will help to improve your craft.

 

So, add these resourceful titles to your bookshelf today. 

 

1. Best Book for Beginners

"On Writing" by Stephen King

This book is the equivalent of an entire degree in writing. Seriously, my entire undergrad experience in creative writing could have been boiled down into the plainspoken and practical advice that King gives. He's exceptionally clear and only includes the most helpful information. If you are starting out as a writer, this book is vital.

 

2. Best Book to Help You Overcome Writing Fears

"The Courage to Write" by Ralph Keyes

So many of us fear writing. We love it, we want it, and yet we're scared of it. Keyes encourages us that this is perfectly normal, and shows us all the famous authors who have overcome crippling fears. If you want a bolt of lightning in your fingertips, Keyes will deliver it to you. There is no way you can read this and not feel emboldened to write your book.

 

3. Best Book to Help You Live the Writing Life

"Making a Literary Life" by Carolyn See

Carolyn See is responsible for my writing habits. She told me to write 1,000 words every day, and I followed this advice religiously. She has a ton of other practical advice too (about money, and about habits) and she literally changed my writing life. Read her. Now.

 

4. Best Collection of Writing Essays

"The Writer's Notebook" by Assorted Authors (Tin House Books)

Steve Almond talks about sex scenes ("Hard Up for a Hard-on"), Aimee Bender talks about character motivation, and we also get essays about how to write a dynamic scene and choose exactly the right word. Whether you're just starting out or have 3 books under your belt, this book will give you the lowdown on powerful writing skills.

 

5. Best Book for Advanced Writers

"The Art of Subtext" by Charles Baxter

You don't just want to write books that are good on the surface. You want to write books with layers of meaning, books that entertain the reader on the second read and the third read. Books so deep the reader can't stop thinking about them, and want to discuss them with their book club. Baxter teaches you how to do that.

 

For more writing tips for beginners as well as  advance writers, visit  the BoxFox here.

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