Interview with Amy Gumenick

Amy Gumenick landed one of the few female roles in "Supernatural", which the fans are very sympathetic to: She plays the mother of the Winchester brothers when she was in her twenties. In the interview she tells us a little about the atmosphere on the set of this mystery show and about the unforgettable experience of being a guest at one of the "Supernatural" conventions.

Foto: Copyright: Taili Song Roth
© Taili Song Roth

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1. You've had many guest appearances on current TV shows. Which one did you enjoy the most?

I have been very fortunate to have had extremely positive experiences on all of the shows that I have worked on. I cannot pick a favorite. Each show has a special place in my heart for a different reason. However, working on "Supernatural" is up there!

2. You played the young Mary Winchester on "Supernatural". What was it like to play a part in this very popular mystery show?

Working on "Supernatural" is an absolute gift. It is unlike most other shows in the sense that it is a true family. From the moment I arrived, I was immediately welcomed into that family and completely supported. The cast and crew take tremendous pride in the show and clearly love what they do. There are no hierarchies or egos. Everyone treats each other with respect and truly values each job as much as the next.

3. The "Supernatural" fans are very critical when it comes to women next to the Winchester boys, but your role is different as Mary is the mother. Were you curious about how the fans would react?

Lucky for me, I did not get this warning until after my first episode or I may have been a bit more nervous! I must say, young Mary was very kindly received by the fans. I think the fact that I play the Winchester boys’ mother protects me from those jealous fans out there. Mary is not a threat. Besides, how can you not love their mom!? After all, she is the one to bring the boys into this world. :-)

4. What is the atmosphere on the "Supernatural" set like? Did Jared and Jensen play pranks on you and Matt Cohen?

As I said before, I have never experienced such collaboration and positivity on a set. Jared and Jensen are a joy to work with! I think they are the reason the show runs as smoothly as it does. They make a point to get to know everyone that works on the show from the actors to the custodial staff. It is because of this that such a tight knit team has been created. There were many times (usually before a serious/emotional scene) where one of them would tell an inappropriate story or crack a joke just as the director yelled “action!” It was always a challenge to keep a straight face!

5. Meeting your sons as grown men in their twenties is not an everyday occurrence when you're in your twenties yourself. What was your favorite scene to play?

I have so many favorite moments! In #4.03 In the Beginning, I loved my scene with Jensen where Dean warns Mary not to get out of bed and she tells him her dream of exiting the hunter life. In "back to the future" (she means #5.13 The Song Remains the Same, note of the editor), the scene where the boys confess who they are is one that I will never forget. Both Jared and Jensen give you, as an actor, so much to work with that it feels effortless. I also loved having the opportunity to fight and do my own stunts. And of course, being pregnant was a treat. :-)

6. Do you watch "Supernatural"? What aspect of the show do you like the most?

I love "Supernatural"! I think one thing that makes the show so great are the strong characters that the writers have created. You instantly fall in love with them and are rooting for them to succeed no matter what. I think that they also do a great job balancing the comedy and drama as well as action and plot line.

7. You were one of the guests at the Asylum Convention #3 in Birmingham last year. What kind of experience was it for you? Did you have the time to visit other cities in Europe?

Being a guest at the Asylum Convention last year was unlike anything I have ever experienced! I don’t think I could have possibly been prepared for the unbelievable excitement and support from the fans. The closest thing I can compare it to is old footage from a Beatles concert with the deafening screams and blinding camera flashes.
It was really an incredible experience. I was shocked by the amazing dedication and loyalty of the fans. I have never seen anything like it and to be part of that was something that I will never, ever forget! I would do it again in a heartbeat! I did get to travel around a bit before and after the convention. I explored parts of England, Ireland, and the Netherlands. I loved it all and hope to go back soon!

8. Is there a show currently airing that you would like to play a part in?

Absolutely! I have actually been on several of my "dream" shows already, but there are always more! I would love to be on "Breaking Bad", "Mad Men", "Glee", "Modern Family", "Parenthood" ...to name a few.

9. Via Twitter you told your followers that you've been cast on the ABC show "No Ordinary Family". Can you tell us something about your character and the storyline?

Unfortunately, I cannot say much. I can tell you that it is a very fun role and I am excited to be part of such a great new show with such an awesome cast!

10. If you could put together an entire crew for a movie or show: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Director: Martin Scorsese
Producer: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Myself :-), Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bryan Cranston, Rachel McAdams, Gwyneth Paltrow
Writer: The Cohen Brothers

11. What do you, as an artists, think about platforms like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace?

I think that if used correctly, these platforms can help artists to spread positive messages, expand and maintain their fan base and have a more active voice. However, I think it is important to separate your professional life from your personal life and that can be tricky for some people.

12. Which are the three movies or shows that you like to watch over and over again?

Movies: Can I have 5? "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "The Notebook", "Shakespeare in Love", "Patch Adams", "Drop Dead Fred". TV: "Breaking Bad", "Six Feet Under", "Slings and Arrows"

13. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

My current favorites are "Grey's Anatomy", "Breaking Bad", "Modern Family". It is part of my job to watch TV. :-)

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase