Chris
Isaak's Make- Believe Manager
Kristin Datillo gets the role of a lifetime - starring in a hot series and hanging out
with rocks stars
"I would frighten people if I ever sang on film, in person, or in the shower,"
laughs actress Kristin Dattilo. Fortunately for Dattilo, her role in the Showtime Original
Series THE CHRIS ISAAK SHOW doesn't require her to sing or play an instrument in any way.
Instead, the charming actress gets to channel her talent through her character Yola
Gaylen, the savvy but neurotic manager of rock star Chris Isaak.
Dattilo is quick to point out that her character is not based on Isaak's real manager (Sheryl Louis) though, and
that there are a lot of differences between the two. "For example, on the show, if
someone called Yola and said, 'one of your clients is in jail,' Yola would be popping
Pepto-Bismol, pacing around, and freaking out about it," commented Dattilo.
"Whereas Sheryl would hang up the phone, make a phone call, and probably not bat an
eye." Sheryl didn't give Dattilo any tips on working with Chris, but that doesn't
mean their conversations aren't comedic. "First of all, the girl [Sheryl] knows
everyone under the sun and it's hilarious to hear her talk," shares Dattilo.
"She will literally say, 'when I was with Stevie - you know, Stevie Nicks, Minnie
called - you know - Minnie Driver. That's her life. It's like 'Do you know anyone that's
not famous - do you know a plumber?'"
Unlike her character, Dattilo draws a definite line between her work and her personal
time. "I think it's important to have a balance so your career doesn't become your
life and you don't mistake your career for your life. I want to be an actress and give it
all I have. I also want to have a personal life and give it all I have too. That's me
personally; that's just something that I need," affirms the Illinois native.
Fortunately for Dattilo, she gets some personal enjoyment at her workplace too. When she
isn't being Yola, she's busy being entertained by the musical talents of the guest stars.
"I think it's amazing that someone can pick up something that is made of strings and
wood and play it, and I'm literally mesmerized when I watch them. Fleetwood Mac, for
example. I love them, so I was very starstruck by that and I never wanted to leave the
set. I think it's an amazing talent to play an instrument or sing, and in Chris's case -
both," exclaims Dattilo.
With one season behind them, Dattilo, who's appeared on FRIENDS, ALLY McBEAL and ANGEL,
thinks things will change behind-the-scenes in the upcoming second season. "I think
last year was literally like coming into a new job. On top of that there was a lot of
pressure. But I didn't have half the pressure he [Chris] had, not a tenth of it. He was
doing some of the casting, making executive decisions, working with the band, acting,
writing, contributing ideas, plus dealing with all the other little things, like the hair
and vanity part of it all. I think this year he wants to have a good time and he's not
going to wear all those hats, and trust that everyone knows what they're doing," says
Datillo.
As for what's in store for her character and the hints of romance between Yola and Chris,
Dattilo points out that Yola's strong personal feelings for Chris are evident, but that
for her there has always been a fine line between mixing business and pleasure. "It's
not something that they would dive into and just make it a fling," enlightens
Dattilo. "If it went somewhere, it would have to really go somewhere, because there
is so much at stake. It would have to be a very big commitment because it would affect so
much."
Dattilo considers Yola to be one of her best roles to date. Says Dattilo, "I've got
the opportunity to do a funny one-hour now. It's a dream come true when you can be on a
show and do comedy, drama and play a character that is a little bit offbeat. I have yet to
see a more perfect role."
The charismatic actress says that fans can look forward to more comedy on ISAAK this
season. "It's going to be funnier, and hopefully we'll just keep raising the bar and
doing better work," closes Dattilo. |