Actress Christina Hendricks, 36, is best
known as the star of Mad Men, the hit US series about 60s cocktail – quaffing
ad men and women. Here, she reveals how she has always been a woman who goes
her own way in life.
“I never listened to agents who told me
to lose weight. I’m glad I stood my ground”
My Shape, My Way
I’ve
never had a problem with men finding me sexy – but you want to be appreciated
for more than just that. I’ve always had a good body image and I never listened
to agents and casting directors who told me to lose weight; I told them it
wouldn’t change my shape that much anyway and that this is who I am. I’m glad I
stood my ground.
Seeing Red
When
I was ten I was obsessed with the Canadian novel Anne Of Green Gables – I
decided I was Anne. There was something that spoke to me about her. My hair was
very blonde at the time, and I wanted to have her beautiful read hair. So my
mother said, “Let’s just go to the pharmacy and get one of those cover-the-grey
rinses!” My hair went carrot red – I was over the moon. I went to school the
next day and felt like myself. What a cool mum, right? After that, I stuck to
the red. I’m so used to it now I can’t even imagine what it would be like to go
back to being blonde, and I suppose it probably makes me stand out.
My British Roots
I
have dual British/ US nationality because my father is English – he’s from
Birmingham. I lived in London for a year while I was still working as a model
in my life and I feel I had the chance to get to know the culture. London has
always been one of my favourite cities, although I must admit the weather in
California is better.
Marriage Matters
I
married Geoffrey [Arend, US TV actor] in 2009 – we were introduced by a mutual
friend who thought we might get along. He was right! I’m very focused now on
building for the future. The business we’re in is so full of ups and downs it can
be very destabilising, but when I’m at home with my husband, I have this sense
of confidence that our life together is real, no matter what else is going on
with our careers.
My Alter Ego
I’m
much more mild-mannered than my character Joan in Mad Men. When I first started
playing her I was worried she was too intimidating, but all the feedback from
audiences has been so positive. I admire the fact that she’s proud and
principled, and isn’t afraid to fight back. She is working at a time before
many women worked, and excels at it; she has all these men on their knees in
terms of needing her professionally. There’s nothing wrong with how she has
gone about getting there. I don’t think it’s not feminist to use every tool you
have to succeed, and part of that is being a woman – presenting yourself a
certain way.
