Soap Opera Digest: Where have Edna and Norma been since Rome?
Marianne Muellerleile: Oh, they toured the world with a cabaret act. They found fame and a sense of position.Digest: What brings them back to Harmony?
Muellerleile: Norma convinces Tabitha they have this newfound success, they have this image to keep up and they’d like to be back and make amends and truly enjoy all the joys of the holiday season and share it with Tabitha and her darling child. Norma goes nice!
Digest: No ax?
Muellerleile: There is an ax, but there is an explanation. She tells Tabitha it’s one of her Christmas gifts from [her] and that it’s good for gardening. I loved that I got to play nice and be normal. I even got to wear normal clothes. I hope you’re seated: Norma actually has on nail polish! Digest: Is she turning more feminine?
Muellerleile: You’ll have to tune in. I’m not sure I can divulge that.
Digest: What type of relationship does Norma have with Edna?
Muellerleile: Very, very best friends. Neither one of them has had true support from anybody. I personally don’t think there is anything sexual, although the writers like to toy with it. I always thought Norma was asexual. Edna is all woman for all man. I can’t be sure of anything until they make me do it on camera.Digest: Are they using Alistair’s money?
Muellerleile: No, Alistair’s money was stolen from them in the piazza and they lost all their money. They’ve made their own coin by traveling the world entertaining and delighting gays and lesbians throughout Europe. There is a reference to one of their songs being the No. 1 hit on the Rainbow Charts.Digest: Of all the jobs that Norma has had, which is her favorite?
Muellerleile: That she would be performing and singing, which probably is her true calling, or at least she thinks it is. Me as the actor, it is so challenging to prepare those scenes. It’s love/hate. It takes a lot of work, but I’m glad I’m given the opportunity and the challenge. Digest: If Norma could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Muellerleile: Harmony. She keeps coming back, so I would say that’s where her heart lies. Digest: Is she still carrying around her dad’s skull?
Muellerleile: No. She references him though.Digest: She’s really turning a corner.
Muellerleile: Definitely. The outfit, the reason she has these new, wonderful clothes is because it’s apparently one of her Christmas wishes and Endora magically dresses her. I was very interested in what the costumer, Diana Eden, would pick for what Norma thinks is a great dress-up Christmas outfit. It is very Norma.
Digest: If Norma was on the cover of Daily Private Lives, what would the tabloid story be about?
Muellerleile: If it was about Norma, I guess you’d have to talk about her sexuality. I don’t want to tell you what it is because I don’t know. I have no preference. As an actor, whatever they want to do is fine. Wouldn’t it be a shock if they had her like small, dainty men? Or you could see Norma have a child. That would be shocking!Digest: Would Norma rather have Beth or Precious return to Edna’s life to accompany them?
Muellerleile: Precious, although Precious did not get along with Norma. But I think Norma is selfless in wanting the best for Edna, so she would give her Precious. Norma is a true friend, the best she can be.Digest: Have you kept in touch with Kathleen Noone [Edna] since your last appearance?
Muellerleile: Yeah. Both of us travel and do other shows, but we do at least e-mail or phone periodically.Digest: I’m sure you two have the best time.
Muellerleile: I can’t tell you how wonderful it’s been having her in my scenes these last couple of years, as opposed to just constantly speaking to Norma’s dead father or [talking to] herself. That’s been challenging through the years. I got it down, but it’s been a lot of work. I’ve known Kathleen’s work for years, way before PASSIONS, so when I found out she was going to be in my scenes, I knew as an actor that the scenes would be rich and full and so much more real. As an actor, it’s very easy to play off another good actor; all you have to do is listen. It’s wonderful.
