Deanna Russo: Rest Stop's Bloody Rock n Roll Wonder! by Brian Kirst

Deanna Russo is more than just your average Honky Tonk Woman. She is a rising star. After a blitzkrieg performance in the balls-to-the-wall, backwoods horror opus, 'Rest Stop' , she is gearing up for another emotional role in the scary 'The Believers'. Unfortunately, for some, this is not a remake of the Martin Sheen voodoo epic of yore. Fortunately, for all, Russo is the coolest kid in the class and it was my thrill to interview her. To find out about her close encounter with Rose McGowan and more -- read on, below. To get to know the fabulous Ms. Russo even better -- check out her informative website, www.deannarusso.com - Just be sure to watch out for those nasty pockets of flying, belched up blood!


 

Brian: Let's start with the basics. Where did you grow up - and to make it a little interesting, what is your most unusual childhood memory?

Deanna: I was born and raised in the 908 area of New Jersey, and I still haven't forgiven my parents for duping me into going on Space Mountain when I was 5. I thought I was waiting in line for the magic tea cup ride. They still think this is funny.

Brian: What twisted demon infected you with the show business bug? (It's such a beautiful, crazy, difficult business.)

Deanna: That would be Miss Piggy. I wanted to be her when I grew up.

Brian: Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Comedy!? Horror!? A combo of the two!?

Deanna: I love dark comedy. I also love dark chocolate. Coincidence!? I think not.

Brian: How was your 'Charmed' experience? Rose McGowan is da' lady!! (And so are you, of course!)

Deanna: Rose McGowan touched my butt. It's a fact. I was having a hard time getting off this large couch, and she offered a helping hand. - On my butt. True story.

Brian: Your character, Tracy, goes through some major trauma in 'Rest Stop'. Were there any tense moments on the set for you?

Deanna: The torture sequence was a pretty organic experience because I was physically restrained to the table. They wrapped these shackles around my neck, ankles, and wrists, and used a drill to secure them. And then I realized I had to go to the bathroom. I just kept my mouth shut, and the pained expressions came naturally.

Brian: Tracy is a Rolling Stones fan. Are you a rock-n-roll woman, yourself? If so - or if not- what is your favorite band and/or recording artist?

Deanna: Are you kidding? At 14, I was thrown out of the Roseland Ballroom in NY for crowd surfing at a Juliana Hatfield show. Nowadays, I listen to Lake Trout, Low vs. Diamond, Spoon, etc. And I leave the crowd surfing to the whippersnappers.

Brian: 'Rest Stop' is a gruesome, balls-to-the-wall ride. I dug it! Do you have any favorite memories about appearing in this - ahem - quaint and quiet flick?

Deanna: The best part, hands down, was throwing up all that blood. The entire camera crew was draped in plastic. I felt like Gallagher.

Brian: I am so psyched that you are in 'The Believers' remake. (I bet you are, too!) Can you give us any info about the production (who you're playing etc...) or are you sworn to secrecy?

Deanna: Well, I can tell you that the title is misleading. It's actually not a remake - which has been confusing to everybody. The film is about a mathematical cult on the brink of mass suicide. I play a mom conflicted over whether or not the mass suicide is a good idea for my daughter. You know - typical motherly concerns.

Brian: When you are an old granny spilling stories to your kin, what major career goals would you have liked to have met?

Deanna: If I could work with Christopher Guest, I'll be a happy granny.

Brian: Lastly, do you have any upcoming projects (besides 'The Believers') or thoughts on the world at large that you'd like to share with us?

Deanna: My next project is going back to Jersey for the holidays. Peace!