Interviewing actress Kathleen Gati again

1-As always a pleasure to interview you, how have you handled the pandemic?

As graciously and patiently as possible. My husband and I try to find the silver lining in
all this. We have spent time discovering different ways to live, to entertain ourselves,
and most importantly we have learned that each day is a gift, not just because we are
getting older, but because we see how precious life is, witnessing many friends,
colleagues and fans die from this terrible virus, among other things. So we have learned
to have more gratitude for each day. And I found out on my birthday and on New Year’s
Eve, when my husband usually takes me out for dinner, but since COVID we mostly
dine at home, that he is an excellent cook, a secret he has been keeping from me!

It has harmed you when it comes to having projects?

Yes, I have missed many opportunities both in the United States and internationally,
where I have worked in Hungary, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Egypt and Canada. I was
cast in some international roles since the pandemic started, but either the projects were
canceled or postponed, flying restrictions were put in place, or there was not enough
time to quarantine, and my roles had to be recast by a local actor. On the plus side, I
have been, and still continue to work on the popular soap opera, General Hospital that
has been on for nearly six decades. With very strict protocols, ABC Television has been
able to continue production. Also, those of us who are also audiobook narrators and
have home studios have been busy. I have been fortunate to record several new
audiobooks and do voice work from the safety of my home studio. Again, finding the
silver lining wherever possible. Hopefully when this pandemic eases up, I can start
traveling and working internationally again.

2-What new projects do you have for 2022?

As I mentioned, I am currently back at work on the soap opera, General Hospital, and
also have a few new possibilities on camera and voice-audiobook work. And looking
forward to traveling for work and for pleasure!

3 and 4: -In your opinion, do you think Hollywood runs out of ideas when filming a
movie? What could you tell me about CGI, do you like it to be used in the cinema?

This is difficult to answer, because on one hand, the world criticizes Hollywood films,
the big blockbuster movies produced each year, for their commercialism and for the
“over-the-top” CGI technology. However these films make millions of dollars
domestically as well as internationally and are in such demand! So obviously there is a
need and a supply for these types of movies, no? As far as running out of ideas? I am
not the authority on this. You don’t always need big ideas to make a beautiful movie,
doesn’t matter what country you are from. I find the simplicity of a meaningful story, of
raw emotions can be so intriguing and captivating.

5-That you like independent cinema or Hollywood cinema more?

Honestly, as an actor who makes a living in this profession, I am always grateful for
work in either big blockbusters or independent films, on television, on stage or doing
voice work, and gratefully accept work in all genres when I am offered good roles. But
in my heart, I prefer period pieces, portraying characters from Europe, that speak to my
history of being a child of Hungarian emigrants, of my parents’ and grandparents’
plight, climbing into that era of history. That is very profound work that means so much
to me.

6-Do you agree that he takes off his real weapons on film shoots?

I believe you are asking if they should or should not use real weapons on film shoots. If
that is your question, then I personally can say that any actor, myself included, must be
trained properly to use weapons (without real ammunition). This means learning the
responsibility, the danger and the safety protocols involved. There isn’t always time for
such thorough training, but it can be a matter of life and death, as we have sadly seen.
In my humble opinion, I believe real weapons aren’t necessary, but I’ve been told I am
very wrong and that they do not look or behave as authentically as genuine weapons. In
my career, I have had to handle and “shoot” with many weapons. My awareness of the
responsibility on me has increased tremendously. I have gone and taken special lessons,
and now, when I have to use a fake or real weapon, I am insanely cautious.

7-In your life outside of filming, what do you value most in a person?

Kindness, genuineness, an open heart, and most importantly…humor.

8-If you weren't an actress, what would you like to do?

I love animals and would probably have gone into some sort of work with animals. Or
psychology. I am fascinated by people’s behavior and what makes people behave the
way they do.

9-What things would you say that characterizes you or would be very yours?

I have a lot of energy and am a positive person. Perhaps I am too empathetic and too
sensitive for my own good.

10-What adjective do you think describes you best?

I have been told I am “kind” and “sensitive”. Take your pick!

11-What is the most rewarding job you have done?

That is a big question. I have had several jobs as an actress that have been extremely
rewarding, including working on European films that speak to me and connect me to my
Hungarian roots, my family’s history. There have been roles on stage where you have
that magical connection with the audience, where they breath with you. I have done
musical roles, where I sing, and dance and act, the things I have studied and prepared
for many years all coming together to entertain people.
And mostly, I always wanted to be a healer, but do not have that gift. But honestly,
when some fans send me a message and tell me that I made them laugh and forget about
their personal difficulties for an hour, whether they were suffering from illness,
loneliness, or the loss of their loved one, then I feel I have won every Oscar and Golden
Globe in the world and I have done my job well. That is truly so rewarding.

12-Do you have an idol or person that inspires you?

I have been, and continue to be inspired by many people. My parents were in the
classical music world. My mother was an opera singer and my father was a symphony
conductor, so there was always plenty of classical music in our home. Incredible
soloists played with my father, came to our home, and shared their lives, their
dedication to their craft and their hard work with us. They played like angels.
International soloists like Yehudi Menuhin, Van Cliburn, Mstislav Rostropovich, several
amazing soloists from Spain like Nicanor Zabaleta, Los Romeros, Andrés Segovia, and
many more. How inspirational they were to me! Their dedication to their craft, the
hours and hours of disciplined practice, passion and hard work. And their music
inspired me to express myself through dance, through singing and through my acting,
with my soul.
As for actors, I have always been a big fan of Judi Dench, Anthony Hopkins, Cate
Blanchett, Max von Sydow, for their depth and talent. Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett and
Betty White for their humor and warmth.
But most of all, my parents are my idols. My mother, Agnes Gati, was always and will
always continue to be my number one idol and to inspire me, even though she passed
away over 30 years ago. She was a warrior, strong, determined, hard working,
passionate, loving and supportive. My mother lived through World War II, taking food
to people in hiding, survived the war, the Hungarian Revolution, a plane crash, gave up
her operatic career to raise a family in the 1950s and 60s when women sacrificed their

careers for their husband and family, and then she suffered an incredibly slow and
miserable illness and eventual death, all the while being loving and supportive and
encouraging, holding her head high. My father, Laszlo Gati, is another idol to me
because of his commitment to his music and to his belief that classical music is for
everyone, not just the elite few who can afford tickets to the symphony, but to all the
children, animals, and poorer people who can benefit from the gift of music. So he
created special free outdoor concerts so everyone could partake. He had an incredible
gift and I was lucky to be brought up in this family. I miss my parents tremendously, but
I carry them in my heart, in my soul, and in my work.