I am Mary McDonnell, star of TNT's Major Crimes, AMA.

I'm here! Let the AMA begin!

Hi Mary! A few weeks ago my 5 year old daughter Savannah dressed up as several of the strong female characters that you have played. She has an incurable cellular energy disorder called Mitochondrial Disease and it happened to also be Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. The post was shared by thousands of people and brought much awareness to many who probably had never heard of Mito before. What I am dying to know, along with many of my friends and family, is did you happen to see the blog post of “Mini-Mary” and if so, what did you think of it? Either way, thanks for the inspiration! :)

http://greenawaltfamilylife.blogspot.com/2013/09/mini-mary-mito-awareness-more.html

Dear Amber, I'm so glad that you posted this question. The day that the blog was posted, our intention was to get in touch with you to communicate directly with you and Savannah. We started the process but we never got through to you. Please direct message me on Twitter if you could and I will be in touch. @marymcdonnell10. The truth is, I was blown away by Savannah and her story, and I am very impressed with you as a mother. I would love to talk to you.

Thank you for doing this!

• What was your favorite episode of BSG to film and why?

• How would Laura Roslin handle the U.S. government shut-down and debt ceiling talks?

• What is your favorite restaurant and why?

Laura Roslin would airlock all of them!

Thank you for doing this! One of the gifts you've given viewers in the way you portrayed Laura Roslin was the encouragement to love someone even if their time in life is ending, and my family thanks you for that inspiration. Do you think Sharon and Rusty's story will encourage people to love someone even when the outcome is so uncertain?

Yes, that is a great question - there is an element of allowing love in a surprising place to that story that i think we all could benefit from.

Hi, Mary! Here's a fun one, in the spirit of Halloween:

Do you have any superstitions? Do you knock on wood, have any lucky items, or do any rituals before big events?

Erin

I am not superstitious. In fact, I try to keep the idea of bad luck out of my mind. But I do like to keep objects and books near me that have ideas in them that help me line up my energy towards positive images, particularly before an important event.

Sharon Raydor is a fascinating character (and my favorite!) to watch because she is so understated, usually so tightly controlled, and can convey so much emotion so subtly. For Sharon, what is the source of that control? And as an actor, how do you meet the challenge of keeping that subtlety interesting for yourself and the audience?

The source of Sharon Raydor's self control is her belief that her position requires a deep listening. As an actress, it requires a certain kind of discipline to get the focus outside of the self and pay attention more keenly to what's going on. It has the surprising effect of keeping oneself interesting, and it's fun.

Do you still teach acting with your husband when you can? What do you enjoy about it?

No, I do not currently but he teaches constantly, he's a fabulous acting teacher and he is about to launch a online public speaking course at USC - very exciting!!

Congratulations, you are now Queen of the Internet

Thank you! I gladly accept the honor...

Do you get chance to watch any current TV shows? If so what is your favourite?

The Newsroom and Downton Abbey

Greetings from Israel! What is your favorite place to go on vacation? Is there any place you always wanted to visit and never got to?

I have never been to India and would love to go...

Your marriage has lasted for decades, despite the odds against two-actor relationships in Hollywood. How have you defied the odds?

We are both extremely stubborn and committed and we make each other laugh :)

Hi Mary! Congratulations on the season three pick-up.

You've worked with some great guest stars both on BSG and The Closer/Major Crimes. Are there any shows that you'd like to appear on as a guest star? What sort of character would you like to play?

I would love to work on The Newsroom or maybe be a queen or something on Game of Thrones...

Are there any roles you were offered that you regret turning down?

Also, what is the best piece of advice you were given when you started out as a young actor?

Thank you for doing this AMA! :)

In the rehearsal process of Sam Shepard's buried child in New York, right before we opened, the director turned to all of us and said I want you to go out there and try some new things, don't be afraid to make a mistake just because it's your opening. It was an extraordinarily freeing concept, we all responded and did some of our very best work. I've kept that close to me during moments of extreme pressure. It is a great reminder that the point is to come out and offer your creativity freely and surprise the audience and hopefully surprise yourself.

I'd just like to point out that Frances Fisher recently (as in last week) tweeted that she had a dream containing you, she, and Kathy Bates rehearsing for a Sam Shepard play. <3 this.

Oh my god!!!! I had the same dream!!!!

Welcome to Reddit and thank you very much for taking the time to do this. You mentioned in a recent interview the huge amount of work involved in making a series such as "Major Crimes". I know that there are a lot of people who have no idea about the time involved, the work and commitment it takes. I was wondering if you could tell us what a typical day/week of filming (or rehearsing) is for you, how many hours are involved and how you get organized through the day?

Thanks,

Christine R.

A typical day on Major Crimes starts for Captain Sharon Raydor at about 5am Monday through Friday. The organization of the day really begins in the hair and makeup trailer where the thoughts about the first scene I'll be shooting begin to be discussed. Also while i am in hair and makeup my onset assistant Jane drills me on my lines for the day. Major Crimes usually tries to keep our days to 12 hours, sometimes we don't make it.

The real question is, are you still committed to Sparkle Motion?

The answer is: completely, now more than ever.

Hi Mary! Thank you for doing this! You are so lovely! :) I have two questions. I love both Laura Roslin and Sharon Raydor and I think they are both incredibly strong, intelligent and interesting characters. How do you think they would react to meeting each other (after getting past the fact that they have an identical twin out there for no apparent reason). My second question is out of all your characters throughout the years who would you most like to be friends with? And are any of your characters similar to friends you have in real life?

I think they enjoy a bottle of Cabernet together

Hi Mary! Cheesecake or chocolate fudge?

Chocolate fudge. No contest.

Hi Mary, do you have any other creative outlets other than acting? Perhaps writing poetry or singing?

Watercolor painting

Getting a lead role on such a popular tv show as a woman in your sixties is an amazing thing considering how the entertainment industry tends to treat women over a certain age (and I wish that the media had taken more notice of it, especially as such a big deal was made of the fact that The Closer starred a woman in her forties). Do you feel that roles for women, and the way audiences react to female characters, is changing at all? And if so, why?

I think it has changed over the course of my career. Women are portrayed with more complexity and more breathed of human behavior, that is encouraging.

Hi Mary An Aussie here :)

Do you have a favorite perfume?

Most recently, Jo Malone's Pear and Freesia. I also love a spanish perfume, AIRE by Loewe - it was a gift from two of my favorite fans from Spain, Olga and Lourdes.

Hey Mary, thanks so much for doing the IAMA. Greatly appreciate it.

I loved High Society, it is hilarious. Is there any chance that you will appear in a comedy again? I know many fangirls would love to see you in a comedy again.

I would absolutely love to appear in a comedy again. I just recently was in a staged reading of Terrence McNally's 'It's Only A Play' at the Skylight Theater in Los Angeles - I was reminded of just how energizing getting laughs is...

What instrument does your son play? Has he met Bear McCreary?

Yes, once but he was very young. He plays guitar, drums and he is a singer songwriter.

Hi Mary! Like many of your fans, I love your voice. You have had little bits of singing here and there in various roles, so I'd like to know, would you ever consider a musical or a role that required singing? If so, what?

Well, I am asked that question a lot and I would love to sing in a Musical but I think it would have to be a movie musical because I wouldn't be so frightened of making a mistake but I could do another take!

Are you interested in directing or producing episodes on Major Crimes?

Hmmmmm..... maybe...

Hiii, what are your opinions of Meryl Streep? Would love to see you work with her one day especially in Major Crimes, I can definitely see you two being the biggest badasses on there!!

I think she is extraordinary but why does she keep taking all of my parts!

If you could partake in a profession other than your own what would you like to do?

Politics...and/or a government position

[deleted]

I am not at all sick of people saying "tatanka", in fact I love that any word in Lakota is being spoken by the general public. It is a beautiful language, and the more it is heard and the more it is restored, the more esteem is given back to Native American people. Particularly Children.

Beer or wine? Favorite winery/brewery?

I am a cabernet girl :)

Mary...Hillary in 2016???

Hillary 2016!!!!

Your daughter's voice sounds like a Disney princess to me. How is her career going?

Great, she's on a roll! She is going to be posting her new demo on website soon... www.oliviamell.com

How was it working with Tom Berenger again?

It was fantastic... Tom is really a remarkable actor, he's funny, generous and DANGEROUS - and I like that :)

Hi Mary, love your work, thank you for doing this AMA. Here are a few questions for you to pick from:

What music are you listening to these days?

Margin Call: how did that come about? Did you audition or were you offered the role?

Do you have any weird experiences with celebs who turned out to be BSG fans?

My girlfriend is a massive fan, she would murder me to death if I didn't ask you a few questions on her behalf. She can't get over how sexy was the cast of BSG. Who was the sexiest in your opinion?

Last one: favorite salad?

Arugula

What are your thoughts on the lack of lesbian visibility on Major Crimes? Gay and transgender characters and storylines have been portrayed throughout the entirety of The Closer and Major Crimes - but lesbian (and bisexual) identities have been overlooked. Since Laura Roslin and Sharon Raydor have such a huge lesbian fanbase, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In general, I feel like there should more lesbian characters on television. Girl Power!

Thank you for doing the AMA!

Have you been reading any book lately? If yes, which one? =)

Currently I am almost finished with Khaled Hosseini's And the Mountains Echoed. The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns are two of my favorite books I have ever read. This third book has a complexity and a kind of haunting beauty that I am just beginning to understand as I near the end.

Major Crimes is my favorite show!! I absolutely love it!! My question is will we see Sharon and Andy develop a relationship?

That is a question for James Duff :)

Hello Mary, Thanks for doing this AMA. I enjoyed watching your on-stage chemistry with your husband on "O' Pioneers!". What is like work with him and do you plan to work together again in the future?

O Pioneers was an absolutely remarkable experience, we had a tremendous amount of fun working together and we talk about working and we are offered plays together but it hasn't been the right time or place, lately... hopefully sometime in the future we will again be on stage together

Since we're in playoff season I have to ask... I've always wanted to ask. Are you a Baseball fan? If so, do you have a favorite team? All my favorite actresses are so I hope the trend continues... :) <can't wait for new season of Major Crimes on 11/25 - Happy Thanksgiving!>

I have two words... Go Dodgers! However, I must admit I am a football fan and my favorite team is the Green Bay Packers! I love the Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

Hello Mary! Which is your favourite colour?

Currently, Coral

Hello Mary, Thanks for doing the AMA. I'd like to ask about some of the charities/organizations that are close to your heart. I know that Major Crimes helps raise money for the Sunshine Kids, but are there any organizations that you like to support and why? Thanks! Mary S. ~ marycares

Four of the Organizations that I support are:

Sinte Gleska University Autism Speaks National Lime Disease Association Everett Company Stage and School Ozark Center for Autism in Joplin, Missouri

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or either? :)

Both!

with some Red wine

Are you an easy person to make laugh?

Yes

Do you have a dog Mary? What breed/name? :)

Jacco, he is a mutt and we adore him

If Eddie was to guest star on Major Crimes, who would you want him to play?

The President

What is your ideal girlfriend / sister night? In or out? Cozy fuzzy socks or clubbing?

Actually, I prefer a girlfriend/sister weekend - 1st night clubbing, 2nd night in with Cozy Fuzzy socks :)

What draws you to politics?

I am very interested in how human beings manage themselves. I always hope that we can do it better than we have... and I am very moved by great political leaders in our history.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying to live by?

No worries

If you could have a super-power, what would it be?

Heal disease

Do you prefer the business or a city or the quietness of the country?

Love both... the trick would be to be able to choose when to have each... and that is the luxury.

Hello, Mary, I just have a few random questions:

1) How are you? 2) What is your favorite animal? 3) What kind of music do you listen to? 4) Are conventions fun, or overwhelming and scary for you?

Thank you for doing this AMA, you are very brave! Stay amazing!

Dogs :)

Are you a sweet or savoury kind of gal?

A like a combo of both