Hi, I’m Martha Plimpton, and you’re invited to Ask me Anything.

I'm an eager Twitter follower of yours and I've loved you ever since I saw you on Raising Hope. My question is that do you ever miss your Raising Hope costars and do you still keep in touch with them?

Thank you! And yes, I keep in touch with pretty much everyone. We became very close. Shannon Woodward and I serve on the board of A is For together, and I love her intensely. And Garret will always be my favorite first fake hubby.

Hello! My question is: would you ever want to do a Raising Hope Reunion? Like a.. check in where they are now, kind of thing?

Sure! I'd do that. I'd love it.

Running On Empty is one of my favorite movies but as far as I can tell it has never been released in any form other than pan-and-scan standard definition. Any idea why? Who do I need to petition to get it released in HD? (Long shot that you know the answer but I have to ask)

Huh. I never thought about that. Interesting. Maybe it just hasn't ever been formatted that way? Honestly, I have no clue. I barely even know how to be on Reddit. Eek!

Martha Plimpton! squee! you were always my celebrity crush. it's just exciting to say that.

what was it like working with John Waters?

Thank you! I LOVE John Waters. He is insane in the best possible way. And more than that, he is a deeply compassionate person. He loves his city, his friends, his community. I'd work with him again in a heartbeat.

I'm a longtime fan (My husband and I watch 200 Cigarettes every New Year's Eve and make crab dip because of Monica) I've never watched the Real ONeals so what makes it stand out as a show?

Oh, that's fabulous! How's the dip? Can you post a recipe?

I love our show. The Real O'Neals gives us a fantastic opportunity to explore the classic coming of age issues every teen goes through, and that every family experiences, from the perspective of a young gay man. It's about learning to readjust your expectations, questioning your prejudices, and growing up alongside your kids. Things every family can relate to, I think. Also, it's really freaking funny, IMHO.

Is there any chance you might be back to The Good Wife spin off? Cause you really would make Diane run or her money!

I hope so!

I just started a rewatch of Raising Hope and it is such a great show, all the characters seem perfectly cast and written for. Are there any specific scenes that stand out that were just too funny to get through without laughing?

Goonies never say die.

Thank you! And I happen to agree. I LOVED working on that show, and it changed my life in so many ways. I made lifelong friends, I felt happy going to work every day. I remember one scene where Garret had to talk about an unseen character named Heidi (this happens to be my best friend's name) and for some reason, honestly, I couldn't hear him say her name without breaking. I don't remember laughing that hard ever, every, in my life. He did that a lot. He once made me spit milk through my nose during a breakfast scene. And I loved doing the drunk scene with him after we infiltrate the kazoo company and go to the Mexican restaurant. I honestly think that scene may hold some of my finest work as a professional actor.

Hi, Martha. Big, big fan of your work (and your politics). Do you prefer working in film, TV, or stage?

I really love the immediacy and the rehearsal process in theater. It's not dissimilar to TV in some ways. In that you feel a relationship with an audience that I don't remember getting from film. It's been so long since I made a movie, I'm not sure I can say if I prefer it or not at this stage. I just like working, really, and I'll go wherever the work and the people are interesting and challenging and good!

martha would you take a look at a group my friend started on facebook? the election results really affected her and shes thinking about changing careers to become more involved in womens rights activism. she has started a project to connect women in states where access to birth control and contraceptives may be difficult to people in states where access is better. she is new to activism and is asking for as much guidance and support as she can get. i know you gave some advice above but do you have any for someone just starting out? she has always admired you greatly and loves your work as an actor and with a is for. its called the underground contraceptive project here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/Underground-Contraceptive-Project-219693391785485/ thank you for all your work!

Hey, this is a REALLY great idea. Your friend is right, there are going to be some intense battles coming up to protect women's access to reproductive health care, and birth control access is going to top the list. She can write to us at A is For, through the website, if she wants to talk with us or ask questions. It's VERY important work, and I'm glad she's pursuing it. We need all the help we can get. Your friend is awesome. She can also reach out to other groups, like Sister Song, that focus on WOC and the intersections of race/class/repro health among other things. they are a great group and they do EXTREMELY important work.

What advice would you give to someone that is interested in a career in acting?

Hmmmm...go to Russia! I'm only half joking. I did! Well, for research before we did The Coast of Utopia. Anyway, if you want to act....ACT! And pay no mind to becoming famous or rich. That's a lottery. Be true and kind and generous and present, and try new things, and most of all, don't take yourself too seriously.

Waffles or pancakes?

WAFFLES!!!!

how did you get to be so cool?

Hee! Thank you. x

Hi Martha! I was enamored with a movie you were in called Samantha. I also loved running on empty. I happen to follow you on twitter as well,as well as a few actors who hold the same views on politics as you. Although it's comforting to hear people share the same views as I but i wonder if it's too much discontent. I wonder if my views are keeping me from moving on. I'm a gay married man with a disabled sister who lives with us. I'd like to adopt. This presidency makes me scared and anxious but should we wait and see what happens? I've felt physically horrible since the election and feel exhausted thinking of it.

Believe me, I empathize with your feelings. It is a very scary time. As far as moving on...well, maybe it's better not to right now. Maybe it's better to stick with those feelings and work through them through resistance and action. Write to your representatives, call their offices, and demand that your rights be respected and protected.

Thank you for responding! Perhaps less couch potato activism will give me less anxiety. I also wanted to mention that I urged my husband to be MySpace friends with you way back when because I was too nervous to do it. He made a comment about Abe vigoda at an Oprah gathering. I would like to apologize for that. I haven't watched your new show but I'll give it a shot now.

Thank you! We're on tonight at 9:30/8:30 central on ABC. And you can catch up with us on various platforms. I hope you like the show. I think you might! Tonight's our Thanksgiving episode.

Hi Martha- I've been a big fan since I was a kid- but, really even more so in the mid-2000's. Because of your Duane Reade rant. Also, I think I once met you on Columbus Avenue somewhere in the 80's, circa 2003-4. I was drunk and you seemed nice. Or the person I thought was you seemed nice.

Can you please offer some words of inspiration in these incredibly depressing post-election times? Will you please be my Oprah today?

Ok, this is hilarious. Yes, I remember that Duane Reade rant. I stand by everything I said back then.

And I can tell you that we're all as depressed about it as you are. So don't feel alone.

I know you are very active with Plan Parenthood, would you like to explain what "A is For?" is about?

A is For is an organization I co-founded with some very brilliant women friends that seeks to advocate for abortion and reproductive rights, and to eliminate the shame and stigma associated with one of the most common medical procedures there is. We work to raise awareness through art and activism, and we support on the ground orgs who are providing financial help for women seeking to exercise their Constitutional right to physical autonomy and self-determination. That's the short answer!

Hi, I'm a huge fan of yours! Can you share any memories of working on the film Parenthood? Thanks for the AMA!

That was one of the happiest experiences of my life. That cast was incredible, and it was honestly a joyful, brilliant time. We stayed in these furnished apartments all in the same complex, some of us. And I remember one night shooting the drag racing scene, and Joaquin and Keanu and I were blasting Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" album (my personal fave of all time) and dancing like idiots. That's one of my memories.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

I like vanilla chocolate chip and there appears to be a nationwide shortage, as I can never find any anywhere!!!!

How are you, and AIsFor? Any big plans in the near future?

Well, this election has thrown us all into a place of urgency, obviously. So our plans will reflect that urgency as we try to be responsive and resilient in the face of what is sure to be a new level of hostility to women's health rights. More immediately we are building a new, more comprehensive and flexible website, developing some short-term initiatives, and trying to determine what this Women's March on DC is about, who is organizing it, and how to be most effective with it. We also have our Calling For Choice auction coming up again! People can bid on a celebrity to record their outgoing voice mail, and the proceed will go to a number of clinics that are particularly threatened.

Virginia Chance and Eileen O'Neal are going toe to toe. Who emerges victorious?

Well, I'm not one to encourage competition between women. There's room for all of us. That said, I think Virginia would kick Eileen's ass in a brawl, if that's what you're asking. She'd come out scarred for life, but she'd get the KO.

I also watched "The Company" lately and I really was amazed by you and Stephen Colbert. Do you miss theater? and would you like to work with Colbert more?

Thank you very much! That was one of the most terrifying experiences of all our lives. We did the show all together for the first time in front of 2000 people. Rehearsed it all in about a week or so. INSANE. I would do anything with Colbert again. I adore than man. He is one of the true greats, imo.

Have you ever seen anyone play (like a Let's Play) the Minecraft game, especially with all Olivia-based choices?

No! How would one do that? That sounds fun.

Can you please let us know whats going on with the Goonies sequel? Pretty please?

I wish I had an answer for you, but I can tell you that I really wouldn't expect it. It's been teased for decades and I don't think it's going to happen. At least, as far as I know. I think Dick Donner, who is a brilliantly funny man, likes to torture us all with the prospect. I believe it's his revenge for having been tortured by all of us for 6 months in 1984.

I love the Real O'Neals, but my question is more about your choices in life. You've been surrounded by acting and theater from your earliest moments, did you ever feel like you could be anything else? Or when was the last time you thought "maybe I can do something else?"

Good question! I guess since I've been doing this since I was 8 years old, it always just felt like what I was meant to do. I've often WANTED to do lots of other things. Write, drive a semi, be a chicken farmer, open a florists, or be a professional sheet ironer at a small boutique hotel on the island of Yap....

Did you vote for Trump or Clinton and how freaked are you about Trump?

I am, like most of the rest of the world, completely freaked about Trump being president of the United States. I think it's obvious that I did not vote for him. Nope.

What is the worst experience you have ever had on set?

It's magic every time. Ha!

Not really an answer to the question Martha. That implies there is no qualitative difference in your experience on every set. All filming is the same whether it starts at 3am and runs for 18 hrs, or is a leisurely advert.

Please try again.

You leave Martha Plimpton alone!

Thank you!

You're welcome! I'm honored you replied. I posted this too, but it was removed so I'll add it here.

I don't have anything to ask you. Unless you can set me up with Shannon Woodward. But I love your entire body of work, though I'll admit to not watching your new show yet. Keep being you!

Give our new show a shot. I think you might like it. Honestly. Tell me what you thought. I'm on the twitter machine and I read and reply to people there, too!

HA! Oh, I don't really know. I mean, I've worked in easy situations and hard ones, like everyone else. I once had to shave my head twice a day while filming in the winter in Germany. Another time I was in Poland all winter filming in 40's period costume, so was constantly freezing. The worst times appear to have been during winter in formerly Eastern Bloc countries. Does that help?

Yeah a lot. My partner is an actress and I spend a lot of time talking to her about ups and downs (not like yours) so it's always interesting to here how things are across the whole spectrum of success.

Thank you for your response. And thank you for taking the time to do this. We all appreciate it.

Thanks very much! And thanks for asking for clarification. My best to your partner. It's a hard and weird job, but it obviously has extraordinary rewards. And not just of the material type. I wish her the best!