Martha Plimpton is a beloved Emmy-winning actress best known for her work on television shows such as Raising hope, The real O’Neals and The good wifebut she is also an activist who founded the non-profit organization A is For.
A is For, which Martha co-founded with Kellie Overbey, is a small nonprofit that was created to destigmatize abortion through the arts, and we provide financial support to abortion services.
This weekend, Martha will present Broadway Acts for Abortion at 54 Below. A star-studded group of talent including Kelli O’Hara, John Cameron Mitchell, Ann Dowd, Carrie Preston, Michael Emerson, Bonnie Milligan and more are coming together to raise money and awareness for abortion rights. The event is Sunday (October 1) at 6:30 pm!
Ahead of the event, we caught up with Martha to learn some fun facts about her that most fans probably don’t know. Check them out below!
- I co-created A is For alongside my dear friend Kellie Overbey to create a space for artists to advocate for reproductive rights and dismantle the stigma surrounding abortion care. To date, we’ve donated 250,000 to abortion providers and funds across the country, created programs like our one-act playwriting competition, and each year we host what everyone has said is the most exciting charity event of the year, Broadway Acts for Abortion.
- In 2018 I traveled to Africa and studied tracking in Botswana and South Africa for a month. It was the most profound and transformative experience of my life. I slept in a tent with elephants and leopards walking around all night. I passed my exam being the best in my class. I can’t wait to go back.
- I have crossed the US in virtually every direction almost twenty times. I have driven to every state in the union except Hawaii and Alaska. I recently purchased an Airstream trailer and plan to continue doing so! Maybe Alaska next summer?
- I have had abortions and I am not afraid to say it. I am very fortunate to have had access to the medical care I needed, when I needed it. EVERYONE should have that access. Abortion is medical care.
- When I was nominated for an Emmy Award for Raising hope, all the nominated actresses (me, Amy Poehler, Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey, Edie Falco, Laura Linney) got together and went on stage while we were called, like at the Miss America pageant. When Melissa McCarthy won, she received a tiara and a bouquet of roses. I think it’s still one of the funniest moments at an awards show and I’m so proud of all of us for pulling it off.
Head inside to read the rest of the fun facts…
- My annual pre-COVID Christmas parties are legendary. Hundreds of people show up and sing Christmas carols with one of our many friends playing piano on my late grandmother’s baby grand piano. Everyone brings their dogs, kids, food, cocktails and with the fire burning all night, it’s one of the things I miss most about life before the pandemic. Hopefully next year we can meet.
- In 2020 I was diagnosed with ADHD, and knowing that changed EVERYTHING! I’m so relieved to know that my terrible habits, like picking up a new hobby 17 times a month, are normal!
- I love the garden. It’s my form of meditation. If I could, I would spend every day with my hands in the dirt. I love growing my own food, but I especially love dahlias and roses. Above all because of its variety, which I find exquisite. They are both temperamental, requiring a lot of patience and thoughtful attention, but when you give them what they need, the beauty they return is spectacular. They are like me! La la la!
- My second form of meditation is ironing the sheets. It’s incredibly satisfying. There’s nothing like lying in bed with freshly ironed sheets. I’m serious. Try it. You will be hooked.
- When I was 10 years old I traveled to Egypt and China with my mother. In the middle of the night, we secretly (perhaps illegally?) walked around ancient tombs in the Egyptian desert, and it was an exciting experience. It was my first trip abroad and it gave me a love of travel and adventure that never left me.
Get your tickets now for Sunday’s event!
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn