Marlene Forte – ClexaCon 2018

By: Sharon Kurack

Q) You have become such a chameleon with roles on “Runaways,” “The Fosters,” “Fear The Walking Dead,” “Superstore,” “Altered Carbon” and more. You’ve broken down doors and smashed stereotypes. What are some of the ways you have dared to defy and what have you learned along the way that can aid other actresses in doing the same?

A) I just did not take no for an answer! [laughs] I’m not sure I defied anything. My “need” to be an actor was bigger than all the naysayers!  I was older when I started. First, I got married. I went to college I had a child. I graduated college with an English Major. I got divorced. I went into the video store business. I went bankrupted. And at this point I was almost 30th. My daughter was ten years old and old enough to understand, so I started acting! Taking classes! Auditioning for anything and anyone who would let me. And I got lucky enough to be one of the original Labyrinth Theater company. I was their first temp!

Q) You have been on “Altered Carbon” and “Marvel’s Runaways” and at ClexaCon there were guests from “One Day At A Time.” Whatis it about Netflix writers that they understand about crafting such witty, dynamic, inclusive, and diverse series that other TV creators don’t seem to grasp or recognize as well?

A) I think outlets like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. aren’t bound by advertisers like network TV. I just hope they learn a little something from them, or network tv might end up like the dinosaurs!

Q) How can we work on expanding perspectives for more inclusivity and diversity on network TV, where can we start so that every voice, every gender, etc. isn’t relocated to the same carbon copy on screen time after time?

A) We have to write our own stories! This has NEVER failed. This has always been the way. It has to start on the page; the writers; the show runners; the producer! Today the outlets are endless and the technology is so advanced you can shoot a movie on a phone.

Q) Netflix also is known to stare down stereotypes and tropes and tear them down. Where can we find or how do we create the catalyst for network TV to finally take notice and value LGBT characters more than just making them a plot device?

A) We have to stop worrying about NETWORK TV. We don’t need them anymore. Let’s just create our own content and go to the other venues! Maybe we need to stop chancing Network money. We can do it without them

Q) Networks like SyFy with shows like “The Magicians” and “Wynonna Earp,” which is another ClexaCon guest, have become more at the forefront of feminism. Female leads who aren’t shrinking violets or put in their place, they are fierce and flawed at the same time. What about this balance is important for females to see represented?

A) We ALL need role models just like the boys do! And it’s really great to see the representation changing, but you see it is NOT Network doing it. LOL

Q) From attending ClexaCon and meeting and hearing other panelists speak, what comments or moments throughout have really stuck with or resonated with you? What do you hope to expand on from the conversations that have been happening here all weekend long?

A) I think the recurring theme is RIGHT OUR OWN STORIES! We need to stop waiting for “the power at be” to open the doors for us. We need to kick those doors down. And this done by writing our stories and showing “the powers at be” that our stories WILL make money. BLACK PANTHER baby. Need I say more.

Q) With Disney finally seeing the significance of showing teens that it’s okay to be different and discuss sexuality through characters like Cyrus on “Andi Mack,” what are some more strides teen-based TV can enact to show that diversity should be embraced and celebrated?

A) I think “The Fosters” is a great one! This is a great show that just happens to have LGBTQ characters in it!  Family based show! One of my favorite shows to work on!

Q) ClexaCon is such a groundbreaking event because of the significance it holds for the queer community, what do you hope Con goers take away from their experiences being there?

A) That there is a place for everyone. And ALL our stories matter and should be told. I place to make connections. To bring people together to create content! To find writers and producers and inspiration! Role models!

Q) With the current political climate we are in, how do you think we can keep pushing boundaries for queer content and representation?

A) The best art comes from the darkest times throughout history!  This is a great time to create and push back! To be inspired and create the difference! To be BOLDER than EVER!