Roseanne Barr started with stand-up, then changed the way sitcoms were viewed, with her show, Roseanne, airing for nine seasons. With the Lifetime Channel she seeks to tackle the reality show circuit in Hawaii on a macadamia nut farm no less. See why Roseanne’s life is nuts these days with this candid interview.
Windy City Times: Hi, Roseanne. I just watched episodes of your new reality show and saw you cursing on a tractor. You were raised very conservatively, right?
Roseanne Barr: Yes, I came from a really conservative place, the reddest state there is: Utah. That is where I grew up and started thinking everything was ridiculous.
WCT: Do you go back and visit there?
RB: I do, and I gave a great big speech at a rally there recently.
WCT: What compelled you to open up your life for this television show?
RB: Because I had something to say and I just wanted to.
WCT: In one episode there appeared to be a wardrobe malfunction and your private parts were blurred out.
RB: That made me mad and I tried to make them take that out. I had black shorts on. I sat down the shorts went to the back. When those guys filmed that then I asked them to take it out because it looked like I didn’t have on any underwear. But they convinced me to leave it and they said it was funny so I let it go. I did indeed have linen shorts on that go to my knees unless I sit down they get really short. Thanks for your interest in my crotch.
WCT: [Laughs] What made you decide to buy a macadamia-nut farm?
RB: Because I wanted to show what America is doing to its farmers. I had to join a righteous cause. I think Americans should know about their food and what is being fed to them and have some alternatives presented to them because I am running for president of the United States. That is my goal.
WCT: Really? What do you want from a reality show, then?
RB: I hope it blows up everybody’s programming and scrambles themselves down the core of their DNA. That’s what I pray to God it does. I think it might.
WCT: What do you get from Hawaii that you couldn’t find in L.A.?
RB: There is a great sense of community of the farmers in Hawaii. They are really trying hard to grow organic food. It really is a hard task. That is what I am doing in the background of all of the stupid stuff you see on the screen. There is an incredible method to my madness.
WCT: What have you done to keep away those wild pigs?
RB: Well, I have done just about everything from peeing on things to building a fence. I have done it all and nothing works.
WCT: Does Greg Cipes help out by living in your yard?
RB: Oh he doesn’t really live there, hon. It is just TV. My show is all fake reality.
WCT: You have an episode about snoring. Are you sleeping better with the sleep-apnea mask on?
RB: I can’t figure that damn thing out. I have to take a class in the fall and then I will try to get that going.
WCT: How has the surfing been going?
RB: I only did it once but I will tell you that I really liked it. They had these half naked gorgeous Hawaii men holding me up so how could I not like it?
WCT: Do people recognize you on the big island?
RB: Yes and they say, “Hi.”
WCT: How did you meet your boyfriend, Johnny Argent?
RB: I met him on my website, www.roseanneworld.com. It is a great dating place. So many people have come there and fallen in love. I am not kidding. I happen to be one of them. I have made some nice matches over there.
WCT: You have a big following on Twitter. How has social networking been for you?
RB: I have done it off and on for many years. I do it for a while until I get too addicted to it and then I run from it. This is like my third Twitter thing but I am enjoying it so far.
WCT: Is your real life similar to your sitcom show, Roseanne?
RB: Yes.
WCT: So many reality shows have a big dramatic ending. Are you avoiding that with this one?
RB: I might break up with Johnny over this reality show. I seriously might…
WCT: Oh, no!
RB: Well, he’s pissing me off, man, on this reality show. He doesn’t do a goddamn thing around there.
WCT: Your arguing like a real couple is refreshing to see on television.
RB: I am so glad to hear you say that. We fight all the time. We really do.
WCT: And then you can have the make-up sex…
RB: We like to do our thing but we like to talk, too. We have built a life with these chickens and goats. Johnny and I are having a blast a inventing all kinds of funny things to do on TV. It is like all reality television and fake.
WCT: People forget that sometimes.
RB: They sure do and I think that’s funny that they forgot. [Laughs] It’s a fake version of myself. It can be fun. For instance this week I get to hit my son on the head at least five good shots. That was rad! It was the best Mother’s Day.
WCT: Was it hard to let the cameras in for moments like that?
RB: No, I was ready for it. It was time to do some comedy.
WCT: Who are female comedians that you like?
RB: I have Phyllis Diller and Sandra Bernhard on this show and I consider both of them intense trailblazers. A lot of other women too, but I am good friends with both of them.
WCT: Would you come back to Chicago to do more stand-up?
RB: Well, I should. I have enjoyed the times that I came there. I am not doing that right now but I wish I was sometimes. Maybe I will come and give a presidential speech down there.
WCT: Come on back then. Since you have done sitcoms, reality TV and movies, what’s next on your bucket list?
RB: Porn!
Watch Roseanne’s Nuts on Wednesdays and visit www.mylifetime.com for listings and details.