Drea de Matteo, known for her iconic role as Adriana La Cerva on The Sopranos, recently opened up about her experience on the set of Desperate Housewives, where she played Angie Bolen in Season 6. Her comments about her co-stars, especially Marcia Cross, are stirring up conversation among fans. De Matteo praised Cross for being “unapologetically Botoxed” and a “pure f**king genius” in her role as Bree Van de Kamp.
But as with any high-profile series, there were whispers of tension behind the scenes. Despite this, De Matteo reflects fondly on the talent of her fellow actresses, particularly Cross, and shares what she learned from the experience. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into De Matteo’s remarks, her time on Desperate Housewives, and the complex dynamic of working alongside such a powerhouse cast.
De Matteo’s Admiration for Marcia Cross’ Acting Genius
One of the most intriguing parts of De Matteo’s recent interview with Metro was her glowing praise for Marcia Cross, who portrayed Bree Van de Kamp, the perfectionist housewife known for her meticulousness and dramatic storyline. De Matteo revealed that Cross’ ability to deliver a powerful performance while barely moving her face was something that truly amazed her.
De Matteo described Cross as “unapologetically Botoxed to the nines” and highlighted how Cross managed to perform with what seemed like an “impassive” expression. “She could perform her balls off without ever moving a muscle in her face,” De Matteo said. “I thought that was genius, pure f**king genius.”
This admiration for Cross’ acting technique speaks to the dedication and skill that De Matteo recognized in her co-star. In a show like Desperate Housewives, where every character had to maintain an appearance of suburban perfection while secretly dealing with dark and dramatic issues, this kind of restraint was key. Cross’ portrayal of Bree was layered, filled with subtlety, and it was clear that her approach to acting was one of control and precision—an approach De Matteo greatly respected.
Unapologetic Botox and the Art of Acting
While some might have taken offense at the “unapologetically Botoxed” description, De Matteo’s tone was clearly one of admiration rather than criticism. In a world where cosmetic enhancements are often seen as taboo or superficial, De Matteo acknowledged Cross’ choice to embrace Botox without apology and praised it as an integral part of her acting persona.
In a way, Cross’ work exemplified how an actor can be both physically altered and emotionally unaltered in their performance. While some actors may rely on facial expressions to convey emotion, Cross used stillness and control to convey the complexity of Bree. De Matteo’s recognition of this technique suggests that she saw it not just as an appearance choice, but as a crucial part of Cross’ approach to her character.
Learning From the Women of Wisteria Lane
Drea de Matteo also spoke highly of the Desperate Housewives cast as a whole, noting how composed and “under the surface” the actresses were, even in moments of high drama. As someone used to being on male-driven sets, De Matteo was impressed by how the women of Desperate Housewives handled their work, their personal lives, and their interactions on set.
“They were very composed at all times and kept everything contained and under the surface, but there was a fire underneath them that was so intense,” De Matteo explained. “I really, really learned a lot watching them.”
In many ways, Desperate Housewives was a masterclass in balancing the personal and the professional. The women on the show were often dealing with explosive emotions and situations—affairs, murder, betrayal—but they kept their cool on the surface, hiding their chaos behind suburban perfection. This restraint, De Matteo observed, was one of the strongest aspects of the series and part of the reason it resonated so deeply with audiences.
The Role of Females in a Male-Driven Industry
For De Matteo, being part of the Desperate Housewives cast was a learning experience, especially in terms of how female actors navigated their careers in a male-dominated industry. Her career, which began with her standout role in The Sopranos, often found her surrounded by strong male characters. But on Desperate Housewives, she had the chance to be part of an ensemble that was primarily driven by women.
De Matteo admitted that she wasn’t used to working in such an environment, saying, “They were all so composed, and I learned so much just by watching them.” At the same time, she acknowledged that her personal acting style was very different from the polished, contained performances on Desperate Housewives.
Tension on Set: The Reality of Working with Strong Personalities
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing behind the scenes. De Matteo confirmed the rumors of tension on the Desperate Housewives set, admitting that she had been “warned” to stay out of any potential conflicts. As with any high-profile television show, especially one with a strong, talented female cast, there were bound to be personality clashes and differing work styles.
“I was definitely warned. I was warned just to stay out of it,” she revealed. “There was tension, of course, it’s an all-female set.” Despite the challenges, De Matteo’s reflections suggest that the drama on set didn’t overshadow the high level of talent and professionalism from her co-stars.
Interestingly, De Matteo also compared the atmosphere on the Desperate Housewives set with the dynamics she experienced on Sons of Anarchy, where she noted there was more tension. This comment adds another layer to her experience as an actor, hinting at the challenges of navigating different set environments.
Finding Her Own Place: A Different Style of Acting
Despite her respect for the cast and the work done on Desperate Housewives, De Matteo admitted that she never felt like she truly belonged on the show. “I also knew that I didn’t fit in there,” she said. “It wasn’t my style of acting, I wasn’t good at that kind of acting, and I had to just accept that that wasn’t who I was, as an actor.”
This self-awareness shows the depth of De Matteo’s understanding of her craft. She recognized that her strengths lay in a different type of role—one that allowed for more raw, gritty performances. The characters she’s most known for, such as Adriana La Cerva on The Sopranos, are worlds apart from the polished, controlled personalities of the women on Desperate Housewives.
“Maybe one of those girls can’t play a down-and-out drug addict and look as ugly as I can look on film,” she said with a touch of humor, reinforcing that her acting style is suited for grittier, more emotionally raw roles.
Conclusion: A Complex and Unforgettable Experience
Drea de Matteo’s time on Desperate Housewives may have been brief, but her reflections on her co-stars, particularly Marcia Cross, reveal a deep respect for their craft. De Matteo’s comments about Cross being “unapologetically Botoxed” and performing with such restraint highlight the complexities of acting and how different techniques can bring life to a character.
Her experience on Desperate Housewives also offered insight into the unique dynamics of working in a female-driven environment, where intensity was often hidden beneath composure. Although there was tension behind the scenes, De Matteo’s admiration for her co-stars and the lessons she took from them are clear.
Ultimately, De Matteo’s journey through different acting styles and environments has enriched her career, allowing her to continue evolving as a performer.
