|
Bankrate: I remember you saying one time that a hit show -- such as "Melrose Place" -- gives you the appearance of prosperity. Do you ever think you'll have real financial security in the business you and Doug are in?
Laura Leighton: I don't think it is a secure business that we're in. In fact, actors aren't really financially secure because you never know when your next job is going to come. And you can go for a long time in between jobs. So even if you're having a good year on a show, the show can disappear and you might not work again for another three years. That's the scary thing. We've built ourselves a very large life with four kids, and a big life, so it's scary to feel like we've got to keep making this work.
Bankrate: Does a "big life" come with an assistant, nanny, cook and housekeeper?
Laura Leighton: I do have somebody help with meals sometimes, especially if I am working and Doug's working at the same time. I don't cook every evening. Every day is different in terms of the extracurricular schedule. But I don't have any nannies or anything like that. I do my own grocery shopping. In fact, it's little things like running to the grocery store after the kids are in bed that I find myself really appreciating the quiet time in the car -- or the loud time if I'm blasting my music. It's sometimes nice to run an errand with no kids in the back seat and being able to listen to music other than kids' music.
Bankrate: Is it true that at one point, you and Doug were out of work for a while, falling on lean times, and a family relative gave each one of you a St. Genesius medal? And soon after, both of you got steady work coming your way?
Laura Leighton:
Well yeah, it is actually. "Desperate Housewives"
came right after we got the medal, and that's been
a hit. I got a series soon afterward ("Eyes")
but mine didn't last as long as Doug's. There
are a lot of things I don't have explanations
for, but I don't think that anyone can argue that
if you believe in yourself, that's the most empowering
kind of faith.
Bankrate: Have you invested some money for a rainy day when those jobs aren't coming your way?
Laura Leighton: Yeah, we certainly try and do all the prudent things and make wise investments and good choices. We hope we can keep being blessed with work. Like most people, it's always trying to do your best and definitely plan ahead.
Bankrate: If you were going to go out and splurge on something now, would it be for Doug, the kids or for yourself?
Laura Leighton:
We're on a home improvement thing right now, so
splurging would be on the house. Every five years
or so we think of doing a little bit of something
that's been on our list and we're getting to the
point where we're ready to face another project.
I think it's going to be a new bathroom for our
oldest girls. They share a bathroom so we're going
to redo it. They'll have a nice one for the few
years before they go off to college. They deserve
it. Plus, people say redoing a bathroom or kitchen
actually adds value to your home. Let's hope they're
right.
|
