Have you ever wished on a long shot? I have. Let me explain.

A few months ago I prepared an email to Marianne Muellerleile, care of her website, to ask her help with a research project I'm working on to complete a doctorate in the field of communication at the University of Washington in Seattle. The project, a study of domestic workers on television, would benefit from the insight of those talented actors, writers, producers and directors who bring such images to television viewers. Or so I hoped. I wrote to Ms. Muellerleile in hopes of interviewing her about her work as Gloria on ABC series Life with Bonnie. Admittedly, the email was a long shot. After all, Ms. Muellerleile did not know me and must often hear from fans. It was with more than a little trepidation that I pressed "send" and wished on the long shot of an interview. I was prepared for everything from a polite "no thank you" to electronic mail silence. So you can imagine my surprise to receive not only a warm reply but an agreement to do the interview. Moreover, Ms. Muellerleile offered her encouragement and kind words about the project. Plus, we have corresponded several times since then. Below, please find a transcript of our interview. I hope you will enjoy it.

Ms. Muellerleile, thank you so much for your time, patience and encouragement. - April L. Peterson, graduate student, Dept. of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Interview Text.

When did you start your acting career?
I started informally in school. From grade school through graduate school I participated in speech meets, plays, musicals, talent shows, duet acting, chorale, debate, anything.
I started my professional career in September 1973 when I was admitted into the Actor's Equity Association (union).

I'm writing to you in connection with your television work, however, have you worked in forms?
Yes, voice over, radio, industrials, stage, film, print, modeling.

How do you, as the actor who performed her, describe Gloria?
I considered Gloria as the official nanny/housekeeper. She was also a member of the family and a good friend to Bonnie whom she lived, both as a sister and daughter.

How was the character of Gloria on Life with Bonnie originally described by show creators/writers?
She was described as a nanny housekeeper of possible East European descent. I was told at one point I could do any accent I wanted. She was originally called Hazel, a name I rejected because of the great Shirley Booth's impeccable portrayal of a family domestic in the sitcom HAZEL.

Were there aspects of the character that you contributed to the character's development? For example, did you suggest costume choices, gestures or traits that became important to how the character was presented?
Yes and no. Bonnie who wrote the show with her partner Don Lake had known me over ten years. They wrote the character based on who I am as a person. Anything I contributed was considered a perfect fit for Gloria. Both Bonnie and I wanted Gloria to be a kind of moral compass for the character of Bonnie.

Is "Gloria" a product of collaboration involving you and the creators of the show or does she adhere to a single vision?
See above answer.

What made the role attractive to you? Would you play the role again? Why or why not?
I adored playing Gloria. What made the role so attractive is that for the first time in my career, I could play a part that was essentially me, at least 75% of me. The lines were so easy to memorize I didn't have to memorize. A simple read through and they were for the most part in my head.

Is there a back story or history to the character developed by you or the writers about which viewers may not know? If so, did the history impact the public presentation of the character in ways viewers might recognize?
As far as an actual back story I developed my own, as a way to help me decide on the best line readings...Widowed, no kids, needy sister, fun loving, straight shooter, a bit old fashioned, go for it kind of gal.

Did audience reaction to or popularity of the character impact how the character evolved? For example, did the character receive fan mail? Did fan mail for the character prompt changes such as an expansion of the storyline about the character, more frequent use of the character or an episode devoted to the character? Does a specific example come to mind?
Yes, I did get fan mail as all of us did. Bonnie made it clear at the beginning of each season what her goals were for the show. The first season used a number of big names in guest spots. I think that was done because Bonnie knows everyone in the business, everyone wants to work for her and it helped attract a strong audience. Once we were renewed for the second season her intention was to get the audience to fall in love with our characters instead of guest stars. She promised that each one of us would be featured in an episode. She kept her word, as always. Gloria had a wonderful episode revolving around internet dating.

The relationship between Bonnie Molloy and Gloria seemed to be more a friendship than a work relationship. Was that relationship planned from the start?
Yes, I think it was. In life, Bonnie and I have often related like sisters more than friends. We both have a lot of sisters, hail from the Midwest and grew up in Catholic households. Our friendship grew out of great respect and commonality. I think the same holds true for Bonnie Malloy and Gloria.

Did you audition for the role or was the role offered to you based on your known work?
Bonnie told me she had written me a part in her new sitcom. A week or so later she invited me to her home to read it. She told me I may have to go to the network audition but she was going to try to eliminate that nerve wracking process.

For weeks I was scheduled to do that audition without ever having auditioned in front of Bonnie or to have been directed by her.

Just a day before the appointment she called to tell me I did not have to audition, I had the part. It was the most heavenly feeling in the world.

That only happened because Bonnie went to bat for me and because she is held in such high esteem.

Is the role prominently listed on your resume? Are you recognized as that character by directors? Producers? Fans?
Yes on all accounts. It is in the first position on my resume under Television work. I will always have it there as I am most proud of the work.

And yes, I am recognized for the work when I go into an audition or am stopped in a mall.

Have you deliberately pursued roles different than that famous character in subsequent work?
No, I am happy to accept any job of interest. As a character actor I am offered a wide variety of parts. Playing Gloria was the first and only time I was given a part that was so like me.

Did your interpretation of Gloria reference other domestic worker characters on television?
I'm not sure what you mean by this question. Did I, Marianne, attempt to play Gloria as other domestic workers have been played--No. Did my character of Gloria ever reference other domestic characters on TV--No. But, we had one episode when Gloria has hired her girlfriend, another domestic, to come in and clean the house for her. Then when the Malloys come home, I pretend like I did it and I'm exhausted. They go along with the ruse although they have been on to Gloria for a long time.

For that episode I did suggest my girlfriend Bridget Sienna for the part and she was given it. It was wonderful to work with her.

We also had a show where I come to Bonnie and tell her that a friend of mine has died, a domestic worker, and that her family has always looked down on her for being a domestic. I ask Bonnie to get the gang together and come to the funeral home to make a big impression on her snooty relatives. It is one of the funniest and most touching of our shows.

Is there anything you would like to add about Gloria, Life with Bonnie, and/or your experience playing Gloria?
I would like to add that I have played a number of domestics on stage, in film and on television. Gloria was the first domestic to be treated like a true member of the family. Her feelings and thoughts were always heard and respected. Gloria as a person was cherished and loved. To put it simply, although Gloria was a hired domestic she was treated as an equal in the Malloy household. This presentation of a domestic is a far cry from the first TV domestic of note, BEULAH, played unfalteringly by Ethel Waters.

I would also like to say I loved that the character was called Gloria as the word is used in praising our Heavenly Father.

Lastly, do you have any suggestions or recommendations of actors or creative personnel I might talk to about domestic workers on television?
You would be blessed to have the input of Bonnie Hunt.