Lynch takes in ’toon self from ‘Wreck-It Ralph’
By Cindy Pearlman October 31, 2012 3:19PM
‘WRECK-IT RALPH’
DIRECTOR: Rich Moore
STARS: Chicago South Side native John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer and Dolton native Jane Lynch
GENRE: Animation, Comedy, Family
RATED: PG for some rude humor and mild action or violence
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour and
48 minutes
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Updated: December 3, 2012 6:10AM
Jane Lynch, a Dolton native, is getting all girly on us.
As she recalls the first time she saw her ultra-curvy, Barbie-figure, perfectly blonde, cartoon alter ego in “Wreck-It Ralph,” she sighs.
“I was at a screening with my wife and I said, ‘I got the best body on the big screen,’ ” Lynch said.
“My hair was awesome. My body was perfect. I kept nudging my wife and saying, ‘Look, how good I look!’
“She finally whispered, ‘Honey, it’s animation. That’s why you look so good.’ ”
In “Wreck-It Ralph” (opening Nov. 2), Lynch plays the kick-butt Sgt. Calhoun, who not only helps reformed video game villain Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly, a native of Chicago’s South Side) escape his game, but also falls in love with him.
1. First, settle a Chicago question: Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox?
“I’m from the South Side, but I’m Cubs all the way, baby! Go Cubbies!” Lynch said.
2. Do you ever get back to Dolton?
“Wow, I haven’t been back to Dolton in probably 25 or 30 years. I do get back to Chicago to see my mom or my sister in La Grange,” Lynch said.
“I love to go to the city of Chicago. I used to stay at the Ambassador East and I always have to go shopping at 900 N. Michigan.
“I go to Table Fifty-Two and take a nice, long walk on the lake. … After writing my book, I did reflect on life.
“If I could offer any lesson it would be to just relax. Don’t try to push the river. Do what’s right in front of you every single day. It works.”
3. You’re tough but tender in “Wreck-It Ralph.” What was the appeal?
“I just thought the story was really touching. You have Ralph, who is stuck in a video game as the bad guy. He wants out,” Lynch said.
“They use this as a metaphor for doing your job but being so frustrated in that job that you know you need to make a change.
“For Ralph, this comes at great peril. He can get killed if he goes into another game and never come back to life. Yet, he has courage.
“He’s a guy who steps out and tries to find something new and amazing in his life. In the end, he wants to do his job again, but he appreciates it. He finds his pride.”
4. Isn’t it true your character was originally a guy?
“I heard the part was originally written for a man,” Lynch said.
“I’ve had that happen a lot where the part was for a guy and then they redo it for me. That’s how I roll in this business.”
5. Now that the kids are off in college and New York in the TV show “Glee,” how do you think this season is shaping up for your character, Sue Sylvester?
“When we come back in November, you’ll see Sue going back to being the heavy,” Lynch said.
“There’s also a problem with Sue that has her a bit weepy. I am working with a baby who really does have Down syndrome. I’ve held her for one scene and she’s adorable. She’s this little tiny newborn and so lovely. …
“As for the new soft Sue, well, ... Sue goes in and out of being a little bit softer. She’s going to get pretty tough in upcoming episodes, and frankly I love the tough Sue.”
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