Julie Kavner is more than Marge Simpson's voice on 'The Simpsons'

[Zoneboy]

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Julie Kavner will forever be known as the voice of Marge Simpson on the Fox animated series "The Simpsons." Twenty years of playing a role earns a person that kind of everlasting connection.

But it is a role that Kavner, 58, originated 35 years ago that she credits with launching her acting life and long-lasting love life. Back in 1974, Kavner was cast to play emotionally timid Brenda, the kid sister of Rhoda Morgenstern on the situation comedy "Rhoda." The series was a spinoff of the popular "Mary Tyler Moore Show."

"It was the first acting job where I got paid," Kavner says during a telephone interview to promote the release of the first season of "Rhoda" on DVD, which hits stores today.

"Rhoda" focused on the lives of the Morgenstern siblings who live in a one-room apartment in New York. The series dealt with everything from dating to the workplace -- mostly through the eyes of the sisters.

Technically, "Rhoda" wasn't her first job as an actress. Working, yes. Getting paid, no. She worked in a lot of theater productions in Southern California. That meant she either earned no pay or would have to chip in a few bucks to pay for the theater space.

"Rhoda" changed all of that. Kavner began a paid acting career that took her from television to film projects. The comedy series also is where she met David Davis, an executive producer on the show. Their relationship lasted long after "Rhoda" ended its five-year run.

The casting meant Kavner did not have to work in any more of the bad jobs she describes in a very colorful way.

"They were [expletive] jobs. I worked in real estate for a short time. Then I was a cocktail waitress for a few minutes. That didn't work out. The best [expletive] job I ever had was at the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture," Kavner says.

If all of the other jobs were [expletive], then "Rhoda" was Shinola. She found herself surrounded by some of the top behind-the-scenes names in television history: studio executive Grant Tinker, producer James L. Brooks, writer Alan Burns, etc. The talent in front of the camera was equally as impressive whether it be Valerie Harper or Nancy Walker.

Kavner was the acting baby of the group. That could have turned the casting into a [expletive] job. It never got close. Kavner got through it because she was immediately accepted as an equal.

"I think a big part of that was almost everyone had worked in theater. And like it is in theater, it was always about the work. All you had to do was concentrate on making the best show you could," Kavner says. "We shot the series in front of a studio audience. So, that helped me a lot."

Even some of the directors came from the theater. Robert Moore, who directed 27 episodes of "Rhoda," was nominated for five Tony Awards for his directing of Broadway shows.

Moore's theatrical touch is very apparent in the first season episode "The Shower." Brenda hosts a wedding shower for Rhoda. Eventually the small apartment is filled with women.

There was so much going on that Moore brought in another camera. Television shows had been using three cameras to that point. The result: the viewers feel like they have a front-row seat at a 30-minute play.

The themes of weddings, showers, dating, family and work that was fodder for "Rhoda" scripts are timeless. Except for some dated '70s fashion, "Rhoda" remains as relatable and funny today as it did 35 years ago.

"It is the writing and the characters that made it work," Kavner says. She adds the same thing goes for "The Simpsons," a show that has used the formula to run for 20 years.

"The Simpsons" have lasted far longer than Kavner expected. She had doubts it would last a year.

Kavner continues to talk about "Rhoda," her trips through Fresno to go fishing and hiking and how she felt she did some of her best work ever on "The Tracey Ullman Show." From the sound of her voice, you would never know she was born in California. The slight Brooklyn accent she got from her parents makes her sound like an East Coast transplant.

She certainly has a distinct voice. At least one person thought it was too distinct.

"I was talking with the people at the William Morris Agency about hiring an agent. One woman said I needed to change my voice. It is a good thing I didn't go with them or listen to her," Kavner says.

[browneyes106]

I think Julie is a great actress. I wish she would have done more live action TV work.

[Marvo301]

I thought Julie Kavner was great as Brenda on Rhoda. I also thought she was great on The Tracey Ullman Show. And I really enjoyed her work in the movie Awakenings.