UPDATE: Emmy Award-winning actress Christine Baranski delivered a powerful message about the importance of presence during her recent appearance at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. This event, held on September 27, 2023, marked the conclusion of the 20th annual Lesher Foundation’s Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series, drawing a packed audience eager to hear her reflections on life and career.
Baranski, renowned for her roles in The Good Wife and Mamma Mia!, captivated attendees with her insights on navigating a life filled with distractions and digital noise. “In the theater of life, we must practice the art of being human and present every single day,” she emphasized, urging the crowd to disconnect from their devices and embrace the moment.
Event moderator and KTVU Fox 2 anchor Heather Holmes opened the evening by highlighting Baranski’s extensive acclaim, including her induction into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2018. “Tonight, we’ll learn more about Christine Baranski, the person,” Holmes announced, setting the stage for an intimate exploration of the actress’s journey.
Baranski praised the Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA), the event’s featured nonprofit, for its pivotal role in supporting arts education and community outreach. Reflecting on her own beginnings in Buffalo, New York, she noted, “That’s where a kid’s heart can ignite and set fire to a long career,” highlighting the importance of access to arts programs.
The actress shared a personal story about overcoming a childhood speech impediment that nearly derailed her dreams. “I always say I got into Juilliard by the skin of my teeth,” she joked. Her mother’s sacrifice for a dental procedure underscored the challenges many face on their paths to success.
Baranski recounted her early career, mentioning her love story with her late husband, Matthew Cowles, during the filming of the 1984 movie Crackers in San Francisco. Despite the film’s poor reception, she fondly recalled her time in the Bay Area and her journey as a mother balancing career and family.
“There’s so much that goes into what is perceived as a successful life,” Baranski reflected. “Mostly, it’s about just getting through the day and meeting the challenge at hand.” She candidly discussed the struggle of entering Hollywood later in life, emphasizing the necessity of financial stability for her family.
As she navigated her career, Baranski embraced aging, taking on roles designed for more mature actresses. “Frankly, I was never afraid of getting older in my profession,” she asserted, advocating for more authentic representations of women in Hollywood.
Baranski critiqued the industry’s fixation on youth and appearance, stating, “What is captivating is character and detail,” and expressed concern over the rise of AI in the media industry. “We’re way behind schedule in terms of how we regulate, legislate, and foresee the consequences of this new tech phenomenon,” she warned.
Despite the challenges posed by technology, Baranski remains optimistic about the future of live theater. “Live theater is going to be invaluable and relevant,” she said, reiterating the need for programs that nurture young performers and emphasize human connection.
Concluding her talk, Baranski encouraged attendees to prioritize presence in their lives, stating, “We live in a culture of hyperbole. I think we need to find ways of living in our deeper selves.” Her call to action resonates in today’s fast-paced world, reminding audiences of the power of simply being present.
For those who missed the event, Baranski’s reflections serve as a timely reminder of the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital age. The Lesher Center’s ongoing commitment to arts education and community engagement continues to inspire future generations.