What people don't seem to understand is how drastically make-up and lighting, as well as age and health, effect the way people look. There are so many ways to make lips (or any other facial feature) look completely different, especially on film/video. Yes, of course there is pressure on women, especially those in the public eye, to do whatever they can to look the best they can, for the longest they can - but it's none of our business what they do or don't do. Often weird lighting or makeup can be distracting - in the episode I watched tonight of "In Plain Sight" I was admiring how beautiful she is (and such a huge talent!) but I happened to notice in her last scene with "Marshall Marshall Mann" (I love that, lol) that she appeared to only have makeup on one eye (or, rather, a lot more darker makeup on her left eye). I only noticed it because I'm shopping for new makeup myself so it's on my mind. We're also so used to print photos of women that have all been retouched to achieve a look that is as impossible as having the crippling body of a Barbie doll.
She is a terrific actress who brilliantly pulls off a strong, female lead in a good show. She is also a beautiful woman in her 40's.
Oh, and to the poster, night_sentinel, I completely agree with all of your comments, except for:
"I still find it interesting she replaced Jennifer Jason Leigh in a play, they don't look anything alike, and their acting styles are completely different, and Ms. Leigh is a demure soft spoken 5'3" actor and Ms. McCormack is a 5'8" statuesque outgoing actor."
I think Jennifer Jason Leigh would find it hysterical to be called "demure", or "soft-spoken". I don't know what films of hers you've seen, but check out "The Anniversary Party", "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle", "Georgia" "Rush"... I could go on! In fact, check out some of the still from her IMdB page! "Demure", "soft-spoken"? She kicks ass, is oozes sexuality (and still does at almost 50) and has the mouth of sailor (at least the words written for her in about half of her films).
Also, the point of casting is not supposed to be type-casting. It's the actor's job to interpret a role in his or her own way to the best of his or her ability. You are referring, I assume, to "Cabaret" (that factoid is in McCormick's bio). Do you know how many actors have done that play since it first hit Broadway in 1966? Do you think Mary McCormack, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Liza Minnelli (the latter who played the part in the film version) were cast because they were in any way alike? They were cast because they are all very talented. [Ah! Here is a link of all of the female actors that played the role of Sally Bowles. Click "Characters" and enter "Sally Bowles" and you'll see that after McCormick it was played by Natasha Richarson (R.I.P.), Molly Ringwald, Brook Shields, Leah Thomson, as well as many other actors.
http://www.ibdb.com/advancesearchrole.asp
I'm sorry if I seem to be picking on your comment, I just disagree with that one part. I was especially surprised that you wrote that considering your sig quote: "Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But theatre will make you good." Did you see Leigh in Cabaret? That might somewhat explain your comment.... As I said, otherwise I agree with your well-written, thoughtful post!
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