Dexter Dexter's Jennifer: 'Deb's a real firecracker'
Jun 10, 2009
Dexter star Jennifer Carpenter talks serial killers, swearing and horror movies...
What do you enjoy about playing Dexter's sister, Deb?
"I love the fact that Deb is so resilient and driven, both in her police career and in her relationship with Dexter. She's matured a lot since the show started three years ago."
She's also pretty foul-mouthed...
"She's a real firecracker and cussing is part of her character. The writers give me some great lines, but sometimes I end up taking them out because they're too rude."
Do some of the gory scenes in Dexter disturb you?
"Your mind adapts pretty quickly. After a few hours' filming, it's obvious that the blood is fake and the dead body is made of plastic."
How do you think the show will eventually end?
"It's been picked up for two more seasons and I think Deb is inevitably going to discover that Dexter is a serial killer. He is the only family she has, so will she keep his secret? I can't wait to find out."
Would you like to see Dexter crossover with another show?
"A crossover with Damages would be pretty interesting. I am addicted to that show. Glenn Close is fantastic as Patty Hewes."
What's it like working with your husband, Michael C Hall, who plays Dexter?
"I guess things are more complicated because we are married, but we are professionals. I try not to think about Michael's bedroom scenes with Julie Benz, who plays Dexter's fiancée. I certainly don't watch them."
How do you and Michael spend your spare time?
"Watching movies and cooking for friends. We are both low-key. I don't know what there is to gain from a high-profile celebrity lifestyle. All we need to know is that we love each other."
What is the strangest rumour you've heard about yourself?
"That my father is the horror director John Carpenter. I've no idea how that started. My dad's worked for Ford for the past 30 years."
You've starred in quite a few scary films. Are you a fan?
"I have the ability to scream for hours on end and not go hoarse, but I've decided not to do another horror film. I refuse to scream anymore."
Dexter is on Fridays at 10pm on FX.
What do you enjoy about playing Dexter's sister, Deb?
"I love the fact that Deb is so resilient and driven, both in her police career and in her relationship with Dexter. She's matured a lot since the show started three years ago."
She's also pretty foul-mouthed...
"She's a real firecracker and cussing is part of her character. The writers give me some great lines, but sometimes I end up taking them out because they're too rude."
Do some of the gory scenes in Dexter disturb you?
"Your mind adapts pretty quickly. After a few hours' filming, it's obvious that the blood is fake and the dead body is made of plastic."
How do you think the show will eventually end?
"It's been picked up for two more seasons and I think Deb is inevitably going to discover that Dexter is a serial killer. He is the only family she has, so will she keep his secret? I can't wait to find out."
Would you like to see Dexter crossover with another show?
"A crossover with Damages would be pretty interesting. I am addicted to that show. Glenn Close is fantastic as Patty Hewes."
What's it like working with your husband, Michael C Hall, who plays Dexter?
"I guess things are more complicated because we are married, but we are professionals. I try not to think about Michael's bedroom scenes with Julie Benz, who plays Dexter's fiancée. I certainly don't watch them."
How do you and Michael spend your spare time?
"Watching movies and cooking for friends. We are both low-key. I don't know what there is to gain from a high-profile celebrity lifestyle. All we need to know is that we love each other."
What is the strangest rumour you've heard about yourself?
"That my father is the horror director John Carpenter. I've no idea how that started. My dad's worked for Ford for the past 30 years."
You've starred in quite a few scary films. Are you a fan?
"I have the ability to scream for hours on end and not go hoarse, but I've decided not to do another horror film. I refuse to scream anymore."
Dexter is on Fridays at 10pm on FX.
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