Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"I think the idea of people's whole humanity is just more interesting than like, you know, archetypes, tropes, like the whole, it's just like, there's so much more going on." — Elizabeth Banks
"The patriarchy is like, wait a minute, we had a system. And we loved it. We loved it. We were very happy with the system. What do you mean? You're gonna work and like have opinions? You're gonna want things, you know? Hashtag me too, fuck you." — Elizabeth Banks
"My fertility was something that had to mourn. I had to grieve for it. It was a loss, and I had to really work through that before I could invite someone else to help me make my family." — Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks joins Alex Cooper to discuss her multifaceted career as an actress, writer, producer, and director, as well as her involvement in the wine industry. Banks shares her personal journey, highlighting her working-class upbringing and ambitious drive to succeed, which led her to attend an Ivy League school. She reflects on the challenges of feeling like an outsider in academia due to socioeconomic differences and the importance of appreciating the dignity of work gained from early jobs. The conversation touches on Banks's realization of her passion for acting, which she pursued after completing her education, and her initial uncertainty about her career path.
The discussion also delves into Banks's personal life, including her long-standing marriage which began the first night of college. She shares insights on navigating relationships through significant life stages and the importance of maintaining individuality within a partnership. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Banks's journey to motherhood, revealing her experience with unexplained infertility and her decision to use a surrogate. She candidly discusses the emotional toll of infertility, the societal pressures, and the eventual joy of building her family.
Furthermore, Banks discusses her role in the film "Call Jane," a narrative centered on women providing illegal abortion care before Roe v. Wade. She emphasizes the importance of bodily autonomy and criticizes the restrictions on abortion access, drawing parallels to the historical fight for women's rights. Banks advocates for empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to see the full humanity of individuals regardless of their background or choices. She also reflects on her career, her feminist stance, and her advice for young women navigating the workforce and societal expectations.