Cover Story

REBECCA PIDGEON takes flight

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Rebecca Pidgeon is sitting barefoot on a leather couch in her Santa Monica home, a guitar in one hand and a dog biscuit in the other. The sunny room is filled with things she loves: Books. Photographs of her husband, Pulitzer-prize winning writer-director David Mamet and their two children Noah, 14 and Clara, 18. A quirky collection of porcelain dogs. A sign that says “Cash Bar.” And the family poodle Queenie — named after a math-loving character in Patrick O’Brian’s nautical historical novels — next to her feet waiting for a treat. “My husband said to me the other day, ‘You know Rebecca, I’ve been with you for 22 years and you’re still fascinating to me. I have no idea what is going on in your head!’,” she says. “I replied, ‘Well, my darling, I’m so glad you have no idea because it’s probably much more simple than you think.’”

She might be right, but simple is hardly the way to describe Rebecca. An acclaimed actress — she’s had roles in many of Mamet’s films including The Spanish Prisoner, State and Main and most recently HBO’s Emmy-nominated Phil Spector — she’s also a recording artist with a career that spans more than 20 years. Her 2012 album Slingshot, produced by the legendary Larry Klein, garnered rave reviews and a Grammy nomination. Now, with her seventh solo album Blue Dress On, she’s delivered yet another stunning set of tunes. “I’ve always had the impulse to want to explore different worlds,” says Rebecca. “It’s that impulse that propels me into both acting and songwriting. You have to let yourself go completely and it’s really fun.”

What keeps her grounded is her family. Her marriage to Mamet is one of those happy collaborations where two creative minds meet and allow each other to flourish. The couple first met in 1990 when Rebecca was acting in his play Speed-the-Plow in London and they’ve worked together frequently since. Mamet has even helped his wife write a few lyrics. But it’s Rebecca’s imagination and quirky wit that shines through in her songs. The result is music that’s delightful, elusive, often bittersweet and more than a little bit magical.

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