Namita Nayyar:
Introduce us to a day in your life, while shooting and on a day off.
Marlyne Barrett:
A day in my life when I’m shooting on set begins 2 1/2 hours before my call time. I wake up 2 hours in advance to pray and meditate. I’m from a Christian background, so prayer is a big part of my life and meditation really centers me. When I arrive at 5 am in the make-up trailer, I’m ready to work. In the hair and make-up chair my focus and concentration starts to increase. I already know the lines, but start deciding what I’d like to try first. Even though I have an arc to my character in the episode, I still want to understand where I’m going. You can’t really negotiate what others will bring to the table but you can try different things yourself. A normal work day is 12-14 hours and I like to sneak in a nap at lunch.
On a non-working day, it still begins with prayer and meditation. I will read, listen to music, and dance during the day. I love to spend time with my husband and dear friends. It all depends also on how quickly my turnaround is for the next week of work. On the weekends I will find anything that’s celebratory. Since we don’t have kids yet, my husband and I love to go out and travel abroad during hiatus.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine?
Marlyne Barrett:
My fitness regimen varies. I do a lot of cardio work (i.e. the treadmill, hiking and the elliptical). I’ve also fallen in love with Pilates and I have a great instructor that takes care of me here in Chicago. After a trauma like pneumonia, Pilates has provided me with an expansion of the lungs and re-trained my breathing. I do that 4-5 times a week in-between cardio. I tend to also incorporate two massages a week to loosen the muscles and tendons with deep rest in-between. Since I push so hard, I allow my body to recuperate.
Namita Nayyar:
What kind of diet do you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Marlyne Barrett:
My diet varies, because for many years there were a lot of liquids and vegetables to flush the system. I have a specific water that I love to drink. I could drink gallons of Smart Water and Fiji (it’s like my liquor). I can only drink New York’s tap water and that’s it. At home, I’m a light eater and I tend to stay away from red meat. I like to stick with great fish, salad, veggies, and light dressings. For carbs, I like brown rice.
I’m not one that likes to eat heavy during lunch, anything that must be heavily digested or that might create a lethargic experience I stay away from. After my workout I have a big lunch but I usually won’t have a heavy meal past 7:30 pm. My husband and I love having good meals together. He used to be a physical trainer and it’s special to have friends and family that can share in this support as well.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
