Mindy Cohn made her acting debut in 1979 as the witty, outspoken Natalie Green in the hit comedy series The Facts of Life. In 1983, she made her first professional stage performance in Table Settings, followed by her feature film debut in The Boy Who Could Fly.
She has also starred in the sitcom The Help and the pilot Virtually Casey and continues to be the voice of Velma in the animated series What’s New, Scooby Doo?, for which she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award.
While continuing her successful voice-over career, she has starred in the feature films Under the Gun, Alone with a Stranger, Swing, Third Wish, Sex and Death 101 and now the title role in Violet Tendencies.
LGBT Weekly: What made you decide to take the role of Violet?
Mindy Cohn: I read the script and identified with tons about Violet. Also the story required me to do things on film I had never done before. It scared me enough to want to do it and not too much to pass on it.
Also, the sex, language, bawdiness … I kinda felt I could pull it off in the comfort of having my boys around me, instead of perhaps doing on camera sex scenes on some straight set somewhere on a Hollywood soundstage.
Also, the perk of being able to film in New York, on the streets, in the clubs … what a way to spend the summer!
What do you have in common with Violet?
I too have been a fag hag my whole life and proud of it. I tend to have better gaydar than my gay friends. I think the unique bond of a male and female deep friendship in adulthood can really only be this way because there is no sexual tension. Each sex gets the best bits of the opposite without the complication of it all.
Having said that, you know your Mindy loves those complications and is boy crazy like Violet!
When did you first realize you were a fruit fly? Are you involved in the gay community?
I have never been nor will I identify myself as a fruit fly. I am a fag hag and proud of it. I am not offended by the term and feel like after being around my boys since the age of 13, I have earned it!
I have always been a beacon and had an affinity for the gay community, especially gay men … they are so loving, inclusive, and when it comes to straight women, totally accepting of what you look like, supportive, courageous and can relate to living a parallel universe (much like being a child actress who has always had a separate ‘off stage’ life that is just as important), so I have always felt understood by my gays. But as for being called a fag hag … it is only endearing if said within the community.
Have you ever changed for a man?
I have indeed changed for men in the past, but could only do it for a little while before being totally frustrated, becoming passive aggressive and hating them and myself. So, gratefully, I have given that up for Lent!
As an actress, what were your favorite scenes – and the most difficult?
I enjoyed so many, but loved all the office scenes with Sam and Kim, the diner scene with Kim and apartment scenes with Jesse.
Difficult? Running down the street in my slip. I so had to get over myself! The cat suit runs a close second.
How do you think your fans will respond to Violet?
I hope fans of mine will respond well and love Violet as much as I do.
What would Natalie and her friends from The Facts of Life think of Violet?
I think Natalie would love Violet and Jo would love her. Blair wouldn’t understand her and would feel sorry for her.
What’s next for Mindy Cohn?
I have no idea. Only Velma and more Scooby Doo projects are the sure things I count on work-wise in the near future, but also pursuing my PhD in Leadership and Social Change at Antioch University and my producing and philanthropic efforts.
I wouldn’t want to short change myself and define my dream role but just the opportunity to keep expressing myself in different ways, working with people I adore, admire, respect and can learn from.
