Edie Falco has taken on some incredible roles during the course of her acting career. (Carmela Soprano and Nurse Jackie, anyone?) But the true role of a lifetime for Edie has been being a mom to her two children, Macy and Anderson. Edie sat down exclusively with Celebrity Parents Magazine to talk about parenting in NYC, how she makes work-life balance work for her, and her passion for all things eco-friendly.
How would you describe yourself as a parent?
I think I’m a pretty easy-going mom. I like being with my kids, and I’ll even take them with me on set. I would hear other parents talking about guilt because they would go to work and leave their kids, so I decided to bring my kids to work with me. That way, they would learn what “work” was. My daughter loves to yell “Action” when we’re on set.
Being a mom is difficult, but I think there’s an extra level of stress being a NYC mom.
Oh, I agree. I think there’s extra pressure here and I was intimidated by the concept. I grew up in Long Island, NY, where things are much calmer and more laid-back. I find that there’s a lot more helicopter parenting and micromanaging of kids here in NYC and that’s not my style at all. It took me a long, long time to realize that I could parent my own way–and my kids are thriving!
I find that you have to tune out the other voices and go with your heart and your gut. After all, no two families care for their kids the same way. Listen to your own voice and do what feels right for you, even if it goes against the norm.
I know that you’re eco-friendly and that you donated your kitchen to Green Demolitions. How does being environmentally aware play a role in your life?
When I bought my apartment in NYC, I planned to decorate it the way I wanted to. But throwing all the cabinets and hardware–which were all still in excellent condition–seemed like such a waste. So donating the kitchen to Green Demolitions seemed like the most logical choice. When they sell it, a portion of the proceeds go to charity, which in my case is the Dawn Animals Agency. It’s a win/win for everyone. And I’m also using repurposed materials for the home I’m building now. In fact, the floorboards once used to be in a barn. I like things that have a history to them; it makes it that much more interesting to me.
How is your dog, Marley?
She’s wonderful. She is truly the original love of my life. She’s getting older now, so it’s hard to watch that. But I have the “new” dog, Sammy, who is a Brussels Griffon. She was rescued from a puppy mill. When I adopted her, I didn’t realize that she was pregnant, and I soon had a litter of puppies in my home.
What did you do with the puppies?
Although I’m sure that my children would have been thrilled to keep them all, we decided to give them away to family and friends. I explained that the puppies needed new homes, and since my children are adopted, I thought this was a perfect teachable moment to show them what adoption really means.
How do you find your own personal balance?
I love my role on Nurse Jackie and my work is a big part of who I am. It’s what makes me feel fulfilled. As a single mom, I’m juggling a lot, and working long hours. But what my children get in return is a mother who is energized and content. It helps us to bring out the best in each other, which is what a family should do.