But before she was Mary Alice, the dearly departed narrator on “Desperate Housewives,” Strong had some of the more memorable guest roles on shows like “Sports Night” (as Sally Sasser, the man-stealing vixen) and, of course, her epic cameos on “Seinfeld” (where she played Sue Ellen Mischke, the no-nonsense candy bar heiress, also known to the gang as the Braless Wonder).
Strong is back with the man who had her, um, bouncing around so many years ago, doing a cameo on “Seinfeld” creator Larry David’s HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She dished with us about working with David—a self-confessed neurotic with interesting wardrobe demands—and auctioning off her voice, for the right charitable cause.
“Seinfeld” was one of the first things I really remember you from—have you stayed in touch with Larry David all these years?
You know, we have what’s called a mutual admiration society, where we don’t necessarily see each other all the time, but we adore each other.
Which some would say is probably the best way to be with a guy like Larry…
[Laughs] Well, it certainly salvages your sanity, I think. I have so many memories of Larry from “Seinfeld” that I just love: From him riding his bicycle and me walking backwards to test which sweater we needed to use for Sue Ellen Mischke for that opening shot, to his beautiful embarrassment at having to figure out which bra I should wear. That just endears someone to you for the rest of your life.
How did you end up getting this part on “Curb”?
I think they definitely had me in mind for a couple of different episodes. They were looking for something special for me, and when this came along, it just seemed like the right fit. I absolutely adore Cheryl Hines. She was so excited about the idea of me doing this and Larry was really happy about the fact that this might work, so when I walked in, it was to a room of fans, which is always nice.
Are you a big fan of the show as well?
I am! I just think it’s so incredibly unique and quirky and genius. It’s so emblematic of Larry himself. He’s quite the enigma…a self-confessed neurotic. And all of those things allow us all to look at our own neuroses and laugh. He provides such a beautiful landscape for us to see our own frailties, and I just think he’s brilliant. As human beings, anything that feeds our ego and makes us feel superior is a good thing. He’s got the corner on the market on that.
Who is this Dr. Flomm character you’re playing?
What a great name! She’s an orthopedic surgeon that Larry starts to see for his myriad of difficulties. We’ll just put it that way.
And the episode title is “The N Word”? Is that the “n word”?
Well, it depends on what “n word" you think the “n word” is. [Laughs] It might be nudity! It might be negotiation! Negativity! Or necrophilia! [Laughs]
Any Braless Wonder references or interesting candy bar offerings at craft services on set?
[Laughs] It would’ve been funny if they’d had Oh Henry! candy bars. Certainly, the wardrobe mistress did her best to make sure that my girls were placed correctly. [Laughs] I have to say, I think Sue Ellen Mischke holds such “Seinfeld” dignity because she was one of those characters that always got one-up on Elaine and Jerry. She wasn’t one of the girlfriends or categorized as one of them. Some of the writers [on “Curb”] came up with such adulation in their eyes, like “Thanks you so much for doing this! We’re such big fans.” And I knew exactly what they were talking about! [Laughs] They weren’t talking “Desperate Housewives.” They were talking Braless Wonder.
Since you’re rarely ever seen on “Desperate Housewives,” what do people recognize you from the most?
You know, it depends on the person. I can usually tell when somebody starts to walk up to me if they’re a “Sports Night” fan because they are really smart. [Laughs] You can tell. “Seinfeld” fans are usually more East Coasters. Those are the two main ones, but then I get people bringing up “Party of Five,” and sometimes “Spaceballs,” which just kind of blows my socks off. I don’t even think I have a speaking line in that!
But if you’re making a dinner reservation or a telemarketer calls, do people automatically scream “Mary Alice!”?
Yeah, the voice definitely gives me away.
I’ve never said this to anyone before, but I kind of want you to record my outgoing voicemail message.
Do you know that that gets auctioned off at certain charitable auctions? That ends up being an auction item! [Laughs]
”Curb Your Enthusiasm” airs Sundays at 10 p.m./9c on HBO.
