Today I got the distinct pleasure of talking to Anthony Edwards about his role in the upcoming movie, “Motherhood”, co-starring Uma Thurman and Minnie Driver. According to Anthony, his character in the movie is a “well-intentioned guy who forgets a lot of stuff”. His wife joked that the role was an example of type-casting for the movie when they first read the script together. Anthony talked about how being a father and life experiences make the art of acting more rich and “real”. He said he took the part because the movie and its characters “seemed to be organic and real”. After speaking with Director Katherine Diekmann last week, and Anthony today, I definitely get the feeling this movie is something special. From what I gather, the movie’s origins of an all female writer/director/producer and female stars lend credibility, realism, and humor to motherhood not yet seen on screen.

Anthony talked about the difference of filming this movie on location in New York versus Hollywood, as well as the absence of a boardroom table full of men discussing a movie featuring the topic of motherhood. Anthony’s candor and sensitivity to his wife, and mothers worldwide, is refreshing and reassuring that outside of the Hollywood “spotlight” genuine people exist in place of “stars”. Anthony is passionate about women’s empowerment in third world countries, and is focusing his philanthropy efforts on building Africa’s first public children’s hospital.

Anthony asked me to help spread the word that he’d like people consider donating only $10 toward the cause. His idea is to get 500,000 people to donate only $10, and the hospital will be covered! He is running in the New York City marathon on November 1, 2009 in support of his fundraising efforts. For more information you can go to shoe4africa.org