Reality TV veteran Bethenny Frankel, who starred in eight seasons of Bravo’s hit show “The Real Housewives of New York City,” has officially made her foray into television movies after landing a leading role in Lifetime’s new true crime drama “Danger in the Dorm,” which premiered on June 16.
Speaking with The Epoch Times, Ms. Frankel, 53, shared that “it was really special and humbling” to be chosen for the role.
“This is really the first time I had a significant, meaningful role in anything, and it was as a lead,” she said.
However, the start of the New York native’s career can be traced back to Hollywood, where she briefly relocated in the early ‘90s to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Ms. Frankel began working as a production assistant on the teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” starring Mario Lopez, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and Elizabeth Berkley, before acquiring several acting roles, including the 1994 horror film “Hollywood Hills, 90028.”
As her career comes full circle with her starring part on Lifetime’s new telefilm, Ms. Frankel said she isn’t actively pursuing any new acting roles but relishes the moments she gets to act on the screen.
‘Danger in the Dorm’
Lifetime’s new film is inspired by a short story penned by the prolific true crime novelist Ann Rule, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 83.A former law enforcement officer for the Seattle Police Department, Ms. Rule’s first book, “The Stranger Beside Me,” published in 1980, chronicled her experiences with the now infamous serial killer and rapist Ted Bundy, whom she befriended while working at a Seattle-based suicide crisis hotline center in 1971 before his convictions. Mr. Bundy was later executed in January 1989 for his crimes.
“Danger in the Dorm” is based on the true story of the gruesome attacks and murder of several women on the campus of Oregon State University in the early 1970s.
In the film, Ms. Frankel plays Joanne, the mother of college student Kathleen, portrayed by actress Clara Alexandrova. After Kathleen’s classmate Becky is brutally murdered, she commits to avenging her childhood friend’s death by catching the killer as her mother tries to keep her safe from harm. Actors Richard Keats, Lily Yawson, and Sarah Kelley, among others, round out the cast.
‘My Adventure Era Continues’
The television personality, who shares daughter Bryn, 14, with her ex-husband, Jason Hoppy, told The Epoch Times that she was able to channel her own experiences as a mother for the role.“I honestly was simply present in that moment with Clara as my daughter,” she described. “Years ago, I took an acting class where the goal was to simply be true to what is happening in that very moment. That is exactly what I did.”
Ms. Frankel explained that playing a mom in such a gripping and dangerous story plot gave her an additional perspective on parenting. She noted that the film “has informed many conversations” about safety with her daughter, who is set to start high school after the summer break.
“This experience, and it being a true story, reinforced my caution as a parent,” Ms. Frankel said.
“I try to instill good sense into my daughter, but it’s a scary rollercoaster ride that I’m embarking on,” she continued. “I am setting her up to be very conscientious about her surroundings.”
As for Ms. Frankel’s future in acting, the reality star, who has previously dabbled in stand-up comedy, said she would relish the chance to play a comedic role. However, she reiterated that she isn’t currently seeking any new acting roles.
“I can’t imagine something else doesn’t show up, but I look for nothing,” she said.
“I’m happy if this is all it is,” she added. “My adventure era continues.”
