LAST EDITED ON 10-30-03 AT 09:33 PM (EST)I HOPE I am not violating any guidelines here, but here is an interview from the Chicago Sun Times with Maureen. I would have liked to link it for you all, but the story has mysteriously dissapeared from the Tribunes page. Enjoy...
Stand-up part of 'Starting Over' for Niles woman
October 30, 2003
BY SARA FIEDELHOLTZ Staff Reporter Advertisement
For the last eight weeks, Niles resident Maureen Goodman has put her life as a mother, wife and grandmother on hold to start over as a stand-up comedian.
Goodman, 62, is one of six women who moved in together into an 8,000-square-foot home in Uptown to work on dramatically changing their lives as part of the first real-life daily TV drama, "Starting Over." Every minute of their waking lives is recorded and edited down to 45-minute episodes.
In addition to tracking Goodman's progress working on her act and self-confidence, the show also has been exposing the conflicts she had with roommate Nyanza.
"She would say things about other people that were unkind," Goodman said Wednesday. "She is definitely the issuemaker in the house. There isn't anyone who didn't have a problem with her."
Although Goodman has not resolved her issues with Nyanza, she did become confident enough to do stand-up comedy at some open-mike nights. The completion of her goal allowed Goodman to be the first woman to leave the house. Her departure will be part of today's episode at noon on WMAQ-Channel 5.
Q. Who do you think will be the next woman to leave the show?
A. Nyanza, because she wants to go home. She feels that she has done what she came here to do and has gone as far as she can in discovering who she is and being able to create lasting relationships. But all she really wanted was attention. She has spent her whole life trying to get attention and be noticed even if it is at the expense of others.
Q. Now that you have left will you keep in touch with any of your housemates?
A. I will stay in touch with Andy, Christine, Lori and Cassandra. But I don't think I will ever call Nyanza and I hope not to see her in any other situation.
Q. Why do you think that this type of show appeals to viewers?
A. Who doesn't want to be an armchair quarterback? Lots of people feel like they have missed opportunities and haven't take chances. Here they get to see goals being accomplished. They are watching dreams and fantasies become realities.