"Rude Awakening" (1998) TV series 1998-2001

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Creator:

Claudia Lonow

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

1 August 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

... perfect for Showtime.

Plot:

Billie Frank, an out of work alcoholic actress, used to be somewhat of a star in her day, but now she's all washed up...

Plot Keywords:

Alcoholic | Actress | Twelve Step Program | Sexual Obsession | Flirting

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Sherilyn Fenn	...	Billie Frank (55 episodes, 1998-2001)
Jonathan Penner	...	Dave Parelli (55 episodes, 1998-2001)
Lynn Redgrave	...	Trudy Frank (55 episodes, 1998-2001)
Rain Pryor	...	Jackie Garcia (30 episodes, 1998-1999)

Runtime:

22 min (55 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:TV-MA

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Columbia TriStar Television

Trivia:

The character of Billie Frank is based upon Claudia Lonow's experience. Billie is an ex-soap actress who is famous for portraying a character called Diana Gateway in a series called "Emerald Bluff". Claudia Lonow is famous for portraying Diana Fairgate in "Knots Landing" (1979).

Quotes:

Billie: May I confide in you as a friend?
Sidney Gibson: No.
Billie: Fine. Then as an acquaintance.
[she sighs and sits]
Billie: You know, lately, my life has been really crappy. Yeah... haven't had sex in over months, my landlord is raising my rents!
Sidney Gibson: So sleep with him.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn: (1999-08-12)" (1999)

Soundtrack:

Another Rude Awakening

One of, If not THE best show on Showtime.

This is, in my opinion, Showtime's best show. Its not fake and completely unreal like so many other television shows. The topic they are dealing with is real and they are showing what alcoholism is really like and, that you can overcome your addiction.

They also show the other side of alcoholism; the addiction and dependency on the alcohol which is wonderfully played by Lynn Redgrave. Trudy Frank (Lynn) is a hilarious drunk who loves young men and sex. Lynn alone adds a bit of class to this wonderfully frank show, even though her character is anything but the perfect mother.

Jonathon Penner is also excellent as Dave, who owns a coffee shop and is a recovering alcoholic himself. Mario VanPeebles is also featured.