It was really cool because you can tell that she directs in a way that she wants to be spoken to, as an actress. That's really nice, and you appreciate that. Dealing with the actors was more important to her than anything else, which was really nice.

And my mouth is not a sewer, although some people may think it is.

People in general have a preconceived idea of what prison is, from seeing documentaries or whatever.

In any character I ever play, whether she's good or bad or whatever, my most important thing is heart.

Of course, we're supportive of the gay and lesbian community. I've just never portrayed that on camera. Once I met Taylor [Schilling] I knew that it was going to be really comfortable and okay, but the nudity was a little bit of an issue for me.

I never think of myself as any kind of sex symbol, but I get letters from all over, all sorts. It's really cool. I get a lot from inmates, which is kind of scary. But the best was the guy who wanted to send me a plane ticket to fly me to his prom.

I've never played a manipulative, drug-smuggling lesbian before. For me, it's pushing me in an area that's great. There are days when I'd read the script and I'd be like, "Oh, God, I can't believe I have to do that."