Maya Rudolph: Even Donatella Versace
doesn't do as good a Donatella as Maya Rudolph does. (In Interview magazine in
2002, Ingrid Sichy facilitated a chat between Rudolph and the real Versace, in
which Versace expressed admiration for Rudolph's impersonation, but complained
that
... more the massive diamonds she wore in the skits looked fake: "A real diva would
wear the real jewels, or go without.") Rudolph's also taken roles in series like
"Chicago
Hope" and films like "A Prairie Home Companion," "As Good as It Gets" and "50 First Dates." But it's her side career as a musician that
distinguishes her from most of her comedian counterparts, though it shouldn't be
a surprise to anyone who knows Rudolph's biography: the daughter of singer Minnie Riperton and producer Richard Rudolph, baby Maya can
be heard cooing on mom's hit single "Loving You." More recently she's played
keyboards and sung with the Rentals, and a side project with the Rentals' Matt
Sharp, including a Tegan and Sara cover. Music to our ears. (Ramona
Rosales/Retna Ltd.)Close