Design Matters with Debbie Millman: An In-Depth Conversation with Betty Buckley

Episode: Betty Buckley
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, host Debbie Millman engages in a profound conversation with the illustrious Betty Buckley. Celebrated for her remarkable versatility and enduring presence in film, television, music, and theater, Buckley offers listeners an intimate look into her artistic journey, the challenges she's overcome, and the philosophies that sustain her creative spirit.

Early Life and Influences

Betty Buckley's roots in Texas profoundly shaped her artistic inclinations. From a young age, she immersed herself in performance arts, inspired by her mother's legacy as the "Jitterbug Queen of Texas Tech University."

• Discovering Her Passion:
  Buckley recounts attending her first musical at age 11 at Casa Manana, watching Pajama Game featuring Bob Fosse choreography. This experience ignited her lifelong passion for musical theater.
  "It was my first time having an epiphany... That's it. That's what you're going to be doing for the rest of your life." [03:45]

• Family Dynamics and Support:
  Despite her father's reservations about a life in show business, Buckley's mother provided unwavering support, encouraging her to pursue dance and performance.
  "My mother took me to see my first musical... she was a journalist and a very creative, passionate lady." [10:15]

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Buckley's transition from aspiring journalist to full-time performer was marked by serendipitous opportunities and relentless perseverance.

• Overcoming Adversity:
  After witnessing the horrors of war during a USO tour in 1968, Buckley grappled with PTSD, questioning her career choices and longing for a return to her Texas roots.
  "I was in a period of months with PTSD... Roger Hess kept calling, and he said, you've got to come to New York." [22:30]

• Breaking Into Broadway:
  Her persistence paid off when she auditioned for 1776, leading to her successful stint on Broadway and subsequent roles that cemented her reputation.
  "My audition was an hour and nine minutes long. I couldn't believe it... And then we went to New York and opened... it was a huge hit that spring." [35:50]

Landmark Performances: Cats and Sunset Boulevard

Buckley's performances in iconic productions like Cats and Sunset Boulevard showcase her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft.

• Cats:
  Despite initial rejection, Buckley's unwavering belief in her abilities led to her casting as Grizabella, delivering a performance that received critical acclaim.
  "Nobody could sing it better. Nobody has ever sung it better. Thank you. It's not even human. It's that incredibly out of this world." [50:25]

• Sunset Boulevard:
  Playing Norma Desmond, Buckley delved deep into the character's psychological complexity, earning a nomination for an Olivier Award and further establishing her legacy in musical theater.
  "I knew that particular message was very relevant to that moment in our culture... older women were still valuable." [1:15:40]

Approach to Acting and Singing

Buckley's methodical approach to her roles is a blend of rigorous training, emotional authenticity, and a deep understanding of her characters' psychological landscapes.

• Technique and Training:
  She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and finding the right mentors to refine her skills.
  "I've been studying to learn how to play really emotionally, psychologically authentic characters." [1:05:10]

• Emotional Sustainability:
  Discussing her role as Norma Desmond, Buckley highlights the mental and emotional strategies she employs to maintain intensity without burning out.
  "This meditation practice that I do... it's about physical strength, mental strength, mental focus and emotional facility." [1:25:55]

Musical Career and Album Selection

Beyond theater, Buckley has an extensive musical repertoire, having recorded over 20 albums that span various genres and languages.

• Curating Music:
  Her selection process is deeply personal, often driven by her connection to the material and collaboration with talented musicians like Christian Jacob.
  "It's a collaboration with Christian that goes on for... usually takes about six months to put together a new grouping of songs." [1:40:20]

• Facing Criticism:
  Buckley discusses the challenges of innovating within traditional frameworks and how perseverance leads to appreciation of her unique interpretations.
  "After a year, our first album came out, and the same people that had been critical... realized the journey we were taking them on." [1:38:45]

Creation of "The Mayfly" Animated Short Film

In addition to her performances and musical endeavors, Buckley ventured into filmmaking with the creation of the animated short film The Mayfly, which received accolades at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.

• Inspiration and Development:
  Inspired by a mystical experience at a Judy Collins concert, Buckley meticulously crafted the film's narrative and collaborated with esteemed animators and composers to bring her vision to life.
  "I was sitting in the far left corner of the room, and this little creature was... dancing so expressively to the music." [2:05:15]

• Overcoming Challenges:
  The production faced financial hurdles, but through networking and sheer determination, Buckley secured the necessary funding and talent to complete the project.
  "We were dancing all around my house... we got the money, let's go." [2:20:30]

Sustaining Career and Work Ethic

Despite achieving legendary status, Buckley remains dedicated to her craft, driven not by ambition but by a profound sense of purpose and connection to her work.

• Intrinsic Motivation:
  Buckley reflects on how her motivation has evolved from a desire to achieve excellence to a commitment to meaningful storytelling and human connection.
  "I don't feel the need to prove anything. I know what my job is and I know what my contribution will be." [2:35:50]

• Legacy and Impact:
  Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and supporting each other, Buckley envisions her work as a way to contribute positively to humanity's collective consciousness.
  "It's about human connection and who we all are as one being... to live as comfortably and as well as we can." [2:45:10]

Conclusion

Betty Buckley's rich tapestry of experiences and unwavering dedication exemplify the essence of a true artist. Her journey—from a young performer in Texas to a celebrated figure on Broadway and beyond—serves as an inspiration to creatives everywhere. Through her insightful dialogue with Debbie Millman, Buckley not only shares her secrets to longevity in the competitive world of performance but also imparts wisdom on finding purpose and sustaining passion over a lifetime.

For more about Betty Buckley's extensive body of work, visit bettybuckley.com.

Design Matters with Debbie Millman is produced by the TED Audio Collective by Curtis Fox Productions. Interviews are usually recorded at the Masters in Branding program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, the first and longest-running branding program in the world. The editor-in-chief of Design Matters Media is Emily Weiland.