Can you tell us about the real-life mom and activist you play in "Prayers for Bobby"?


Mary Griffith was very a member of a very devout church. She taught the children Bible verses. She was very concerned that their family all go to heaven together. She perceived homosexuality as a sin, something that her young [gay son] Bobby could avoid to be "normal." She was determined to save him from hell.

 

What's the bond like between Mary and her son when she first discovers that he's gay?


Their closeness continues. He wants to be saved. And it actually strengthens the intimacy between them, because she really believes that she can help him.

 

But that relationship changes?


As he gets older and their plan [to heal him of his homosexuality] doesn't work, she's so adamant that he's not trying to change that a rift starts to grow between them. In the end, it was feeling deprived of his family's love that drove [a suicidal] Bobby off a bridge. It's something Mary has to live with every single day.

 

More From "Prayers for Bobby"

What was it like to meet the real Mary?


We talked a lot, but we also expressed a lot without speaking. She's such a charming and warm woman. There are pictures of Bobby everywhere. That told me a lot.

 

Did you discuss Mary's journey from the very beginning?


Yes. She almost sounds as if she's describing a different person when she talks about herself in the old days. She was determined to save Bobby's soul, and it didn't matter how he was feeling. When I asked her what she believes now, her answer was, "God is unconditional love."