Interviews/Patricia Alice Albrecht

This is a navigation hub for official and fan-run interviews for Patricia Alice Albrecht.

## Fan-run

Ever wonder if it was fate that both characters' names start with P? Let's see if Pizzazz is always a naughty person.

**1. Could you please introduce yourself, including a general overview of your career history?**

Patricia Alice Albrecht – I completed my BFA from Wayne State University in the mid 1970’s and after doing some theatre and television commercials around Detroit, I moved briefly to Chicago then drove out to Los Angeles to audition for Dukes Of Hazzard’s Daisy May or whatever her name was. What I did wrong was perm my hair between the time I got the audition and the time I drove out there and my agent was furious when I arrived back in Beverly Hills with a blonde fro instead of the long tresses she first saw on me…. Needles to say, I didn’t get that television show.
Within a few months though I got a Double Mint Gum spot and then landed the role of Lucille in MIDNIGHT MADNESS, a Buena Vista release where in I played a character quite similar to Pizzazz, opposite Stephen Furst, only I was on camera. From there I was cast as the first, APRIL on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, and worked opposite David Hasselhof. Did some more special guest appearances on shows, like, EIGHT IS ENOUGH, ANGIE, REMINGTON STEELE and some other roles in films. All the while I continued to do television and radio spots, other toons and about ten years later got the role of PIZZAZZ.
**2. Could you please tell us how you got hired to play the role of Pizzazz?**

My agent set up the audition and I remember it was a warm day in Los Angeles. Wally Burr was our casting director and the show’s director. He worked all of his actors in much the same way he directed us on the show. By the time it was my turn I was overly hungry, thirsty and tired. I was a raving bitch…which in the case of the character for which I was cast, seemed to work to my advantage.
**3. For those that haven’t met you in person, would we meet a snooty rich kid who has a work-a-holic father or is Pizzazz different in real life?**

I can be quite sarcastic, but back in the 80’s there was a similar haughty look I could pull off that actually resembled Pizzazz. In real life, I am a petite blonde and some people think I am a bit of a cavity maker…
**4. Considering your role as the leader of the bad girls, did you want that or would you have voiced another character if you could?**

I got thee best role in the show and I did do other voices. Certainly, if they offered me the role of the cleaning woman, I would have done that too….(media slut and all)
**5. The Misfits weren’t totally bad. In “World Hunger Shindig”, they call out Eric Raymond for trying to steal money in a suitcase. In “Trick or Techrat”, they blame him for not being there for them. Does that bring a sense of “justice” to your role?**

I hope so. Although when I see how Pizzazz’s father treated her I see more than ever a girl who is still trying to get her father’s undivided attention and love. Because she can’t she is childishly egocentric.
**6. How did you feel when you were told episode 65, “A father should be”, was the last episode?**

We kind of expected it. From the beginning there was talk that if they could get sponsorship they’d do 65 episodes. Each new 8 or 13 week segment was just a give. Of course, this ending was bittersweet. But everything passes.
**7. Was it a strange feeling that all the voice talent would go their separate ways?**

Not really, we usually continued to see each other on other auditions, at our agent’s office or sometimes in classes or social events.
**8. Considering the animation series was more about theme and caring as opposed to violence, like Hasbro’s biggest sellers, G.I. Joe, and Transformers, are you proud to have participated and voiced in such a wonderful cartoon series originally meant to sell toys?**

Yes. I am now, however, I told very few people I did this work, and never to my son when he was a baby because I didn’t want him to get tweaked by my character’s obnoxious behavior.
**9. Considering the toyline has been discontinued for over some time now, how do you remember Jem? You must remember somehow to participate in the conventions.**

At the time, I did my job and when Saturday’s came, I was doing my life. Because I did the cartoon, I really never watched it. Watching it now is much more fun. I never got the toy line then, but a fan graciously gifted me with a PIZZAZZ doll.
She was so nice. And I remember my nieces have since told me they had JEM sleeping bags. At the JEMCON.09, I was thrilled to see all the dolls, clothes and little JEM comic books. They really appealed to me. And I was amazed to see, the hostess, Shevona’s extensive doll shoe creations and display. Shevona makes her own shoes and sells them.
I am flabbergasted by such unique devotion.
**10. So let’s talk about JemCon 2009. What’s it like from the moment you register at the hotel until it ends (summed up?)**

I was treated like a princess. When I went to unload my stuff I walked into an elevator and a handsome young Hispanic man got on too. I must have said something silly, like ‘What Floor?” and he lit up. “You are the voice of Pizzazz.” I was shocked. “Yes.” And he was my loyal watchdog and kind benefactor the remainder of the JEMCON, just like so many other fans were during that weekend. This gentleman used to watch the show in Mexico!!! We had fans in from Holland, Scotland, England, Canada, Mexico, and across the states. It was mind blowing to see how many people were so deeply touched by the show.
**11. Could you describe the excitement and dedication of the fans, including those who host panels?**

The fans are truly wonderful! What a pleasure to be able to see the smiles on their faces and all the merchandise they’ve collected over the years. Their knowledge of the details of the characters and the shows brings it all back to life with a whole new perspective. I was particularly impressed with the way the fans came forward to offer goods and services that were auctioned for the charity that the 2009 JEMCON was affiliated with, The ART of LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION. People were so generous. It was great to know that the fans actually inherited some of the principles that were inherent in the television show. Shevona and Sean and others were so kind, funny and on top of it that the whole experience was just very smooth going.
**12. Is it always fun to see familiar faces again and again?**

Yes and to see how we have all grown.
**13. What was it like to meet your twin, Ellen Bernfeld?**

Just wonderful. I learned so much. I learned that I was cast to match Ellen’s voice. Lucky for me. And we all learned how Ann Bryant had a very short turn around time to compose songs and get them sung. It was really interesting to learn about how the other part of the show was created. Ann and Ellen are great women, then we got to hear Ellen sing some JEM songs on Karaoke. That was a hoot.
**14. Considering Ellen too was Pizzazz, was it a strange feeling?**

No, I was eager to meet her and the first night, Ann and Ellen joined, Marco, our gentleman from Mexico and I for dinner. We talked about many different areas of interest, how we are conducting our lives now and could easily talk for days. Ellen is a creative woman, still singing and writing. Very fun.
**15. How did you two start out conversing? Was it simple like, “Oh I voiced Pizzazz’s dialogue and you must have sung?”**

No, I think Shevona introduced us.
**16. I see you judged the Misfits make-up contest. What did you look for?**

You know I was meant to judge, but I don’t remember that we got around to this event.
**17. What other panels did you attend and what did you think about them?**

Mostly I was working in the other room when panels were held. What I really liked was watching the charity auction and the trivia games we played the first night.
**18. Jem fans can always hope for an animation reunion anytime. Fashion and music changes with time. Do you think a reunion and a fresh animated story for the characters is possible?**

I think it is always possible. Whether it can be done, given copyright laws, and if they would use the same voices….not sure it would really happen. If we could come up with something similar without infringement, then I some kind of revival could be done.
**19. If your agent called and announced a reunion was happening, would you return to your voice as Pizzazz?**

Absolutely!
**20. Do you also sing?**

Yes, but not like Ellen. I am married to a singer-songwriter and my son is a musician as well. Music floats about this house like aromas from a good kitchen dinner and lingers the next day.
**21. In retrospect, do you wish you had Ellen’s role of singing Pizzazz as opposed to speaking?**

No. Never.
**22. If a Jem reunion does occur, would you also want to sing, or would you leave the honors to Ellen?**

That’s Ellen’s job.
**23. How has Jem affected you personally throughout life since 1985 when it first aired?**

Well, the revenue enabled me to buy a condo in L.A., but that was before the earthquake. I remain astounded every time I hear someone shriek when they find out I was the voice of Pizzazz. It sure makes my ego happy. And I just laugh and hug them! It’s a love job….who couldn’t want this?
**24. Thoughts on your favorite episode and Jemcon 2010?**

I have no favorite episode and 2010 should be the best con yet.
**25. Any final words to say to all Jem fans from those that went to JemCon, to those that recognize you elsewhere?**

You are the most kind and dedicated people. I remain humbled and honored to have been granted the privilege of contributing something to your lives that I never knew was even possible. You have enriched my life immeasurably. Thank YOU!