LOS ANGELES – For many celebrities, the red carpet is all about who they are wearing or promoting their latest show, but not for Patricia Arquette.
“These kids today and their climate change marches, millions of kids and families across the world are demanding we as adults make a planet that they can survive in. I think we need to listen to that and support them very much,” Arquette said.
As she continued down the carpet at the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, little did she know an interview with Spectrum News 1 wouldn’t be her last time advocating for change on TV’s biggest night.
Arquette was a double nominee this year, nominated for “Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie” for her role in The Act, and for “Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie” for Escape at Dannemora. She didn’t win the latter, but for the first nomination her name was called.
“I just have to say I’m grateful to be working, I’m grateful at 50 to be getting the best parts of my life,” Arquette said. “But in my heart I’m so sad. I lost of my sister Alexis.”
Her sister, transgender actress Alexia Arquette, died three years ago last month. The pain is something even time can’t heal.
“Trans people are still being persecuted. I’m in mourning every day of my life, Alexis, and I will be for the rest of my life for you until we change the world so trans people are not persecuted. And give them jobs. They’re human beings, let’s get rid of this bias we have everywhere,” said Arquette.
She came backstage, and first out of the gate, after hearing her talk so much about causes she was passionate about Spectrum News 1 asked:
“Can you talk to us about you using your celebrity to shine light on these important issues?”
“Because I’ve been working so much I haven’t completely processed Alexis’ death. You try and act like everybody’s fine. For days I’ve been talking to my family about feeling this heavy grief. To be there tonight would be inauthentic to not talk about my whole self where my heart is and where my thoughts are,” Arquette said. “We can change this and change it rapidly if we care to. And I care to. I want to make the world a better place for all the kids today.”
So as she tries to heal, this two-time Emmy winner plans to keep using any chance she has to shine a spotlight on causes close to her heart. Dressed head to toe in pride knowing her voice matters now more than ever.