Mayfair Witches: A Tribute to Carlotta Mayfair
Beth Grant doesn't get enough credit for her work in Hollywood. She's usually on the sidelines, playing a shrewd old woman or a disapproving mother. When she does take center stage, it's only for a moment, long enough for us to laugh at her or hate her. She looks like she'd fit right in at a polygamist compound or a meth house, but she can act. She's capable of great moments of intensity, heartfelt affection, and deep sorrow. She can cry, shriek, beg, and laugh. She has true range.Her role as Carlotta Mayfair may be one of her greatest. Beth gave her all of the necessary elements--cruelty, determination, and independence, as well as a bit of the fanaticism she is so adept at. She could lie with ease, play the part of a sweet old woman, Deirdre's loving caretaker, or the doting sister. Her voice would change. She would get this small look of desperation or frailty, and all of a sudden we'd believe every single word that came out of her mouth--even after seeing the things she had done. It was uncanny.Carlotta was just as extraordinary as Beth--in many ways more so. She was capable and independent. She represented all of the family lore, their secrets, and the strength hidden inside the bloodline. Through her, we saw the mystery that was Mayfair. We glimpsed true strength and true power. Let's give her a moment of recognition and go over some of her many accomplishments.
