Interview: Darcy the Mail Girl delivers stories behind The Last Drive-In
By Carla Davis
1428 Elm: Joe Bob has had several “Mail Girls,” but you in particular really seem to resonate with the fans. Why do you think that is?
Darcy the Mail Girl: Thank you! That means a lot to me! I think it’s because we live in a social media age. I’m able to actually reach out and interact with viewers now, where previous Mail Girls didn’t. It also might have to do with me pretty much just getting to be myself on the show, and I am an honest-to-goodness Mutant. The other Mail Girls were hired through modeling agencies based on their headshots; JB brought me on because of my passion for the genre, which I think a lot of folks watching can relate to.
1428 Elm: You have said in the past that you were initially very nervous about appearing on camera during The Last Drive-In (especially during the first marathon). Has that gotten easier for you, and how did you combat your fear?
Darcy the Mail Girl: Easier? I think so, but still not easy. It’s hard to put yourself out there knowing folks all over the interwebs are just waiting to tell you (and your boss) how much you suck. Every time we have to shoot (or even make an in-person appearance where I’m expected to talk to so many people), I get major anxiety and usually go to JB crying, “I seriously can’t do this. You have to find someone else.” He then, in his very JB way, reminds me that I’ve “already done it 10,000 times at this point so one more isn’t going to hurt.”
That doesn’t usually make me feel a whole lot better, honestly, but what it does is reminds me I’m there to help him, and he feels like he sincerely needs me. I can’t say no to that…So, I guess I get past my stage fright/anxiety for Joe Bob, and for the countless other Mutants who write me saying they know what I’m going through. I tell them to be brave and face their fears. It’d be hypocritical if I didn’t do the same.
1428 Elm: You have exhibited some really clever cosplay on the show, do you make your own costumes, or are they made for you? What are your favorite costumes from The Last Drive-In?
Darcy the Mail Girl: Thank you! I do all my own costumes, which I think is kind of apparent to be honest. I really just throw stuff together that represents the films we show which is the best I’m able to on a shoestring budget. So, I’m super happy when folks like them! My fave so far is Mary Lou. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to cosplay as her, so that was an amazing opportunity that I think turned out pretty well!
I found that dress on Ebay for $10! Tom Atkins was also super fun just because it was so goofy…and honestly, the Reggie Bannister one from Phantasm was fun, too, even though my makeshift bald cap wasn’t completely successful. He was happy and flattered that I dressed as him, and getting a pic of us being twinsies was awesome and something I will always treasure!