MALIBU—Barbara Kerr Condon arrived on our televisions during the debut and craze of the AMC hit show “Mad Men.” But the beautiful actress who yes, is a friend of mine caught up with us recently to talk about her life, her career and upcoming projects. Condon remains a fresh and vibrant star in Hollywood and is always looking for the positive way to handle life and work. Condon is involved with a supremely entertaining new project called “Three Times A Lady.”

I warned the actress that I’d be turning on the tape recorder and she smiled and handled each question with laughter and a great attitude. She shows what an actress over 50 can accomplish if she has to.

Q-Tell me about “Three Times A Lady.”

A-“'Three Times A Lady' is a very different kind of romantic comedy. Last year I decided it was necessary to become a producer in order for me to have the kind of roles I want to play. As an actress I have to wait for roles to be offered to me. As a producer, I can select for myself what roles I want to do. I turned to a writer with whom I had partnered before on 'Just Desserts,' a short film I produced and completed in 2008. Darlene and I started with a drama/thriller, but it was slow going on that script. Then the story line for ‘Three Times A Lady’ came to me. I truly believe it was a gift from God. After that, Darlene and I were able to very quickly write the whole script and refine it. Telling the story of Rose, a mature woman who decides to open a dating service for people over 50 has been a labor of love (if you will forgive the pun!).”

Q-Why do you think women's pictures and shows are so popular today on television and in movies?

A-“Women of all ages have been a market that has been grossly underestimated. We are seeing a huge segment of the potential audience out there being recognized more and more. When you give the customer what they want, you automatically become popular. We have many fine female actresses who are more than able to carry a film, and women like to see themselves portrayed in all their diversity and complexity. Also women do have the money to go to the movies. Producers are realizing this is a largely untapped market. As popular as women's pictures and shows have been recently and even further back, they are often considered a "fluke" or abnormal. But the pattern is there for those who care to see it. Women will pay to see a movie that has a great story that focuses on characters, and touches the heart. Women want to be entertained just as much as men do. In fact, many women's pictures are also enjoyed by men. You may have to cajole them into watching, but frequently the man will be surprised and really like the movie or the show! I know that is true with my husband.”

Q-When are you planning on filming?

A-“I plan to be filming in November/December of this year. I am now seeking investors and distribution for the project.”

Q-"Mad Men"... How does it feel to be on the ground floor of such a series?

A-“It was such a wonderful experience to be a part of this show! The incredible writing, the talent connected to this series, the modern morality play that it is, all of this makes me proud to have that credit on my resume.”

Q-What have you been doing since we last caught up?

A-“My life has been very full. Career-wise, I continue to work as an actress. I have done several projects, such as a role in ‘The Bridgett Show’ with Barry Sonnenfeld directing (unfortunately that pilot didn't get picked up), I worked with Director Eric Hannah on a project called ‘Land of the Living.’ This month there was the premiere screening of ‘My Homework Ate My Dog,’ a delightful film directed by Crystal Page. I am particularly happy about this piece, as it is not only entertaining, but will also be used in schools to help young children with reading. The whole piece is in rhyme - sort of like Dr. Seuss, but a bit more involved. Two other projects, ‘Winky’ and ‘Too Short of an Answer,’ are now making the rounds on the festival circuit. And I also played Aunt Florence in the stage play, ‘Leading Ladies,’ with ‘Actors Co-op’ for a six-week run. Richard Israel directed that. Add to that the writing and development of ‘Three Times A Lady,’ and all that goes with producing a feature film, I guess you could say I've been a busy woman!”

Q-Tell me about your charity work. I bet you've been very busy lately.

A-(Sigh) “This is where you caused me to feel guilty. You also have given me a poke to get more specifically involved. My charity work has been through my church, supporting the deacon's fund that reaches out to the community in need around our campus. I also have volunteered my talents for the special Good Friday service we have every year.”

Additionally Condon said, “My mom, who is 85, has not been at all well. There have been numerous hospitalizations, surgeries, tests, etc. I must spend a great deal of time dealing with the paperwork and phone calls connected to her care. She is in an assisted living facility in Georgia, so this must all be done via long distance. We wanted to have her move here to be near us, but at the time she would have been able to withstand a cross country move, she refused to do it. Now it is not possible to move her. No airline would allow her on board, and she can't be in a car driving across country with no medical people who know her history nearby. Right now she is not in the hospital, and every day out of the hospital or doctor's office is a GOOD day! Praise God for that! So my charity work tends to be of a more personal, daily contact kind of thing. It's one on one helping people by listening to their cares and problems, giving council as God guides, and certainly praying for them. I have also mentored some people who were new to the entertainment world.”

Further pushed on charity, Condon finally stated, “That sounds pretty pathetic, but it's what I've done. Now that you have called this lack of service to my attention, I will find something I can do. Thank you for unintentionally pointing this out to me.”

Q-How is your family?

A-“Since I've already talked about my mom. I’ll tell you about my other family. My son, daughter in law, and grandson are moving to Tennessee this summer. John has accepted a teaching position there working with the deaf and hard of hearing. He will be at a high school and have 20 students. He will have his PHD this year. Lynn will be seeking a teaching position there as well. She works with children who have learning challenges. She will have her Master's this year. My grandson, a senior in high school this year, continues to do extremely well academically. It is scary to think how fast the time has passed. He's driving now, working part time, and has a special young lady in his life.

My husband, Paul, has finally been transferred back to California with NASA. After four years we are now back on the same coast, in the same state, county, city and HOUSE!!!!! YEA!!!! No more bi-coastal living. He will be going on tour to Argentina with our Cathedral Choir in August. That is something special and he is looking forward to it.”

Q-Where do you want to be professionally in five years?

A-“I want to have at least two successful feature films out there—ideally these would be films I produce in which I play a major role—I want to be a regular on a TV series and I want to have people asking for me to be in their projects because they know I am extremely talented, creative, reliable and easy to have on set. I want to be known as the woman who does exceptionally fine work in projects that have positive messages and leaves the audience with hope.”

Barbara Kerr Condon is already that woman. Someone had better send her the memo and tell her just that.  barbarakerrcondon.com.