Meital Dohan is a one-woman show being a comedian, actress, singer, and playwright. Mainly known for her recurring role in Showtime's Weeds, she has also appeared in Woke Up Dead and the thriller Monogamy, directed and co-written by Academy Award nominee Dana Adam Shapiro.
Her acting began when she was living in central Israel, becoming immersed in the world of theater. It led her to collaborate with openly gay Israeli singer Ivri Lider. She won a TV Oscar for her role in Ugliest Esti along with an Israeli Tony Award for her lead part.
Last year she released her single "Yummy" in anticipation of her album I'm In Hate With Love, produced by Rami Afuni of LMFAO. The second single features Sean Kingston and is called "On Ya"; it is already burning up the Billboard Club Chart.
Dohan heads to Roscoe's Tavern to dance with and meet her gay fans this week.
Windy City Time: Hi, Meital. Last time we chatted was before the White Party at Dinah for the weekend. How did that go?
Meital Dohan: It was amazing. That was a while ago but I still remember it. It was really fabulous. The energy was electrifying.
WCT: Is this your first time visiting Chicago?
Meital Dohan: No, I have been to Chicago once. But this is the first time I will be performing in Chicago. Are you going to come?
WCT: Yes. Roscoe's has a smaller stage, just so you are prepared. Are you bringing dancers?
Meital Dohan: Yes, two dancers.
WCT: Two will work. If it's a big entourage it might be a bit crowded.
Meital Dohan: If I make a wrong move I hope I don't fall off the stage.
WCT: I will be there to catch you.
Meital Dohan: Thanks, darling.
WCT: The place will be packed. What songs are you performing?
Meital Dohan: I will be doing my two singles that have been released so far: "Yummy" and "On Ya."
WCT: How did you wind up working with Sean Kingston?
Meital Dohan: We both work with a person called Cudda Love and he made an introduction so we thought it would be a good collaboration. We started working together and the rest is history.
WCT: The video is directed by Ray Kay, who made music videos for Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. I must mention you are channeling Gaga a bit in this video.
Meital Dohan: I think because I have blonde hair you can say that. I'm not opposed to it. They also mention Ke$ha. Now I am walking around with a Bridgitte Bardot bag so everyone asks me if it is my picture on the bag.
WCT: That is a nice compliment.
Meital Dohan: I know! When you are blonde they look and think of other people that are blonde. It is kind of funny.
WCT: Do blondes have more fun?
Meital Dohan: Depends on if you are blonde on the top part or the bottom part. I'm kidding! It is fun to be blonde but I have had black hair. On Weeds it was brunette.
WCT: What is your natural hair color?
Meital Dohan: Dark blonde.
WCT: I didn't know you could do the splits until seeing the video for "On Ya."
Meital Dohan: I did the splits and all these acrobat tricks and stunts. It was a big deal for me. It looks really simple in the video, right?
WCT: You made it look easy. That is something to say that you did your own stunts.
Meital Dohan: I came to rehearsals and we had great cheerleaders working with us. I was supposed to have an understudy but step-by-step they showed me everything that the understudy was going to do. Then I just did it myself.
WCT: R3hab did one of the remixes and I just saw him perform in Chicago recently.
Meital Dohan: Oh, you did? Awesome!
WCT: He was climbing up on his turntables spinning records.
Meital Dohan: He's great and very talented.
WCT: Tell me about this dance contest that is on your Twitter.
Meital Dohan: People can win prizes. All they have to do is make crazy creative videos. People can find out more on my Facebook.
WCT: With your travels do you go back to Israel very much?
Meital Dohan: I haven't been there in a year and a half. I can't wait to go actually.
WCT: When are you going back?
Meital Dohan: Probably in March. I am going to release the single over there, too. Have you heard that "On Ya" is number five on the UK club charts?
WCT: I just read that.
Meital Dohan: It is exciting so I am going to be traveling all over Europe.
WCT: It must be great to go home and see your following there.
Meital Dohan: Yeah, I really, really miss it.
WCT: You are mainly focusing on music or want to do more acting?
Meital Dohan: I am working on a TV series and a few movie projects.
WCT: What is your favorite memory from Weeds?
Meital Dohan: There was one scene when Justin Kirk's character had a huge strap-on and I had to come on to his character, so I think that would be the most memorable. [Laughs] I think we both went through the same culture shock!
WCT: Did you come from a conservative background?
Meital Dohan: My parents have their own borders but they are pretty open-minded. Israel is very modern but still they are extreme Orthodox, but for the most part it is pretty liberated.
WCT: I enjoyed talking to Ivri Lider about it when he was in town.
Meital Dohan: Ivri is my friend! The first time we sang on stage we did a show together.
WCT: I wish he were in town the same time; then we could all go to Roscoe's.
Meital Dohan: I know! We have to hang out after the show.
WCT: What do you like to drink?
Meital Dohan: I'm not a big drinker.
WCT: Then we will have a diet Coke.
Meital Dohan: Absolutely. I can't wait to see you and all of my gay fans!
Look for Dohan and the fans at Roscoe's Tavern, 3356 N. Halsted St., on Feb. 15. Visit www.roscoes.com for details; more on Meital is at www.meitaldohan.com .
