Laurie Metcalf honored by Steppenwolf Theatre

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theatre honored one of its original members: award-winning actress Laurie Metcalf.

The luncheon not only brought together nearly 300 leaders from Chicago's business and civic communities, but a star of ABC's hit series "Scandal" as well.

"Scandal's" Jeff Perry is the co-founder of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the former spouse of today's honoree. Emmy award-winning actor Laurie Metcalf was saluted Monday by the famed theatre company at their annual Women In The Arts luncheon. Metcalf is an original Steppenwolf member of 40 years and a face familiar to Chicago audiences both onstage, on screen and on TV.

"It's horrifying in a way, like Jeff said in the intro, I don't know my way out of my comfort zone," Metcalf said.

At the luncheon, Metcalf was interviewed about her long career and beginnings with her Steppenwolf acting mates while at Illinois State University.

"I was very shy and flabbergasted that I was thrown into the mix to be an original ensemble member. I think there was seven of us, and we just enjoyed the same sense of humor, frenetic energy and desire to make each other either laugh or think," Metcalf said.

"None of us at 19, 20, 21, could take our eyes off her," Perry said. "Everyone wanted to work with her."

Metcalf has been busy with her HBO series "Getting On" and network comedies, but she can't stay away from the stage for very long.

"I would say the longest I can go is three years before I am craving to do theatre again. I have been on a tear though of doing only theatre for about six years. These TV shows just fell in my lap, as of very recently 'Getting On' and 'The McCarthy's', so you can't ever say no to that," Metcalf said.

And she may be saying "yes" to a role in the upcoming Steppenwolf season.