Projo Politics Blog

Santa brought Political Scene a surprise this year.

When former U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee failed in his reelection attempt, one of the casualties was his gregarious spokeswoman Debbie Rich, a former radio personality perhaps best known during the holiday season for her baking skills.

Rich traditionally toured the state this time of year bearing hundreds of batches of chocolate-chip cookies — with and without macadamian nuts — to media outlets and political observers.

While Rich no longer works in politics, she decided to continue the tradition this year.

“I make them because I thank people for being nice to me,” she told Political Scene. “Even though I haven’t worked in politics, people have been nice.”

So, if she’s not in politics, what has she been up to this past year?

Rich has turned to a life on camera.

She has worked on 12 movie sets over the past year, in parts ranging from a lingerie saleswoman to a college professor to a business traveler. She’s rubbed shoulders with Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz, and Kevin Spacey, among others.

Rich recently joined the Screen Actors Guild, a privilege that provides a daily rate of $130 to “general extras.” Flashing her guild card, Rich noted that she gets $14 extra for appearing in any scene in which there is snow or smoke or in which she might get wet. She gets $9 more if she has to change her outfit, and $7.50 if meals are served a half-hour late.

Look for Rich as a wedding guest in 27 Dresses, a film starring Katherine Heigl that comes out next month. She’s also been in College Road Trip, The Box, 21 and Pink Panther 2.

Rich’s Mazda Miata has also had a few moments in the spotlight, making appearances in the Showtime series The Brotherhood and the movie Dan in Real Life. She gets $35 for each appearance.

---