The basics of being a celebrity:
A conversation with Krystal Corliss

Q: Being around for quite a while now, would you say things have changed in your life since you made your first steps into the celebrity area?

A: I wouldn't say that too much has changed with me. I still live in New Hampshire and travel wherever I have to go for a job, and have basically the same life at home. The only real difference is that I have a few good friends in the entertainment industry now and that helps knowing that someone else understands what's going on.

Q: Seeking for the right project can be an annoying task. What are your experiences like with people approaching you with pre-production projects of any kind?

A: I love to be one on one with someone. I do have a personal assistant who does a lot of work with me and sets up appointments and whatnot but, I like to be the one to speak with the director, writer, producer etc. Whomever it may be who comes to me with a job, I want them to come to me, not a manager or an agent unless it's totally necessary. A lot of people would be intimidated by speaking with people higher on the totem-pole, but I'm not. I don't get intimidated easily.

Q: For those reading this who have no experiences with the celebrity stage, what would you say makes a celebrity what he / she is? You met quite a number by now and still have your roots in a normal everyday life, the one you grew up in. So is there a striking difference between the archetypes celebrity and non-celebrity?

A: I believe that there are a lot of different kinds of celebrity. Some are very down to earth and don't even think of themselves as a 'celebrity'. There are others who thrive on it and take it for granted. Of course becoming a celebrity is going to change you a little bit, but that is part of the job. You have no privacy, and sometimes no life. Work is your life and I don't think that a lot of people that aren't in the industry don't really think about that aspect. If someone (non-celebrity) worked 17 hours a day everyday for 4 months straight it would tire them so much. Not to mention after filming all of the promotions they have to do and go through. Some days you don't even know what you're doing until the moment you have to do it. There are so many differences that some people don't even realize.

Q: It would be indiscrete asking for examples, but from all the people you met belonging to the entertainment industry, are there any you would say you became sort of friends with?

A: There are actually quite a few. I met Paris Hilton at her 21st Birthday party at Studio 54 in NYC about a year and a half ago. Her and I still keep in touch. Willa Ford and Britney Spears are a couple more.

Q: Ms Hilton is a good example for what you are like in the public eye when you are famous for whatsoever reason. People seem to get a hold of your very privacy whenever they can. How do you deal with something like Ms Hiltonīs private tape affair concerning your own status of a growing celebrity. Do you feel afraid of people trying to make money with your privacy? And how did you experience the whole affair?

A: To be completely honest, I didn't think it was such a huge deal as everyone made it out to be. Two years ago hardly anyone knew Paris' name and now EVERYONE knows who Paris Hilton is. Before she was just a socialite/model in NYC and now she's an up and coming actress, she's recording an album, a T.V. show, designing jewlery and bags with Nicky (Hilton) and so much more. That girl has a lot going on! I'm not really afraid of something like that happening with me. I believe that any publicity is good publicity and Paris is a good example of that. I think that going into this business you have to realize that some people aren't going to like you and some are. You can't get down on yourself about bad critisism because no matter what it will be there. People love controversy, and that's what entertainment is all about. When I found out about Paris' tape it didn't bother me at all. It made everything a little rough for her and her family for a little while and that's upsetting, but there is always another scandal right behind this one that the tabloids will be all over the next week.

Q: Is privacy something you must be willing to give up when you decide to meet the public eye?

A: Absolutely. A lot of people are going to know your name and want to know who you are, and every other little thing about you. You don't really have much of a choice whether or not you want to keep much private. It's bound to get out some how. There are many hungry people out there.

Becoming an actress:

A conversation with Krystal Corliss

Q: Letīs start by discussing your professional motivation and your view on yourself in that respect. What made you decide for becoming an actress and what makes you think youīre well suited to it?

A: From age three I have been entertaining and loving every second of it. I think acting something you're born to do, not to become. You have to have a certain drive, commitment and want to be an actor. You also have to be ready for anything at any second. Nothing can ever be too overwhelming. A lot comes with the 'actor' label and you have to be ready for it. Like I said above, it's something you're born to do, and I know that I was.

Q: Which direction(s) would you like your career to move into most (e.g. international movie star, US based theater actress, fixed tv series role player etc.) ?

A: I would love to become an international film actress. I want to be able to have people from all over the world who can relate to me, and learn from me. I also don't want to be put into a certain film genre. I want to be able to venture into so many different projects that are completely different from one another. Being known internationally I would get that opportunity.

Q: What do you like about the acting business?

A: Meeting someone new every single day. There isn't one day that you won't meet a new person. I love that, it keeps life from getting monotonous or boring.

Q: And what do you dislike about the acting business?

A: Meeting someone new every day. It's wonderful and interesting, but at the same time you never know who to trust.

Q: Which arts do you feel most attracted to apart from acting and where do you find your skills represented as well?

A: Dancing and choreography. I am so attracted to everything that goes into concerts. Not theater, but concerts. I love watching the musicians or artists work. It's so amazing. I've had the chance many times to see the behind the scenes of the Britney Spears tours and every single time I go, there is always something new happening and going on. I love that feeling and being in the midst of it.

Q: What do you want to achieve most concerning your audience? What is of decisive importance to you in that respect?

A: I would like for people to be able to relate to me more than anything. Not only in characters that I represent, but the real me. I want people to look at me and say, "she made things happen for herself, so can I". I also want to be able to help people do so. I think it's important as an entertainer to literally reach out to your audience and touch them. I hope someday I'll be able to do that for people.

Q: Concerning movies: which kinds of them do you feel most comfortable with? Which genres appeal to you above all? And do you think budgets count?

A: I don't think that it particularly matters how big the film's budget is. As long as you have it in you to be a diverse actor, you can manage most options. I really love all kinds of films. I don't have a particular genre that suits me. I really love films that make you think and keep thinking throughout the entire movie. An example would be "Vanilla Sky". I didn't love the movie, but it always kept me thinking about what would happen next and I love that.

Q: If you chose a movie or tv show you would have liked to be in, which one would it be and which part would you have taken?

A: The first movie role that I would love to had played was Mena Suvari's character (Angela) in "American Beauty". She played a very interesting person, very desired and corrupt, who always kept the audience wondering. My dream role would be to play someone like that because it's so unlike my personality.

Q: If you had the chance to realise your dream project (movie, stage play, tv show etc.), what would it be?

A: I would play a villain. I want to be able to range in characters and grow as an actor. I think it would be incredibly hard to portray a villain and get into the character, and that's why I would love to do it. I want to continue to challenge myself, and push further and further.

Q: As a last question, letīs have a look at your roots: Who would function as a role model for you and why?

A: My mother. She is the strongest woman I have ever known, and she always wants the best for me. She's always put me infront of herself, and I hope someday I can give back everything she has done for me.

[Interviews published by kind permission]