thanks to Chaz for submitting the interview

November 20, 2000

Click to see streaming video of Jessica talking about James "Jim" Cameron

ET: Your show has become quite a hit very quickly, like within three or four episodes which is extremely rare. How do you feel about being on one of the few shows that is doing really well?

JESSICA: It's great. That's why we're doing it. You know, we're all working really hard, the crew up here in Vancouver. Everyone has his heart into it and it's just nice to see that your work pays off. The best sort of reward for all this hard work is the fact that people are watching.

ET: But in between all the work, you're doing sexy photo spreads. You're a busy girl. Is it a bit daunting?

JESSICA: I don't really look at it. I don't pay attention to it, really … I'm just working and I don't think about that kind of stuff.

ET: If that wasn't enough, the gossip columnists are talking about you now.

JESSICA: That happens. People like to make stuff up.

ET: Is it all made up?

JESSICA: You know -- there is lots and lots. Journalists like to ask you questions and then they like to take a bit of your answer and apply it to their agenda -- what their article is about. So, whatever they take from that, they take from that. I can only honestly do my work and answer the questions as best as possible.

ET: Would you have time for a romance? I mean, you're a young woman.

JESSICA: I work really hard, and I barely get to talk to my family on the phone. That's all I have time for really.

ET: Can you tell us about reports that you and MICHAEL WEATHERLY are getting to know each other a little more ….?

JESSICA: We work together everyday so all of our scenes are with each other. The same as my scenes with Original Cindy (VALARIE RAE MILLER) and Sketchy (RICHARD GUNN) and we all watch each other everyday. We're all like family.

ET: So you deny that the two of you are dating?

JESSICA: I am pleading the fifth.

ET: Do you think it's gonna be hard to keep your private life private?

JESSICA: The media knows what you tell it and if you think that your private life is entertainment, then it will be entertainment and it will be in all the magazines. If you don't think your private life is entertainment then it won't be. My private life is secret and it's wonderful and I respect it, and it's not for anybody's entertainment.

ET: You say you've been acting for seven years, but six months ago nobody was asking you who you were dating.

JESSICA: I just think it's all a bit silly, honestly. I think it's really silly and artificial and we're doing a really silly, artificial job here -- entertainment. It's all really crazy and wacky. Half the time you see me flying through the air on this. I'm playing this action hero. It's all silly and crazy, so I just take it for what it is.

ET: People are so interested in your private life they're going to want you and Michael to be together -- fans will want the characters to get together. Do you think Max and Logan have that kind of chemistry?

JESSICA: I think there is definitely a "Moonlighting" kind of chemistry going on. They can't help but be attracted to each other and so the writers like to play with all that stuff. Just like Original Cindy and me. We have a lot of fun together.

ET: Do you think it's better to not play out the relationship between Max and Logan, but just hint at it?

JESSICA: I think it's just really interesting when there's the whole tragic romance story where you can never really be together. I think that's what people want to watch because everyone goes through that stuff.

ET: Do you have time for a private life?

JESSICA: I have an 80-hour work week so, what do you want to do in that week? I work and I sleep. I'm lucky if I go see a movie. But it's good, what I do everyday is I play. I literally play and it's good.

ET: You will admit, you are good friends with Mike?

JESSICA: I'm good friends and I love everyone on the show. We have no one else here but each other because we all come from L.A. or New York, so we all stick together.

ET: When do you meet anyone?

JESSICA: My dad was a tennis trainer and my mom was going to UCLA and they met in an elevator. So, you can meet someone anywhere.

ET: One day, would you like to settle down and have kids?

JESSICA: I really want to wait until I'm in my late 20s to have kids. I want to be able to fulfill myself creatively, but if something happens along the way, then that's what's in my plan, that's what I want to do. I want to really focus on producing after I finish "Dark Angel," and never feel like I cheated myself by denying what I want to do.

ET: You're a terrific role model because of your multiethnic heritage.

JESSICA: Thank you to my parents.

ET: Is it important to you? You're a role model for young women who aren't blonde-haired and blue-eyed.

JESSICA: It's great to know that I'm honestly representing America in a real way. There's no real generalization and stereotype that the media or entertainment even put on being American. You know, blonde hair, blue eyes -- whatever -- that's not American. America is all mixed up. I guess I just feel that I'm a product of good American blood.

ET: Max is a fantastic character.

JESSICA: Yeah, she rocks. She doesn't apologize for herself. She is confident, cocky, funny, very guarded. She doesn't allow herself to get too close to people because she doesn't want to get hurt, and I think that's her biggest fault but her biggest asset at the same time, because it keeps her smart and protected and she doesn't give herself over too easily. Most people in this world that have been through stuff, they don't. They're not all wishy-washy and mushy and fall in love. They hold back and they live their life and questions their situation.

ET: Can you relate to her?

JESSICA: I'm very stubborn like Max and I don't give my heart away to anyone. Even to people as friends, so, a little bit.