Vanished
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Playing Judy Nash
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Bunny Whipped
DVD out on May 15th 2007
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Last Day
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Playing Abra
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Steppin Out - April 13th 2005
Interview: Rebecca Gayheart

Stunning 90s sex symbol, Rebecca Gayheart has made the move from Hollywood to the bright lights of Broadway. Playing the part of Shelby in the critically acclaimed production of "Steel Magnolias" Gayheart's talents as a seasoned actress shine as bright as the stage she performs on nightly.

Born in Hazard, Kentucky, Gayheart, 33, was raised in Pinetop, Kentucky. But the curly haired teen moved to New York at age 15 to pursue a career in modeling and acting. And the rest as they say...

While just a teen Gayheart became a cast regular on the daytime soap opera "Loving" in which she played a student obsessed with her professor. But it was her turn as the flawless Noxzema girl that merited her national recognition.

For the next few years after that, Rebecca worked steadily in television. Her credits include "Beverly Hills, 90210", the alien-esque series "Earth 2" and the NBC miniseries "Invasion".

By 1997, Rebecca began starring in big-screen movies such as "Nothing To Lose" starring Tim Robbins and the emotionally unstable Martin Lawrence, and "Scream 2" alongside Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox-Arquette and David Arquette, in which she played a sorority sister named Lois. Her part in the film was short-lived, but memorable enough to get her cast in more movies.

Not surprisingly it didn't take long before Gayheart got a starring role in the cult classic's "Urban Legend" and "Jawbreaker" with Rose McGowan and Pam Grier. Several other films would follow but success would soon be over shadowed by a terrible accident.

Tragically, in 2001 Rebecca accidentally hit and killed 9-year-old Jorge Cruz Jr. with her car. After pleading no contest to the charge of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, the devastated actress was sentenced to 3 years probation, a 1-year suspension of her driver's license and was ordered to pay a $2,800 fine and do 750 hours of community service.

I chose not to ask about the accident or it's aftermath out of respect for all concerned.

Although the accident will undoubtedly weigh heavily on Rebecca forever, the actress has found solitude in her work. Gayheart's most recent big screen film was "Pipe Dream" also starring Mary-Louise Parker and Jill Hennessy. In 2003, Rebecca returned to television in Showtime's "Dead Like Me", featuring Jasmine Guy and Mandy Patinkin.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Rebecca Gayheart about her starring Broadway role as well as her thoughts on Hollywood, marriage and Kentucky moonshine.

Chaunce Hayden: How does it feel to be starring on Broadway?

Rebecca Gayheart: I don't even have the words to describe how excited I am!

You better find the words. This is an interview!

(Laughs) I know! This sounds corny, but it really is a dream come true for me. Since I was little and wanted to be an actress, I always dreamed of being on Broadway. So this is really amazing, and the women I'm working with are just outstanding. I'll be on the stage and just start looking around at people like Marsha Mason, Delta Burke, and Frances Sternhagen and think, "Oh my God, I'm on stage with these women!"

Is that intimidating for you?

I thought it would be intimidating before we started rehearsals. But they were all so welcoming and supportive. They're just really great women. There's nothing intimidating about them. They're talented and they're the real deal, so they have no reason to be intimidating.

There seem to be two kinds of actors. The L.A. actor, who always seems to dream of getting his or her own television series or movie role, and the New York actor, who seems to feel that making it on Broadway is the height of one's career. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you studied acting in New York.

I guess studying acting in New York does sort of instill that in you. But a lot of people like myself get side tracked and we get on a television show or a movie. That's amazing as well. But coming back to New York couldn't be a better experience for me. "Steel Magnolias" is just such a beautiful play.

How would you describe "Steel Magnolias"?

I believe it's about immortality and friendships. It's about the grieving process and how friends are there to support you. Basically, all the characters are very strong women who are there for my mother once my character is gone.

You play Shelby. What can you tell me about her?

Shelby is this positive light. Because she's grown up with diabetes, she's had health problems her entire life. So she really appreciates everything. She lives life to the fullest. That's what I love about her. She's sort of like the perfect girl. It's sort of crazy! I have to try and be the perfect girl for two hours every night.

Some might call that good typecasting.

That's very sweet! But what I really love about her is that she's not sugary sweet. She's still very feisty. She has a sharp tongue and she's very real.

The play centers on the lives of six southern belles. Does being from Kentucky help you identify with your character?

When I read the play, I realized right away that I know all the women in the play. I recognized them. Each of the characters is someone in my hometown. Do you know what I mean? So I could really relate. Living in the South and growing up in the south I have that southern vibe.

What exactly is a Southern vibe?

It's this thing where Southern women are always nice, but they can get away with a lot of things. My grandmother would always say things like, "Oh, she's so fat! Bless her heart!" But it was okay! There's something about Southern charm.

Would you classify yourself as a Southern belle?

Um ... those are big shoes to fill. I would think a better description of me would be a good old country girl.

Any opening-night jitters?

Oh my God! Absolutely! There's something about opening night that is really scary! But it's also exciting. It's just an overload of adrenaline. It's one of those things where I can't wait, but at the same time I'm scared to death.

Do you have any rituals you go through before you go on stage?

I definitely do. I take my vitamins and I meditate for five minutes. I drink a glass of water. I get ready in a certain way. I time everything out. But I think all the other women in the play have their own little routines that they go through each night.

You've done television and movies as well. How does this compare?

There's a huge difference. This process is what all acting should be, in my opinion. Unfortunately, in other mediums you just don't have the time. But what is so beautiful about theatre and doing a play is that you really get to find the characters. You get to discover every little detail about them and their relationship with the other characters in the play. Because of that, the performances are so colorful. You have more time to research the characters and really know what they're thinking. No two nights are the same.

After starring on Broadway, will it be a letdown to go back to Hollywood?

(Laughs) I don't think it will be. I don't know what will compare to this experience. But there's always something exciting about every job. I gravitate toward good work. So hopefully I'll find something good on television or in films and it will be just as exciting ... hopefully.

For most of the '90s you were considered a sex symbol. Some even described you as a perfect woman.

I don't know if I agree with that!

Don't shoot the messenger.

I know what you're saying.

That said, how do you feel about moving on from that sex symbol status and passing on the torch, so to speak?

Being considered a sex symbol was a title I never worked to get. There is something different about getting a little bit older and not playing the 22-year-old girl anymore. But I'm loving it. I'm loving being a little bit older and playing characters that are a little bit deeper and mature.

But is it fair to say that you're expected to still be Rebecca Gayheart, the Hollywood hottie?

There are expectations. I think people expect me to look a certain way and to be sexy. (Laughs) Which is difficult, because I'm not always sexy!

Not according to Wayne and Garth. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they each give you two "schwing"s?

(Laughs) That was really kind of them! It's funny to think of myself as sexy, because I really just feel kind of goofy most of the time.

I'm going to put you on the spot. What do you think it is about you that makes men attracted to you?

I think what people find sexy is my confidence and knowing who I really am as a person. I think people are attracted to that. I'm a very open person and I think people like that about me as well. I accept people for who they are and I try not to be judgmental. I think that's something that people appreciate.

I'm talking physically.

Physically it's objective. Some people may like the way I look, while others may not.

As a guy, I can tell you that your thick, long curly hair is still a turn-on.

Then you know what? I have to give all the credit for my thick, long curly hair to my mom and dad because they both have really long, curly beautiful hair.

No baldness in the family?

Well, my dad is bald now. But I'm talking about pre-baldness.

Uh-oh. So if you have a little boy one day, he may be in trouble?

(Laughs) He may!

Life can be so unfair.

I know, I know.

How do you feel about reality TV, and does it take work away from legit actors?

Absolutely. You can't deny the fact that there are fewer jobs for actors on television these days.

Do you watch reality TV?

I have a love-hate relationship with reality TV. There's a part of me that just can't stand it. I think it's just ridiculous. But there's another part of me that can sit down and watch it. I just watched "Extreme Makeover" the other night. It's that show where they make over a house for a family that doesn't have any money. And I have to admit I got sucked in! I found myself watching it and getting emotional at the end! It's an evil pleasure, and I just hope it doesn't get out of hand. It's kind of gone really far and I hope it [reality TV] doesn't just turn into something that's really silly. I guess it already is.

Would you agree that many of the young stars in Hollywood today are more known for being infamous than talented?

It does seem that these days people are really interested in other people's drama. I mean, Paris Hilton is a perfect example. People are just so curious of her every move and I don't know why that is, actually.

Does that annoy you?

I'm not annoyed by it. I think it's kind of amazing. It doesn't affect me personally. I just find it interesting.

You got your start as the Noxzema girl. That said, how do you feel about plastic surgery, and is it something you would ever consider?

I think you have to ask me that question in about 15 years.

I knew you would say that!

(Laughs) Well, right now it's not an option. I just wouldn't feel comfortable with it. But in 10 or 15 years when I start to have lots of wrinkles, I don't know how I'll feel about it. Hopefully, I'll be able to grow old gracefully and not worry about my aesthetics so much. I can't answer that question! But I don't condemn people for doing it.

What about teenage girls who get botox injections?

That I don't approve of. I think it's silly for a teenage girl to get botox injections.

You just got married. How do you like it?

I love it! I love being married more than anyone. It's what I always wanted. I found the person who's perfect for me and we have a great time and a great partnership. I don't have to date anymore! I feel so fortunate and at peace that I can come home to my husband and not waste my energy on that bullshit anymore!

Does fame make it harder or easier when it comes to dating?

I think it's the same for everyone. It's just awkward. Love is love and it's crazy, good, bad, and ugly! I don't think love discriminates.

So many Hollywood marriages don't last. Not that yours won't, but why do so many fail?

I know that we're committed to working at our relationship and keeping the communication open, and not spending too much time apart. I really believe that's what hurts a lot of marriages in Hollywood. I think it's the time spent apart. All I can tell you is that I love my husband very much and he understands my work because he's in the same industry.

In recent weeks, the tabloids have focused on Brad and Jen's marriage failing. How do you feel about that type of intense media coverage?

I don't think it's very classy or very nice. But that's their business. That's what they do and we all know that. Unfortunately, we all support it when we buy those magazines. As long as people buy those magazines, they're going to keep giving the people those types of stories. Personally, I don't like it. I just don't think it's very nice.

Haven't you ever picked up a copy of a tabloid because you couldn't resist the cover?

Oh my God, absolutely! And I've done it! I'm totally guilty. It would be hard to find somebody who hasn't.

So how does a good old country girl deal with the fast-paced life of New York?

It's kind of interesting. You never lose that stuff you grow up with. They say you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl. I really believe that's true. So I get to have the best of both worlds. I get to experience New York's fast life, and then I get to go home and eat chicken and dumplings at my mom's house.

Have you found a New York restaurant that serves chicken and dumplings like your mom makes back home?

I haven't found one yet! If you know of one, please let me know.

Finally, being from Kentucky, have you ever tasted moonshine? Be honest.

(Laughs) Well, I do know that my great-grandfather used to make moonshine.

I knew it.

Yes. It's something that people in my family have had. But I don't think I've ever had it. I think I was too young when they actually had it around. I was just too young to participate in the craziness.

Scans available in the gallery