TV GUIDE Online Chat
Katherine Heigl
May 12, 2000

TV Guide Online: Tonight we are chatting with Katherine Heigl from the WB series Roswell.

Heigl: Hello. Thanks for having me.

Question: Hey Kat, I love watching you and the others every week on the show.... That said, I was wondering if you've ever read any of the Melinda Metz novels that the series is based on.

Heigl: Actually, I have. When the series first started I read a few of the books and actually liked them. They can be very interesting. Melinda gets some very Carl Jung thinking into it. I haven't gotten past The Outsider or The Wild One. One of those two.

Question: Hi Katherine, I'm a big fan of you and your show, Can you tell me, are you anything like your character "Isabel"?

Heigl: Hmm. In some respects I am. I think there is no real way to divorce yourself from your character. Obviously, she has this burden she's carried around her whole existence. She's trying to be young, but also thoughtful and levelheaded. I think I can be more irresponsible than Isabel. I had to sort of grow up fast too, so I think we have that in common. We have the same hair.

Question: First of all Katherine, you are my favorite actress. I love Wish Upon A Star and I have never missed an episode of Roswell. My question is, out of all the characters you've played, which has been your favorite?

Heigl: First of all, thank you very much for your support. Probably Isabel actually, just because she is the most complex character I've played so far. It's the first opportunity I've had to spend 9 months getting to know the character. My heart is with her.

Question: Hey Katherine! Can you tell us anything about your upcoming role in 100 Girl? Do yuo know when the movie will hit theatres, and do you have any current plans for future projects?

Heigl: First of all 100 Girl, I'm not sure if or when it will be released in theatres. My part is actually sort of this tomboy girl who is into sports. It's a cameo, but I had fun with it. There are no future plans at the moment. I'm still just taking a vacation as of now.

Question: How do you feel about the tobasco campaign??

Heigl: I love the tabasco campaign. That was the coolest thing that everybody got together to show their support. We know that people are watching and we're in closer contact with them. It was very cool and I'm very grateful. The whole cast and crew are grateful, cause I think everbody made a difference.

Question: Hey Katherine! What's up? I was wondering how Howie Dorough (from the Backstreet Boys) ended up guest starring on Roswell. Was he offered the part or did he ask you guys for it?

Heigl: I actually have no idea. I remember when we first heard about it on set. We were in shock. We went to Jason Katims, the writer to get the scoop.

Question: Do you enjoy acting like you have magic powers? What's it like having to pretend that something is happening when it's not because the effects are added after?

Heigl: I actually love that Isabel has these powers, cause it makes her more interesting. As far as the special effects part of it, I don't know how to explain it, but I believe it. I've seen what is happening. The first couple of times was weird, but now I have it in my head, so to me, I do have alien powers.

Question: My question is when your not working what do you like to do for fun?

Heigl: I actually love to go back East where I'm from. My sister, nephew and dad are out there. I love to hang out at home. My mom has there amazing gardens and I love to sit on the patio and read and write. I watch a lot of movies in my free time. What else do I do? I do whatever is at hand. If I'm feeling creative I'll draw. If I'm feeling lazy, I'll write. Oh and I love to cook.

Question: What's one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?

Heigl: I actually thought of this the other day, but I'm sure it's too embarrassing to tell. I actually still have a baby blanket. I think it's a good thing cause I think it mellows me out or something. If everybody kept their baby blankets or sucked their thumb, there would be less war. That's my philosophy. To hell with Nietsche.

Question: There are many sites on the Internet dedicated to you. Any plans on creating an official site?

Heigl: Actually, I think my father and manager are in the process of putting something together. You want to have it just right and tell the people what they want to know. I think so far, the unofficial ones have been done quite well.

Question: What scene or episode of Roswell have you been particularly proud of?

Heigl: The last scene in "Toy House" where I (Isabel) cry because I can't tell my mom the truth about them. I had so much support from Jason that day. He as available and I was nervous that I would mess it up. He was 100% there and I think that's the only reason it came out the way it did.

Question: Hey Katherine! I want to know, what would be your ultimate dream role? Either one that has already been played, or just one you would really love to do. :)

Heigl: My ultimate dream role. I have probably several but I'd certainly love to play, I actually just heard that they are doing Tender Is the Night. I'd love the role of the young girl. As far as dramatically, I'd just love to play a piece where whatever I'm portraying is somebody that people can relate to or dealt with some life struggle. I would have loved to play Juliet but I think it's been done now.

Question: Do you hang out a lot with the cast?

Heigl: Yeah. Not a lot, because we all have busy lives. Especially, now that we've wrapped for the summer. Brendan and Majandra and I have hung out. We usually have a real good time, both on and off set.

Question: How is it working with Tom Hanks' son?, Does Tom ever stop by?

Heigl: Actually, Tom never stops by, but I think that's because Colin is his own person. I don't ever think of him as Tom Hanks son. I thought I would, but he is this really cool individual person. He is a great actor and I adore him.

Question: What's your favorite movie?

Heigl: I have a couple actually, Good Will Hunting is a recent one. A classic one I've seen is called Stealing Home, Steel Magnolias. Recently, The Green Mile was pretty damn good. Ordinary People I loved to.

Question: Hey Katherine! What's up? I was wondering what kind of music/artists do you like?

Heigl: I'm actually really into rock and roll. Most guys I listen to are Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen. I'm a teeny bit into Metallica. Only cause Brendan played it all the time. His trailer was next to mine. I love Dave Matthews, Sarah McLachlan.

Question: I read somewhere your interested in producing, how long do you think until you'll undertake that in the business?

Heigl: Well, it's difficult to know, but hopefully in the near future, anywhere from 2 to 5 years. I'm hoping to do that soon. Whenever I'm watching previews for movies in the theatres. These inspirational trailers make me want to make greatness. They reach people and I want to be part of developing projects not just be in them. I'd like to be in them too though.

Question: Who are the people that have influenced you the most in your life?

Heigl: Personally, my mother I think, has been a huge influence in my life. We still live together and work together, and we're good friends. She is probably my strongest influence. Professionally, I think Ed Norton, and Anthony Hopkins. They have influenced me in my craft and my passion for acting and being an actor.

Question: Hi Katherine. Let me just say that I love the show. Has it been signed for a new season yet?

Heigl: We don't know officially yet what is going on, but I'm fairly optimistic. We'll know for sure Tuesday.

Question: Are you happy with the way your character is going?

Heigl: I am now. I think intially I was a little disappointed cause Isabel was a turning into a wet blanket. Now they have delved more into what motivates Isabel and I'm pround of who she is becoming. I'm glad they're showing that.

Question: Hi! I love the show! I'm planning to begin acting any tips to where to start?

Heigl: My advice would be to sort of try to find an agent or someone to get you out there. Also try to find open calls. Cast Directors are looking for fresh new faces. I started children's modeling to commercials to film. It takes a lot of commitment and faith and belief in yourself. You can't let anybody tell you that you can't.

Question: Can you give us any hints on the season finale?

Heigl: The season finale is just really exciting. It comes to some majors conclusion about Max and Liz, Michael and Alex. We make decisions about our lives. We find out what we are doing and who we are in Roswell. It's really exciting.

TV Guide Online: Thanks Katherine! We'll be watching!

Heigl: Thank you all so much for joining me today. It's been fun and keep watching cause it's getting better and better. Thanks for all your support.