charisma

- EW Article/interview (thanks to J. Willis-Rose for the info, otherwise it wouldn't be here).

The EW article is made based on an interview with Charisma Carpenter and was published in EW.com. She speaks about the "Angel" spin-off.

She's No Angel
Charisma Carpenter prepares for her spin-off. The 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star tells EW Online what's up with her new series -- and what she'll miss about the old one

Brace yourselves, ''Buffy'' fans. You won't be seeing much more of Angel and Cordelia -- at least not on that show. Stars David Boreanaz and Charisma Carpenter are being spun off into a new series called ''Angel,'' due to premiere this fall on the WB. While fans can expect the same witty wisecracks and kick-butt action sequences, Carpenter tells EW Online that her show offers a grown-up take on the underworld that leaves Buffy's high school high jinks far behind.

''It's going to be more adult-oriented for sure,'' Carpenter says. Since the show is still being tweaked, the 28-year-old actress can't spill too many gory details, though she will say that ''Angel'' focuses on Cordelia, Angel, and a third character named Whistler. What's known for certain is that ''it takes place in Los Angeles, Angel is fighting demons, and we hook up,'' says Carpenter.

While taking the lead in the new series means Carpenter's ''responsibilities are going to increase tenfold,'' the actress is eager to assume her place as ''Angel'''s leading lady. ''With success comes pressure, and I welcome it gladly,'' she says. Carpenter's confidence comes in part from knowing that ''Buffy'' creator Joss Whedon and director-writer David Greenwalt will also be pitching in with ''Angel.'' ''I just have to worship at their feet daily,'' she gushes. ''Plus David loves writing for my character, and I think it shows. So I totally trust wherever he wants to take Cordelia.''

The former aerobics instructor and San Diego Chargers cheerleader admits there's one thing she's going to miss about her ''Buffy'' days: her cast-member buddies. ''I was very upset when I found out we would not be sharing a stage with 'Buffy,' which I thought we were going to until very recently,'' says Carpenter. So much for the saying, Friends that slay together stay together.

(I hate AOL, but this chat transcript is here for an information purpose beyond my own personal anihilation dreams...)

Q: What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
A: Considering that my character is so mean I guess I should say I have a heart and I love my dogs and I'm a nice person!

Q: I was wondering what its like to work with David & Nick. They seem to be great guys. Are they?
A: Yes they are awesome guys. David is a consummate professional. He always knows all of his lines and very professional but when it comes to not working, he's the prankster on the set! Nicky is really witty and smart and always has a wisecrack.

Q: How do you feel about the fact that Cordelia has changed from a brat to a much nicer person in the last season?
A: You think so? Much nicer? Well I don't want her to lose her edge but she is most entertaining when she is bratty! :)

Q: How do you like working with Sarah Michelle Gellar ?
A: I love working with her - she is really talented, always prepared and a total veteran! We work well together, we have great chemistry - its like our own family. We are very close!

Q: What will Jamie Kennedy be doing on the season finale, and will he be inter-acting with your character?
A: I didnt know we got him! I'm learning from the fans!

Q: Do you have any plans for anything besides Buffy coming up?
A: Not yet - I'm auditioning now for the summer but I can't really audition for a pilot because I have a TV show - so I'm concentrating on feature films!

Q: Charisma, how did you land the role as Cordelia? And what's it like working with such a great cast (Sarah, Nick, Alyson, Anthony, David, Seth, etc.)?
A: Actually, Buffy put me in second position because I already had a gig called Malibu Shores and at the urging of my agent I auditioned for Buffy and I'm so glad I did!

Q: When my cousins and I are together we play BUFFY with the show. How does it feel to have people notice and be like you?
A: Well this is the first time I've ever heard of it. This is very flattering and very sweet. Thanks so much!

Q: Hi I am one of your biggest fans! When me and my sister go to Florida to visit my cousin we always play BUFFY. When we do I play you- cause i look most like you. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working on the set of "BUFFY?"
A: Sleep in until 10! When I have free time I like to flip through magazines, play with my dogs, relax and take a breather!

Q: Hi I love your work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Do you find Cordelia to be a more challenging role than Ashley on Malibu Shores?
A: No I think its getting easier now because I've had more time to spend on Cordelia. I didn't really know Ashley's character too well.

Q: WE LOVE YOU CHARISMA!!!!! Please tell me it's not true: Youre not leaving the show are you? I heard you were getting married, and saying "ba-bye" to Buffy.
A: What??? That's a phat rumor! I'm not leaving! :)

Q: How do you keep from ravishing David Boreanaz during your scenes with him?
A: I don't work that much with David. I spend more time with him off the screen - we spend time together during the day so I'm not tempted on the set.;)

Q: What is going to happen in the future to Xander and Cordelia's relationship?
A: I don't know .... you will have to tune in and watch! :)

Q: Hi Charisma, I LOVED you in Malibu Shores!! I love you in Buffy too. My question is: Isn't CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL A HUNK OF LOVE? Me and my friends here think so. Thanks for all the laughs!!
A: Yeah! Where did you pull that from? Malibu Shores?

Q: Have any good beauty tips?
A: Pinch your cheeks - look healthy - have a little color - and dab a little lip gloss on your lips so they don't get chapped! :)

Q: I heard rumors about a spin-off show sometime in 1999---can you give any details?
A: No I havent' heard that rumor and I don't know anything about a spin off show. As far as I know I don't know if they have anything planned!

Q: Is it true that your going to be in the movie Scream3 or is it just a rumor?
A: Rumor, just a rumor.

Q: Charisma, what is your most memorable time on the Buffy the Vampire set?
A: Probably just recently because we just wrapped a few days ago and we had a huge feast and David was off at lunch time and so he came in and everyone in the production office and everyones friends and tonight is the wrap party to kick off the end of this season!

Q: How old [where you] when you started acting?
A: I have only been acting for 3 years professionally. I was going to be an English teacher and I was working in a restaurant and I was a hostess with the mostess! And someone referred me to their manager and I had a bad experience and thru that bad experience came a good experience and I picked up an acting class and started studying and I got the bug and the rest is history!

Q: Will Angel ever become good again?
A: I don't know! but you know what everyone is complaining that he went bad and they loved him good but I think he's having a good time being bad! He's got the fun role and he can show a lot of range.

Q: Hi Charisma! I really love you on Buffy! Here's my question: Do you like where Cordelia's character is going? Like how she talked back to Harmony when she made fun of Xander?
A: Hi Angel girl! Yes I like that very much! It was very fun and I think its good that she is somewhat nice but I'm looking forward to her being more bratty because I don't want her to lose her edge! She's gotta provide some conflict! Every drama needs conflict!

Q: How is it like working with Joss Whedon?
A: I love Joss - he is a mastermind and he's really fun to watch because he what he wants. A fun thing happened the other day - i was walking on the stage and there was this hooting and hollering and there was Joss on a gurney and Alyson was pushing him!

Q: Do you drive the same kind of car off the show, that you do on? It's an awesome car!
A: No - I asked for the car but they havent' given it to me yet!

Q: Charisma, do you and other girls on the show ever go out on the town together, girls night out?
A: Yes! All the time, all the time. We shop, we are planning to go to the museum not much drinking involved - I went shopping with Alyson the other day because we were planning for her birthday party...

Q: When is the season finale?
A: The date? Im not sure - April 24th I think is when the last 4 episodes start running so we will be in reruns until then...

Q: Can you tell us anything that is going to happen in the season finale?
A: Gosh! I don't want to get into trouble! But the season finale is fun, you will be shocked, lots of mayhem, cliffhangers and your heart strings will be pulled!

Host: Charisma, thank you for joining us tonight here in AOL Live and on the Entertainment Asylum!
Charisma: Thank you guys so much for having me and be sure to catch the last four episodes of Buffy beginning April 24!