Athena Massey played Meredith Nowell in the episode "Green Justice," the head of environment protection agency Green Planet.

The star of direct-to-video films such as Undercover, Not of This Earth, Virtual Combat, and Shadow of A Scream, Athena has also had small roles in the feature films The Nutty Professor with Eddie Murphy and Out For Justice with Steven Seagal, and she has guest-starred on Seinfeld, Nash Bridges, and the Sci-Fi Channel series Black Scorpion.

Athena recently gave an exclusive interview to The Comprehensive L.A. HEAT Fan Page regarding her appearance in "Green Justice," and also provided the photos and video-captures seen below.

Q: What were Wolf Larson and Steven Williams like to work with?
A: They were both very professional and charming - and extremely courteous to the guest stars.

Q: Any particular stories from the shoot that you recall? Any humorous incidents on the set?
A: Did you notice in my final scene - where I step out of a zebra striped car, that my character has a completely different hairstyle? This wasn't a fashion statement. I was supposed to have left the day before, for Yalta (Ukraine), to shoot an action thriller, Termination Man, and my hair had been re-styled for secret agent Delilah Shane.

Q: What was the on-set environment like?
A: It was a lot of fun. The director, Art Camacho, and I had worked together when he was the fight coordinator on Virtual Combat, so it was a pleasure having him direct me. The set was easy-going. Everyone was professional and seemed to get along.

Q: Do you feel a personal connection to the character of Meredith Nowell, in that you also believed in what she was trying to raise awareness for?
A: I've always been pro-environment. I identified very strongly with Meredith. I always try to be aware of saving the environment and not wasting our precious resources. And, like Meredith, I try to keep my sense of humor. I played a similar character in Black Scorpion. Dr. Gail Waters was passionate about keeping the ocean free of pollution and toxic waste. Though Waters and Nowell did have very different approaches to saving the earth (Nowell's goal wasn't to drown the entire city if they didn't do things her way).

Q: How did you get the part? Did the producers specifically inquire about you?
A: The role was offered to me. I had worked for P.M. Entertainment and the producers, Rick Pepin and Joseph Mehri, before. They were very familiar with my work. I had starred as Kessel, in a martial arts/sci-fi film, Cybertracker 2. In fact, Rick directed it. As I mentioned, Art Camacho and I had also worked together before. It was nice that I didn't have to audition for this one. I was also friends with Wolf Larson. And we played street hockey on the weekends together. But that had nothing to do with my getting the part. As a matter of fact, when Wolf saw me on the set he exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"

Q: Any moments on the shoot that you found frustrating or enjoyable?
A: Everything went very smoothly. We had a good time, but nothing out of the ordinary (which is sometimes the hallmark of a well-run show).

Q: What was a typical day working on your episode "Green Justice" like?
A: Like any set. It's hurry up and wait. Arrive early at either the set or location (around 6 AM). Have a double-tall-nonfat-no-foam-latte, spend the next hour and a half getting into hair, make-up and wardrobe. Then wait. Rehearse your first scene, shoot the scene, then wait for them to arrange the lights, camera, etc. for the next scene. Rehearse that scene, then shoot the scene . . .

Q: If L.A. Heat were to somehow be revived, would you like to return? Either as Meredith Knowle or another character?
A: Sure, I'd love to come back and to see Meredith Nowell develop more. Of course, I wouldn't mind playing a series regular either, maybe a female detective (someone has to keep the boys in line).

Q: What films (new or old) are you a big fan of?
A: Hmm, older films... Gone With the Wind, Camille Claudel, Harold and Maude, Tie Me Up, Tie me Down, The Wizard of Oz, A Night to Remember, Train Spotting, Strangers on A Train...

Q: What are some of your favorite films from the past couple years? Were there any that you would like to have been in?
A: I would love to have been in The Matrix. I really enjoyed Traffic, Chocolat and The Sixth Sense (and no, I didn't guess the ending).

Q: Have you ever auditioned for a role, didn't get it, and wished you had because the film went on to become pretty popular?
A: Is there sand in the Sahara? When they were casting Father of the Bride, I wanted to play the bride, Steve Martin's daughter, (as a kid, I always wished he was my father), but they wanted an "unknown" and I was told that I was too big a name. Then there have been many times when I was told that my name wasn't big enough! A few of the other parts I didn't get; the chance to be a Bond girl in GoldenEye because they thought I was too young. I almost had the lead in Eraser, opposite Arnold [Schwarzenegger], but the part went to Vanessa Williams (who offered a music package). The list goes on.

Q: I have to ask about The Nutty Professor. Is Eddie Murphy as wild and funny in real life as he is in his films?
A: It was an experience.

Q: Do you find a big difference between shooting film/television and shooting for video games?
A: A huge difference. In a video game, a scene might have two or three endings, depending on how the player performs. My relationship with the camera is very different because in video games, the scenes are played into the camera lens (a no-no in dramatic roles), so it appears you're relating directly to the player. Also, most of the time, there's no physical set to work in and with. Most scenes are performed against a blue or green screen and the set is digitally added later.

Q: Don Johnson obviously enjoyed working with you on Nash Bridges. You must have been excited when they asked you back for a second time. How was that experience?
A: It's always an honor to be asked back. I loved working with Don Johnson, Cheech Marin and my on-screen boyfriend, Steven Lee. Spending time in San Francisco is always a thrill (I had a great view of the coast from my hotel room). Everyone was a joy - they can ask me back anytime! In my first episode, "Power Play," there's a scene where I beat up Steven Lee. Right before the second take, Don Johnson whispered, "Really let him have it this time!" So once we started fighting, I picked up a chair and pretended to pummel him. When Steven dropped to the floor, I let loose with a few strategically placed groin-kicks. He was at my mercy - and was also a great sport. Steven played along wonderfully (and will soon have the use of his jewels back). Just kidding.

Q: Can you confirm this rumor? I read you were in the Steven Seagal film Out for Justice, but that your role was significantly reduced during the editing stage and your part was uncredited?
A: Yes, I was cast in Out for Justice. I worked for two weeks and played a mugging victim. Most of my part ended up on the cutting room floor and all that remains is a brief glimpse of me at a desk in the police station. The good part of the story is that it was the job that earned me my SAG card. So, I fondly remember Out for Justice as my start in the business.

Thanks again - this was fun.