Ever since Kirsten Dunst wowed audiences with her stand-out performance as the feral girl-vamp in Interview with the Vampire, she's been going strong. She took off her fangs for follow-ups in Little Women and Jumanji, and just hit the small screen with the docudrama miniseries Ruby Ridge: An American Tragedy, starring Randy Quaid and Laura Dern. Read on, and discover what it's like to act opposite Robin Williams, party with Anne Rice, and kiss Brad Pitt--all before reaching puberty.

This interview was culled from a Prodigy/Spotlight chat.

Hi Kirsten, I saw you on MTV today.

My friend and I were watching that today [too]. We shot that a couple of days ago in New York.

Heard it was your birthday recently! Happy Birthday. What gifts did you get and how old are you?

Thanks! 14, and I got a lot of money!

So, tell us about the new mini-series.

It's called Ruby Ridge: An American Tragedy. It's about this family who goes to live up on a ridge to isolate themselves from the world, and wait till the coming of the end of the world... I play Sarah Weaver in the movie.

How was working with Randy Quaid on Ruby Ridge?

Actually, he's very shy. But he was really nice to me.

Was it fun making the movie?

It was a lot of fun making Ruby Ridge, but it was tiring because we had to drive an hour-and-a-half up a mountain, every single day, for six weeks!

How do you feel about breaking into showbiz at such a young age?

Well, this is what I want to do, and I think I'm lucky to know what I want to do at such a young age.

Any advice for aspiring young actresses?

You're going to have a lot of disappointments, so be prepared. I've been working for 11 or 12 years now, so it doesn't happen that fast. And you have to have a supportive family. I'm lucky to have one that is...I got started when I was 3-years-old, doing commercials and modeling. And then I came out to L.A. to do some TV, like Star Trek and Sisters, and then I got a part in Interview with the Vampire.

I read that you were in the movie Greedy, but I'm sorry to say I don't remember you in it.

I was in it. I played Judy Shepherd, and I was in it for like one second--getting out of a car!

What did you have to do for your audition for Interview?

I had to do this really heavy scene: when I find out that I'd stay in a child's body forever, and never be a woman. That was the scene I had to do when I auditioned.

What was it like to kiss Brad Pitt?

Well, I was only 10-years-old, so it was yucky for me when I was younger.

Did you ever meet Anne Rice? If so what was your initial reaction to her?

Yes, and I went to a party of hers. She was really nice, and a very interesting woman, very creative.

Do you watch horror movies, other than the obvious?

Sometimes at sleep-over parties. My favorite is The Shining, and I liked The Exorcist, too.

What did you like best about working with Robin Williams in Jumanji? Was he really funny in person?

He was hilarious, and he was a really sweet guy to work with.

What person would you most like to work with?

I'd like to work with Jodie Foster. I worked with Tom Hanks when I was younger, but I'd like to work with him again.

What kind of music do you like?

I like alternative music: Smashing Pumpkins, Bush, Alanis Morissette, Oasis., I like No Doubt, too.

Which role have you played in your movies that you most identified with?

The role that I probably most identified with was Amy in Little Women, because it was the closest thing to reality in my life. It was about a girl growing up, and she's into fashion--even though it takes place in the 1800s--and she has the same problems that we do today.

How was it working with Winona and Claire Danes in Little Women?

It was a total drag. They're both really horrible people--not! Winona Ryder and Claire Danes are really sweet and they were a blast to work with.

Where were you born?

I was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. I now live in California.

Do you get the money from your movies?

The money is put in a trust fund and saved for college when I'm older. I can use the money when I'm 18.

Are your parents in the entertainment business?

No, my mom doesn't work, and my father works for a medical company.

Are you feeling the pressures of being young in Hollywood?

No, I grew up very normally. I've been lucky because I've had some big breaks, and at the same time I've been able to go to school and hang out with my friends. So I don't think I'm missing out on anything.

Do you have time for school, friends, boyfriends?

Of course I do. I'm a cheerleader at school and I'm on student council, go to a regular high school, and have plenty of friends. Boyfriends? No--I can't date till I'm 15.

At school, do other kids come up to you and ask for your autograph, or is everyone pretty cool about it?

Actually, everyone is pretty cool about it, except the little kids. When Jumanji came out, they asked me for my autograph!

What are your hobbies?

Shopping! No, besides acting, I like to hang out with my friends. I don't really have a hobby except for acting. And I like to shop. Did I say that already? What girl doesn't like to shop...I always go shopping with my friends at the mall. Sometimes people recognize me, but not often. Especially when I look normal and not like a vampire!

Are you a computer person?

Not really, and I can't type worth anything. But I am on an online service, and I talk with my friends in the chat rooms. But it's better on the phone!

Do you plan on going to college or continuing your career unhalted?

I plan on going to UCLA Film School. I'd like to write and direct, too. I'll try to continue my [acting] career, but we'll have to see. I haven't even started high school yet, so I haven't had time to think about that.

I understand that you used to model before getting your big break. Do you see yourself ever returning to modeling?

I'm still with the Ford modeling agency. I might do endorsements for Calvin Klein jeans.

Are they making a sequel to Interview with a Vampire?