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Entertainment Tonight Online

Jackie asks: Can't wait to see 'Excess Baggage.' When does it come out?

Alicia says Friday August 29th. And you'll love it !!

Steve 14 asks: What's more difficult acting in a film or producing a film?

Alicia says Well, there is a huge difference. I'm not sure which is more difficult. I know this experience is more difficult than anything I've ever done and also more exciting because I'm responsible for the entire film, as opposed to just my character.

Matt from UK asks: What is the best part about playing the character of Emily?

Alicia says Ooh....I got to work with Mr. Del Toro, and Emily gets to kiss him and fall in love with him and stare at him all day long!

Katie asks: Benecio Del Toro is so sexy! Did you know him before the film? How did you choose him?

Alicia says Benecio is sexy and intelligent and funny. We met in a restaurant regarding this role. I knew right away that I had to work with him and that he would make Vincent an amazing character and he did.

Andrew asks: Do you have any plans to work with Benecio in the future?

Alicia says It would be an honor to work with Benecio in the future. I'd love that.

Linda asks: What about Christopher Walken? Was he nice to work with?

Alicia says He was very charming and funny. He used to eat limes and Tabasco sauce before scenes just for fun. He would also make funny noises in the middle of tape and we would have to start over again, he was lots of fun.

Tracie says Why would Christopher eat the limes and Tabasco before scenes?

Alicia says He'd do that just for fun so he could make a really funny face.

June asks: Do you still have your dog?

Alicia says Yes, I love my dog. If you could tell all your friends to spay and neuter your pet, and never go to a breeder or pet store for a pet. There are tons of dogs and animals at the pound waiting for homes. They are the best in the world and it feels really good to save an animal.

Host Tracie asks How many animals do you currently have? What are their names?

Alicia says Umm.. to protect their safety, I can't say how many, but lets just say I have many-- "Sampson," "Jeffrey" and lots more. I would love to have other animals, but just dogs. Dogs are my mission, I'd love to have all kinds of animals. Any kind of animal that I could save. I don't believe in buying them because there are so many on the streets.

Greg asks: Are you still very active with PETA?

Alicia says Yes, I will do anything to help anyone who is willing to help save an animal.

Erin asks: Getting back to 'Excess Baggage,' what was your favorite scene in the film--that you are in?

There are several of them. The first one is where Vincent is trying to get Emily back in the car. He wants to take her to a phone to make the one phone call that will get him out of trouble. I love that scene because Benecio and I re-wrote the whole scene and directed it. Its a really fun scene to do. We're both are very proud of the scene because of the work we put into it. I also loved the last scene of the movie because we improvised the entire scene on the day of shooting. I also liked the love scene.

Charlie asks: Anything you didn't expect when producing and acting in the film?

Alicia says There were loads of things that were very difficult. They were very exciting because they were challenging and I learned a lot from them.

Steve asks: Any plans to produce and star in your next film?

Alicia says We don't have any specific projects ready, but I will definitely do that in the future.... or would like to.

Arron asks: How did you get your start as an actress?

Alicia says I started studying with a woman named Judie O'Neil who you can find through the "Creative Center" in Los Angeles. Its an 818 number in L.A. that you can get through. She was my manager when I started. I was learning all sorts of things about myself and learning techniques. I studied with her. That is where I started.

Tad asks: If you were to give one piece of advice to an aspiring actor what would it be?

Alicia says Hmmmm... that's a tough question. I don't feel like I can really give advice in my position, but in my life, the most important thing is that I like to have love and self respect and friends. Although that has nothing to do much with acting, but as an actor, you have to keep studying, and if you love acting, you'll act. If you love acting, you can do it anywhere.

Utica asks: Does your character in 'Excess Baggage' parallel your relationship with your real life father in any way?

Emily is a character that I created and it is a story that I appreciate and love. Its not parallel to my life. My life is too much my private life and wouldn't be able to articulate how it is or is not. Its just a movie. Its a story that many young people can relate to because Emily is looking for an identity and love and I think we can all relate to that.

Ronald asks: I am a big fan of Harry Connick Jr. What was he like to work with? I can't wait to see you in the film. You are still my number one!

Alicia says Thank You! Harry Connick Jr. is awesome! He is a very nice, sweet, fun person. He's got his priorities straight. He loves his family. That I admire in any man. He is awesome to work with. I hit him in the head one day really hard by accident with a soap dish and he was totally okay with that.

Sandi asks: When you were filming 'Clueless' did you have any idea what is was going to do for your career?

Alicia says I had no idea. I just know I wanted to do the best I could do with the character. I had a great time. I didn't even know it would work. I just did my best. I was taking risks, Cher was not like me, so I was not sure it was going to work.

Wendy asks: Do you sometimes grow tired of all the attention?

Alicia says I often wish I was anonymous. It makes it very difficult to meet people. I love meeting people and talking to them, but I don't like talking to them about myself. I don't like being stared at. It makes it difficult.

Jeff asks: What is your next project?

Alicia says I'm not sure. My next project may be with Angelica Houston.

Sandi asks: Do you take any classes to grow as an actor?

Alicia says That is a really good question. I rely on my life and every project. I love studying acting and working on 'Excess Baggage' is the most I could have done at this point in my life. Working with Del Torro was a wonderful learning experience.

Queenie asks: What would you say is your philosophy or creed that you live by?

Alicia says Be honest with yourself and everyone around you. Be happy and when you're uncomfortable, leave.

Greg asks: What is it about Hollywood that you are most disenchanted with?

Alicia says The lack of creativity and heart.

Eian asks: If you weren't an actress what would you have been?

Alicia says Well, when I was a kid I always wanted to be a lawyer. I don't think I would be interested in that at all. But I'm fascinated with so many different peoples jobs, and if you want to be creative, you can be creative at anything you do banking a fireman, whatever you want, you can be as innovative and committed as possible. It just happens that I chose this. I may have wanted to be a school teacher or work with little kids. I think teachers are very committed.

Ben asks: Besides PETA are there other non-profit organizations that you are involved with?

Alicia says Amanda Foundation of Los Angeles and Last Chance for Animals in L.A. There are animal organizations in every single city that are wonderful. As long as they are non-profit working to save the animals, they are excellent in my book.

David asks: What was your first big purchase when you got your first fat check!

Alicia says I think I bought my mom and myself a car. Also allowed myself to eat at yummie restaurants. I felt comfortable making donations to animal foundations. Regarding the prior question, it would be a great idea if every college or school had an animal foundation and encourage others. I would have loved to have been part of an animal rights group in school.

Duane asks: Did you enjoy playing 'Batgirl'? You did such a great job!

Alicia says Thank You! That is very kind. It was fun. But I prefer making movies like 'Excess Baggage.' It is much more creative for me.

Tony asks: What is your dream role?

Alicia says I don't know yet. I think every role gives you growth. Every role is challenging and exciting. I'm not sure if there is a dream role...maybe.

Danny asks: What was it like working with George Clooney?

Alicia says George is a really nice guy. Very funny and playful. He and Chris would sing to me all the time on the set. It was great!

Tracie says Any funny incidences while filming Batman?

Alicia says Just that Chris and George would dance and sing opera songs to me.... making fun of me.

Ron asks: Was it difficult to choose a cast for 'Excess Baggage'?

Alicia says I knew I wanted Christopher Walken the minute I read the script. It is always hard to lock in on an actor because of availability. When Benecio was brought to my attention, I knew it had to be him. I would not have wanted to do the movie without him. The casting process was wonderful because I got a great cast.

Zandie asks: Was it uncomfortable to kiss Benecio for the first time?

Alicia says We actually got in a fight over the kissing scene. We didn't like doing that at all. It's really uncomfortable, not because of emotional reasons, you don't really think about the actual kiss, you're busy acting the scene. It was more like what is the right kind of kiss for the scene, we really couldn't agree on it. But it worked out beautifully and it was very delightful.

Fannie asks: Do you still keep in contact with the cast of the film?

Alicia says Yeah. I will get to see them all at the premiere of 'Excess Baggage' on August 25th.

Greg asks: Do you ever go to the theater when your film opens and watch the audience reaction?

Alicia says I did that on 'The Crush' and on 'Clueless' and definitely will do it on 'Excess Baggage.' Its really fun to see how people respond. The film is really a fun film.

Bandy asks: What age is the film for?

Alicia says It is not directed at any specific age group. It is a movie about learning a lesson we all have to learn--that you can't change anyone. You can't look outward to find love, you have to look on the inside, its the only way you'll be happy. If not you'll keep chasing your tail.

David asks: I read that you did most of the action sequences in the film yourself. Is this something you typically like to do?

Alicia says Ummm...its just part of the job. I like kicking and punching. I did some karate work for a little while. I don't practice often, but it is fun getting rough.

Eain asks: What do you like to do when your not acting?

Alicia says I like to hike with my brother and my friends and his girlfriend Alison. I also like reading.

Zandie asks: What is your favorite city in the US to visit?

Alicia says I haven't been all over the US so I don't know, but I love New York and love Lake Tahoe.

Tracie says Thank you everyone. Alicia has to go!

Alicia says Thank you very much for submitting your questions. I really hope you love 'Excess Baggage.' It opens on August 29th. I hope you see it before school starts. You'll be charmed, you'll laugh and there is great music in the movie.

August 18, 1997 From: http://et.msn.com
TM & © 1997 by Paramount Pictures.
All Rights Reserved.