• Emmy-Online.org | Your ultimate source for actress Emmy Rossum

EXCLUSIVE Q&A FOR EMMY ONLINE IN OCTOBER 2007

Dear Nhu: I want to thank you and everyone on Emmy-Online for the unbelievable number of questions and comments. I have been so busy this week (traveling cross country three times already) with the album release, performances and film “preparation” that I am just not able to answer all the questions at this time. Everyone is important and should be addressed personally but there is just me answering these questions and as opposed to some public figures who have a large staff, I do this myself. I have selected a few more questions to answer kinda “randomly,” rather than in any order, some light and fun and some a little more serious. My heartfelt thanks to you and everyone on Emmy-Online. xx…Em

1. With the release of your album, you've talked a lot about 'being yourself.' How about an inspirational statement to your younger female fanbase about dealing with insecurities and embracing who you are?
“Inside Out” has kind of become my motto.. as I made this record, I started to understand more about myself, I realized how scary it is to show someone who you really are, with all your history and your scars, to really stand in your own skin and be proud of yourself. There is so much prejudice in the world, whether it’s race, religion or body image, it’s difficult to feel comfortable with yourself. But I think being “Inside Out” is a risk worth taking to find love and truly love yourself. I’m still working on it.

2. How long did it take to do the “Slow Me Down Video”?
Well the actual filming only took a day but the concept went through a lot of revisions for over two months and it took time to pick a director and organize a crew and get permits to shut down Santa Monica Blvd in the middle of a Friday!

3. With GMA coming up, have you decided on what songs you are going to sing?
Yes, I’ll be singing Slow Me Down but I will be singing with a grand piano and it will just be me and the piano 100% live.

4. You said recently in an interview that you are going to be in 4 new films. Do you think you could divulge any information about those films? And also what made you want to do a cover of 'Rainy Days and Mondays'? Thanks! Also, I've read that you like to drink coffee. I'm a barista at Starbucks and I'm always curious to see what celebrities favorite coffee beverages are; so, Emmy, what is your favorite coffee drink?
Okay, well at Starbucks, I usually get an Iced Passion Tea (unsweetened) or a Grande Skim Cappuccino if I’m sleepy in the morning. But I try not to drink too much coffee and I usually order the tea. I decided to do the cover of “Rainy Days and Mondays” because I love Karen Carpenter’s voice and I’ve always loved that song and wanted to include it on the record. The films I am signed onto are in preparation and preproduction and I hope to start one or two very soon. One film is a comedy, one is a character drama and two are "indies." It is hard scheduling the film work when I have such a commitment to my music.

5. What was it like filming the Audrey Hepburn Story?
It was a great opportunity as a young actress and a chance to educate myself as well about the historial period. I read several books about her teenage life and about Europe during the occupation and I think both helped me in playing the part. My studies of language and sound at the Opera made it easier for me to assume somewhat of a Dutch accent for the part and of course there was a dialect coach to help me. Audrey was more than a great and charming actress and style icon, she was a woman devoted to helping the world's children through UNICEF and I think that was as important to her as any film she made.

6. Will you ever consider doing another movie musical? Would you ever go see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway?
Yes, I’d love to do another movie musical. While I’m on that topic I should clear up the rumor that I was up for the role in any of the current musicals. I was not. I didn’t want to do another movie musical right after Phantom, where I felt I was blessed with one of the greatest female musical theater roles in history!!! I’d love to see Phantom on Broadway but I havent yet! I’ll get around to it at some point when everything calms down, whenever that may be.

7. Do you think you will be touring the state of Texas on your upcoming INSIDE OUT tour?
I hope to tour all across the US in major cities next year! And, despite the difference in genres to you, what do you think of the original Guns N' Roses lyrics and vocals. I love G&R and in fact, I lived in an apartment that Axl Rose lived in right before me when I first came to LA for a few months when I was 15! I had Axl’s bathtub!!

8. Now that you're 21 and 'more of' an adult, what kinds of differences do you foresee in your career? What are your thoughts of 'making it' as an adult actor rather than a child/teen star?
I have always just followed my instincts in choosing projects and I suppose I will continue that. I never considered myself a "child actor" and except for a Disney movie I did when I was twelve or thirteen I was never cast in movies "for kids" but mostly as the young person in adult movies.

9. On some of your preview tracks, especially on "Anymore" I've noticed an unfamiliar yet significant (and seemingly intentional) pop/crack in your voice. What exactly is that and why do you use that technique?
Hmmm.. I’m not sure exactly what you mean… It could be my voice breaking because of emotion, as recording “Anymore” was an emotional process… or it could be the “flip” Dolly Parton taught me, but I think that comes out more on “The Great Divide”.

10. How did you feel about performing at the Perez Hilton Presents Concert?
I was very excited that Perez liked the music and asked me to be part of his first show! It was so exciting getting to sing my songs live and get to share my lyrics with people in that way. There’s no more fulfilling experience than live shows and this was really special for me. It was the first time performing with my band so I was a little nervous, but the second the curtains opened I was just so happy to be up there! When I started singing Stay, there were people in the front row singing along with me who knew the words. It was one of the most wonderful feelings ever.

11. I am curious, I notice a lot that when people write to you, or in this case ask you questions, they always add in something like this, "You are my role mode-I think your amazing-you have a beautiful voice-you made me want to sing-etc." Do you ever get tired of hearing the same thing over and over again?
It’s very flattering and I’m happy to take the responsibility that that entails. I just try to be myself. I dont live my life intentionally as a role model, I just live my life trying to be a good friend and person and following my heart.

12. Do you think you will go back to school anytime soon? And if you do, what would be your major?
I’d love to! Probably not very soon in the future as I’m so busy right now with work but I would love to go back to school. I love learning and reading and I’d love to go back now and major in English literature.

13. How do you avoid becoming another star caught up in the media tabloids? You previously mentioned that you keep your personal life, well, personal, but how? It seems that you have got a good head on your shoulders, and I would hate to see you become another Lindsay-Britney! In the future, I hope to see other stars following your good example!
I suppose I am too busy with my work to spend much time at the locations where the papparazzi usually hang out and i dont frequent "the clubs" very often. Its easy to avoid if you want to. I like to have dinner at small neighborhood places in Los Angeles or NY or have friends over for dinner, movies and "pool."

14. I am going to go to a wedding this December, and I want to look ... better. Can you tell me what kind of exercises you do and how many of them you do? I would SO much appreciate it if you helped me with this.
Gosh.. I think just eat healthy and exercise a few times a week consistently. There are no specific exercises necessarily, you should choose what you like to do. I don’t really like to “work out.” I prefer to swim or dance or do a kickboxing class with my friends -- anything that gets me active and doesn’t feel like work. Some of my friends find it easier to exercise when they come along with me so if you need that you should find a friend to exercise with. But whatever choices you make for exercise, you should do it several times a week. I think walking or hiking is very good for overall health and looking good. Get lots of sleep, And never deprive yourself or starve yourself! Never go to bed hungry! I think the prettiest and sexiest thing is being healthy and happy and confident with your own body.

15. Emmy, I am interested in becoming an actress (believe me, I'm not in it for the fame and fortune) Its the one thing that I'm very passionate about, do you have any advice you could give me?
Just do as much local theater and school stuff (if you are still in school) as you can. Any experience is good experience!

16. Do you like rock music? Ooh, also, have you seen Napoleon Dynamite?
Yes! I love all kinds of music including rock like The Red Hot Chili Peppers! Yes, I think John Heder is very funny!

17. Looking through photos of you, your fashion is awesome! Where do you get all your clothes? :) I would be forever greatful if you could tell me how you styled your hair here: http://emmyrossumfan.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=290&pos=5
On dry hair, I used a curling iron to define my natural curls. Then I just piled all the curls on top of the head (except the front and the crown) and secured the curls with pins. I then took the front curls and pinned each curl in place one by one around my face. It’s actually a very easy hair-do to do when you get the hang of it.

18. What's your favorite movie?
I've always liked L.A. Confidential.

19. What do you do with all of the dresses you wear to events? Do you hang on them, send them back to the designer, auction them?
Most are returned, the ones which were made for me personally I keep for later use or give to charity auction.

20. I cannot wait for your album...Thank you for taking the time to do this again. I really related to your documentary with the situation with your dad, because I'm in a somewhat similar situation and the way you handle yourself with so much class and grace inspires me to get through it. My question is would you ever consider writing an advice book or a style book? I know your album is a beautiful expression of who YOU are as a person , but I just think it would be a really cool thing! Thank you for your time! Best of luck with everything!
Have not considered writing a style book because I am so busy with things that are more important to me at the moment, film, music and my work with YouthAids.

21. A number of people wrote you poems or sent poetic images to you. Could you tell us some of your favs among those? Some poems,words,images that especially touched you, or you found really pretty.
I wouldn't want to single out any that were favorites because each one was special to me and touched me very much. I have that book on my coffee table in Los Angeles and lots of people comment about it , look through it and admire it.

22. What are some genres of film that you are looking to do in the future?
Comedy.

23. Hi Emmy!! I'm the one who made the cover art for your birthday scrapbook!! I just about cried when I saw that picture with you holding it in your bubble swing!! And you could see the artwork I made. That really made my day...and I'm married with a child!! I just love you!! OH!!...And PLEASE schedule a performance in Jacksonville, Florida on your tour for your album!!! PLEASE! I desperately want to see you in concert!!
I love Jacksonville and I love Amelia Island. When I was little I went with my mother to Amelia Island for several vacations and it was the best. The beach is beautiful and full of sharks teeth and turtles and lovely people. I remember seeing Les and Bonnie DeMerle perform at the Four Seasons Lounge and thought that being a singer was the most glamorous thing in the world. I'd love to come to Jacksonville to perform and hope to be able to meet you there!

24. Do you think you are going to be doing any movies soon after you CD comes out?
I will be starting a film as soon as I can considering my desire to perform and promote the record.

25. I once read that you don't have a stylist, which is quite hard to believe since you always have the best style (both hair and clothes) I've ever seen.Is that true? If it is, where did you learn all the make-up and styling tips?
I learned primarily by watching the makeup and hair stylists on the movie sets work on me and on the other actresses in the movies. I read lots of fashion magazines as a child and even considered growing up to be a fashion designer. I went to school off Madison Avenue in NYC so I could look in the windows walking home and even go in the shops and see the great designs as they came out.

27. I think you'll be great in a British period film, such as Pride & Prejudice. Have you ever considered doing those kind of film?
I would love to and I would also like to make period films about great women in American history.

28. Have you ever experienced a big grief? And if so what did you do to make it through that grief?
I did experience a big grief just before the beginning of filming of "Phantom of the Opera." I think I channelled some of that into Christine's loss of her father and her need to believe in spirits. The person I lost of course I never really lost because that person will always be with me in my heart and in my memory.

29. I'm guessing(of course) you've taken singing lessons by voice coaches and so on. Do you think you yourself could teach someday in the future?
I dont think I have the musical training to teach anyone anytime soon. I'm still learning and training myself! I loved reading Rene Fleming's autobiography however and think there is alot of interesting information in that for singers.

30.What would you say is the best advise you've ever gotten from your family, friends, etc?
Stay focused and have fun.

31. How do you like having two new little dogs?
Awesome.

32. Did you mom see your birthday fan book? What did she think? Did she have favorites?
Mom is in New York and the book is in Los Angeles but she saw the picture of me holding the book and thought it was adorable and something to be treasured.

33. Do true stories for a movie or stage intrigue you? Would you like to play some well known historic person?
Yes, I have a few in mind and hope to develop my own projects and scripts in the future.

34. Although all are beautiful, which of your photoshoots has been your favorite?
I couldn't answer one as my favorite.

35. Hi Emmy, it's Emily and I wanted to say that you are so pretty in your music video. I absolutely LOVED your yellow dress! It reminds me of Princess Belle, who is my favorite Disney Princess. So, my question is, did/ do you have a favorite Disney Princess?
I loved The Little Mermaid.

36. What was your most memorable moment in your childhood?
Being in Alaska with mom at age seven was certainly one of the most memorable.

37. Would you ever consider coming to Albuquerque New Mexico for your concert? I would really, really appreciate it if you would.
I Would love to come to New Mexico. Great idea!

38. What are your favorite things to do in a day that you have no celeb. thing to do?
Stay in bed, read a book, do the puzzle, cook, play with the dogs, go for a hike, watch a movie, listen to music, paint pottery, play pool.

39. Is there a reason that you usually wear dresses or skirts? I just wanted to say that you look GREAT in something casual like a top and jeans. Just to let you know.
I do wear jeans. Wore them when MTV Cribs came to the house last Friday. The show should be broadcast sometime in November. It was great fun, they looked in my fridge and my closet and my bathroom and everywhere!

40. If you had three wishes what would they be?
Three Wishes: Peace, Freedom, Happiness.
41. My question might be a little difficult but do you think 'Young Hollywood' or Hollywood in general has a fear of being expected to have a scandal that comes out a long with a new film and that if they don't Hollywood will erase their name? I'm on way to becoming a working actress but I just turned 16 and to be honest I'm frightened.
No scandal is expected or desired and any scandal is unwelcome to a studio that has invested a great deal of time and money in producing a movie. It is the movie that should be the center of the public's attention and interest and not any scandal created by actors. No need to be frightened. Professionalism is still respected and expected.

42. Can you ask her what daily makeup products she uses?
Skin and makeup products, I use mainly Mario Badescu, Dior, Kiehls , Chanel, Mac and any product that works well for me. For hair I use Phillip Kingsley shampoos.

43. You always look so wonderful at events and movie premieres. Your red carpet style is so chic and sophisticated. So my question is, Where do you get your fashion inspiration, who are some of your favorite designers, and what other celebrites' styles do you try to emulate?
I stay true to what looks good on me. I usually opt for solid colors and a pretty structure rather than too much pattern or fuss as I think it takes away from the person and becomes all about the outfit. You should wear the dress, it shouldnt wear you. Find your best features and try to stick with styles that expose and flatter those features. I get my fashion inspiration from reading the fashion magazines and from shopping and looking at the different styles that are out there. I think my fashion sense also is very modern, inspired by modern art (usually "Less in More"). I like Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Badgely Mischka, and Versace. I like Catherine Malandrino and Zac Posen. I could go on and on. There are lots of great designers and you just have to find the dresses or outfits that suit and flatter your body style and coloring.

44. Both of your new dogs look very cute. I also love the names. My question is what does Chrissy think of the new additions to the family? Does she like them or loathe them?
She isn't crazy about them but is coming around. She's twelve years old and a female and the boys are 12 weeks old and rambunctious and they like to chase her around the house as if she were their mother or another puppy. She started loathing them, then tolerating them and now her motherly instincts seem to be kicking in. Cinnamon loves her especially.

45. Do you own a telescope that you use for stargazing?
No. but I would love to get one. great idea for Los Angeles!!

46. Have you taken any astronomy courses?
No. there are Saturday courses at UCLA that I want to take but haven't had a chance.

47. Would you like to portray a scientist in a movie?
Sure. Loved Jodie Foster in that movie and most movies. She's awesome. For that last question I had something like the Jodie Foster character in Contact in mind - I really liked that movie because of its positive depiction of science and scientists.

Part 2

48. Emmy, I think you would be great in a heavy duty film with some intense issues: gay life, infidelity, illness, euthanasia, war, and etc. Would you do this type film -which perhaps would be even more creative in indie style?
I would be happy to do a movie on any “issue” if it was one which I felt would create a healthy and progressive dialogue about the issue. Large or small films can foster this dialogue. “Flags of Our Fathers” and “Brokeback Mountain” come immediately to mind. Most movies that are made at this time are box office driven and are meant to entertain but I think some of the best movies also create dialogue about social and political issues. I’m proud of “The Day After Tomorrow” because it was certainly an entertainment flick but helped encourage the debate about global warming. At the same time, I think small issue films can be just as engrossing. Think “Capote” (a great film) and capital punishment. I personally am opposed to capital punishment and have been since I was very little and that is a sentiment I developed totally on my own.

49. I just wanted to wish you luck on your new cd and to say your performance in phantom of the opera was amazing!! My question is how old were you when you had your first kiss?
The first boy I kissed was Trevor Morgan on the set of “Genius” and we were suspended by wires in front of a “green screen” with about 30 technicians and camera crew working around us. It was on the last day of filming and we were both nervous as it was the first kiss for both of us!

50. How do you react to websites and blogs like ES which devote themselves to denigrating you personally and your work?
I have never seen those blogs or read them although someone once told me they exist. I don’t think it’s worthwhile to fixate on the negative when one is trying to build a happy and constructive life. I have hardly enough time in the day and days in the year to make music, work on films, see my friends and family and contribute whatever I can to the charities and organizations where I can make a little difference in the world.

51. How do you react to people on websites judging your personal and professional relationships with other people?
I never understood how people could “judge” someone they don’t know and especially based on supposition, rumor or information they get in the tabloids. The majority of stuff you read in the tabloids is “crafted” to sell magazines and basically untrue. The statements on websites about celebrities are opinions or suppositions or deliberate fabrications designed to increase readership and therefore revenue. Even reputable newspapers or magazines will sometimes reword or rewrite or misquote a celebrity for “greater effect.” For the record, I do want to say, I never called myself the “anti-slut” or “anti-Britney” because that is just not part of my vocabulary and I would never put anyone else down to boost myself up. Only my family and close circle of friends really know who I am and what my personal relationships are. I value their opinions because they are based on the truth and their intentions are based on love.

52. How do you feel about the fascination with what you wear, what you look like and your weight?
A lot of people are interested in fashion both as an adornment and as an art form and that’s OK. I think weight is irrelevant to a large degree as long as one is healthy. I would rather people be more interested in my work than in what I wear but I can understand the fascination with clothing and makeup and hair, it’s fun.

53. How do you feel about people saying your photos in the CD and on the video were too "naked" and you were influenced to produce that kind of look by people around you.
The songs are naked, not the photos. If you really look at the photos they are just unclothed. I wanted to focus attention on the music and lyrics and still create an interesting image to draw people to the album. The album is called “Inside Out.” It’s about my presenting myself as unadorned as possible on an emotional level and the photos are a metaphor for that. Why put more photos with beautiful dresses and outfits on the cover and inside booklet when people see me that way everyday and that part of me is not what the lyrics are about?

54. Why did you do the photos and CD design you did?  Some people didnt like the video and thought it wasn't good enough and out of character for you. Why did you make it the way you did and how do you react to that?
Yesterday the video passed the million view mark on YouTube alone and that after only just four weeks. It is currently the 19th most discussed music video on the YouTube/UMG channel of all time and is currently the 81st MOST viewed music video on the YouTube/UMG channel of all time! That is what a video is supposed to do, bring people to the music and a discussion of your music and it has succeeded beyond my expectations. The representation of me in the video is not “out of character” because it does represent a more grown up me. I cannot stay “Christine” forever nor can I stay a teenager. I want to express who I am as a young woman and artist in my music or film work. The song is a call for love and somewhat sensual but neither the song nor the video objectify women in any way. I think it is feminine, open, fun, sensual and thoughtful. I think the video and song express a lot about how real young women feel in their lives. Within the budget and time constraints that are imposed on a “first album first single video,” I am proud of what was produced. The label approved the “treatment” and final version of the video, but no one at the label set the tone or direction of the video except for me.

55. Why didn't you make a CD that was closer to the voice you had in Phantom?
While playing Christine was an amazing opportunity, it was a “role” like others I have played. I loved singing the songs under Sir Andrew’s direction but I prefer to experiment in my own style and create my own lyrics and sound. It would have been easy to tap into the “market” that Phantom created and it would have been far less risky to do a Pop-opera album immediately thereafter than to wait and find my own way and voice. I also sang Appalachian ballads in “SongCatcher” and recorded with Dolly Parton and loved that music but I didn’t make a ballad album nor a country album at that time although I actually had the opportunity to do so. Some fans may be disappointed that I don’t sound like Christine but this is the album I wanted to make at this time and I am immensely proud and excited about it.

56. You never went to acting school, did you? Do you get acting lessons as well as voice lessons?
When I was very young and starting (about age 11-13) I took acting lessons with a wonderful teacher in New York whose name is Flo Salant Greenberg who runs the Actors Workshop. She taught me a basic “method acting” for children and young adults whereby I could access my own memories and feelings and use those to enrich scenes. I have also taken lessons from dialect coaches specifically the great Charlotte Fleck. This dialect training built upon the training I received at the Met which makes it somewhat easy for me to pick up the intonation and accent of other languages for specific roles -- in “Audrey Hepburn” (English-Dutch) “SongCatcher” (Appalachian), “Phantom” (mid Atlantic) and “Happy Now” (Welsh). I love to do this.

57. How did you protect your vocals when making this album?
I just try to “warm up” every day or every other day for at least 2o minutes to a half hour and I sometimes take a vocal lesson in Los Angeles or New York. I don’t smoke at all or drink (except on special occasions and lightly).

58. When you're so stressed out and down, what do you do to relieve it?
Usually this happens to me when I am overscheduled and travelling too much, working too hard and have too much on my “plate.” That’s kinda what “Slow Me Down” is about. In cases like that I either go to the gym, get something to eat, call my friends and family and cry it out, or just get some sleep. Most of the time you just need to slow down and take care of yourself!

59. The sheet scenes have come up again and again. How did you feel doing that scene. In shoots, one has to be naked with nothing but a long shirt on usually and then drop it for those present. Were you ready to offer a very sensual scene for fans in the first CD?
“Nobody” was “naked” in those scenes at any time!

60. When you were a teenager (I'm 14) did you have that "teen angst" thing and get all moody or did you not really go through that phase?Sorry if thats too personal;I appreciate you answering all our questions, makes us feel a little bit closer to you.
I did and I think its pretty common and certainly normal. I found it diminished as I “grew up” and become more self reliant, confident and independent. Keeping busy, working toward a goal, and helping others who need you is a great remedy for that. Working for a cause that is greater than yourself puts things in perspective. Don’t worry, those moody teen angst feelings lessen as you go through your teen years but if you find that its something that you can’t control or is interfering with your relationships or studies then you should speak to your doctor about it for sure. There are lots of things your personal doctor can help with and you should establish a strong and trusting relationship with your doctor even at 14.

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EXCLUSIVE Q&A FOR EMMY ONLINE IN OCTOBER 2007