One-on-One with Kari Matchett (Dr. Mariel Underlay, "Invasion")

For months now, I have been hooked on ABC's "Invasion." Are they aliens? What is their purpose here on earth? Is Mariel really one of "them"? I had the extraordinary opportunity to chat with Kari Matchett, who portrays Dr. Mariel Underlay, who happens to be without a doubt, one of the coolest celebrities I've had the honor of interviewing. How did she become an actor? What's it like working with teen heartthrob, Shaun Cassidy and does she believe in extra-terrestrials?

Q: When did you decide to become an actor?

Kari: "I was 12 and I was obsessed with "The Outsiders" (the book). I felt every single thing that Ponyboy felt. It was so intense for me. I picked up a Teen Beat magazine and it said they were making the movie. Something inside of my head just clicked and I felt I had found a path for this receptacle where I could put all this stuff. Something just clicked. I came out of my bedroom and announced it to my family."

Q: What role have you done in which really defines you as actor?

Kari: "I love playing Mariel. I think Shawn Cassidy writes her in such a rich way. She has so much happening in her life, so many balls she's throwing in the air. I love playing her. She's the first major role that I've done for American television."

Q: Are there any similarities you find between Mariel and yourself?

Kari: "I live a much lighter life. I'm a free spirit, I don't have kids, I'm not married right now, I have a lot of freedom in my life, so we live very different lives."

Q: Do you think by the end of season one, we'll know for sure what you are?

Kari: "I don't know. I honestly think that there are so many layers that will have peeled away by the end of season one, I think there will be a lot that we'll know, that will be revealed."

Q: How is it working with Shaun Cassidy?

Kari: "Shaun is one of the most generous creators and writers I've ever worked with. He's very forthcoming about what's coming up and what to expect. He always makes phone calls to say a scene you did was great and he's very open to discussion. And he's Shaun Cassidy -- I'm sometimes in disbelief that I'm working with Shaun Cassidy. It's been a really interesting year for me. I've only been in L.A. for a year and it has been an incredible shift for me."

Q: Do you believe in extra-terrestrials?

Kari: "It's not something before the show that I really gave any thought or energy to it. Now that I'm on this show, I give a lot of thought and energy to it. To me, there's no question that there's other life forms. I think it's absurd now to actually believe that we would be the only life force."

Q: If you could have played any role in TV or movie history, what would it be?

Kari: "Sophie in 'Sophie's Choice.'"

Q: Are there any actors you draw experience from?

Kari: "I truly respect Meryl Streep -- her integrity, her state of balance, her spirit and compassion. I will always and forever love Katherine Hepburn, she's full of spark."

Q: How has "Invasion" changed your life?

Kari: "Everything about my life has changed, nothing is the same. I've had the transition of living here (she moved from Canada). Moving countries is a big change. I get recognized now. People are really lovely about it. To me it feels good because I know people are watching the show."

Q: If you hadn't gone into acting, what would have done with your life?

Kari: [laughs]"A rock star!"

Q: What's your favorite movie?

Kari: "Harold and Maude"

Q: Favorite book?

Kari: "'The Master and Margarita' by Mikail Bulgakov."

Q: Favorite Poet?

Kari: "Emily Dickinson."

Q: Favorite television shows?

Kari: "'Invasion.' My all-time favorite show was 'Gilligan's Island.' It was a crazy premise and they did really kooky things. It fired up so much of my imagination....like how did Marianne make those perfect coconut creme pies, where did she get that whipped cream from? Another all-time favorite show is 'The Muppets.' I'm a Kermit girl. It was a great show to grow up with because like 'Gilligan's Island,' the creativity was fodder for the imagination."

Q: Favorite hobbies?

Kari: "I play guitar, run and do yoga."

Q: Favorite comfort food?

Kari: "Toasted bread with peanut butter and honey."

Q: What's your ringtone?

Kari: "The chimes, those soft chimes."

Q: What's in your CD player right now?

Kari: "The Gorillas."

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans?

Kari: "Thank you for your support and for watching the show!"