An Interview with Jessica Collins (Lizzie, The Nine)

From the time she was young, Jessica knew she was meant to be an actor. After attending the world-renowned Julliard School in New York City, Jessica managed to land a spot at the prestigious British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England where she studied under some of the most famous actors in England. After guest-starring in shows such as Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Ghost Whisperer, she was offered the role of a lifetime on ABC's The Nine where she stars opposite big names in television such as Kim Raver, Tim Daly, Scott Wolf and Chi McBride. A bright woman with a promising career, I believe Jessica Collins is destined to become Hollywood's newest star.

Q: When did you realize you had a gift for acting?
Jessica: "I started appearing in plays when I was like 12 or 13 and I just knew this was what I wanted to do. I still get as nervous now as I did back then."

Q: If you hadn’t gone into acting, what do you think you’d be doing with your life?
Jessica: "I would have to do something with my hands. I love being creative."

Q: You have a big show coming up on ABC called The Nine – how did this role come about?
Jessica: "I was sent a bunch of scripts last winter and I loved Nine Lives (The Nine's original name). While I was waiting to hear about auditions, I told my agent I needed to do something so I could afford to....eat. He set me up with Law & Order. I had just come to L.A. to find an apartment and had to fly back to New York for Law & Order. As I was eating lunch with my dad before flying back, I got a call and had to head back to the studio. Once in New York, I found out I got the role. After filming Law & Order, I had to fly right back to L.A."

Q: Tell us about the basic premise of The Nine…
Jessica: "The Nine is a character drama about the lives of these nine people who are going through a 52-hour hostage situation. Each episode is about 10 minutes of time during this bank robbery. It's a great mystery."

Q: What can you tell us about your character?
Jessica: "I can't say too much really about my character. She's a social worker with a big secret, which will be revealed during the first episode. My character is going through a transition in her life from being a girl to a woman. She's a social worker, so she knows how to change her colors around different types of people."

Q: Are there any possible love interests for you on the show?
Jessica: "Yes, Scott Wolf's character is my fiancé."

Q: How do you think The Nine will change your life, especially if it becomes a big sensation?
Jessica: "I hope it allows me to improve as an actor. I have this incredible talent around me and I hope to learn from them. I hope one day to fill those shoes."

Q: Favorite hobbies?
Jessica: "I would say eating [laughs]. I love a good meal! Spending time with my family, if that's a hobby, though it's quickly becoming one."

Q: Favorite TV Shows?
Jessica: "I'm a sucker for Lost. I just started watching Entourage, which I think is great. There is such great TV happening now, it's great."

Q: Favorite Movies?
Jessica: "I love old movies....Casablanca. I'm a sucker for Westerns too, like Tombstone. I like epics like Gone with the Wind.

Q: Favorite Comfort Food?
Jessica: Mexican Food.

Q: Favorite thing to do in between takes?
Jessica: Sleep.

Q: What’s your ringtone?
Jessica: "It's just the classic telephone sound. I have three sisters who have songs (as ringtones) and I can't quite figure out how to do that yet."

Q: How do you stay in shape?
Jessica: "I exercise, hike, do yoga, bike and do the treadmill when I have time."

Q: What items must you have on you at all times?
Jessica: "My cell phone and my house keys."

Q: What would you like to say to your present and future fans?
Jessica: "Keep tuning in!"