Kristen's Website

About Kristen

Kristen is an actress/model who has unlimited potential and drive and the talent and intelligence to succeed. She played characters named Cordette and Gwen on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and she played roles on "Hang-time" and the UPN television series Shasta McNasty, among other things. We are fortunate that she was able to take a few moments out of her busy schedule to speak with us. Here is what she had to say.

DG: We understand that you have a strong academic background, but something made you leave the academic track and get serious about acting and modeling. Please give us more detail about your change from the academic world to acting and modeling.

KW: When I was young, one of my favorite past-times was to tape record my friends and me acting out children's books. We would create different voices for each character. That was my first experience with "acting" and I loved it. As I got older and I excelled in academics, I realized I had the potential to become a doctor. To me, that was a real profession, where acting was merely a hobby. I was in my 3rd year of college, studying bio-psychology, when I realized that just because I COULD become a doctor, didn't necessarily mean I WANTED to become a doctor. It just so happens that about that time I met a Los Angeles talent manager who nudged me to follow my hidden dream of acting.

DG: How have you trained as an actor?

KW: I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in bio-psychology from the University of California of Santa Barbara. Upon moving to LA, I attempted to study various methods of acting with some of the most prestigious teachers. I felt the acting classes took away my spontaneity instead of helping to develop my craft. Today, my roommate and I are holding "actor's evenings" at our house weekly, where fellow actors get together to run lines and do improv exercises. It's a more relaxed environment where I am able to keep practicing my craft.

DG: Have you had a lot of acting experience during your childhood and throughout college or are you a natural?

KW: Believe it or not, I was only in one play in my lifetime. It was Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I played the male character, Lysander. Professionally I have worked on TV shows such as "Hang Time," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and I played Vern Troyer's (Mini Me) love interest in a short lived comedy called "Shasta McNasty." I was recently up for the role of Susan Luci's daughter on "All My Children" but didn't end up booking the job.

DG: What are your modeling statistics? Have you had any recent modeling jobs of note?

KW: I am definitely not a runway model at 5'6" but I do a lot of fitness and swimsuit modeling. My measurements are 36C, 26, 36. My most recent print work was for a new magazine called "21 Los Angeles" and "YONKA Day Spa."

DG: What do you like so far about the acting and modeling professions? What don't you like about them?

KW: With regards to acting, I do not like how difficult it is to get your foot in the door. You can be so talented and dedicated, but if you do not know the right people, it's hard to get a fair shot. Acting is one of the only businesses where training and a degree do not really mean much. As far as modeling is concerned, it's bugs me that you have to be at least 5'9" to get the best jobs, paying the best money. The majority of the population is not 5'9".

(We at Discovergirls don't think that Kristen will have a problem getting the best jobs.)

DG: Do you have any unusual hobbies?

KW: On a recent date, I went to the firing range. Call it beginner's luck, but I hit a bull's eye on one of my first attempts. I am not a supporter of guns by any means, but in a recreational environment, it was a definite rush.

DG: What is the strangest thing that ever happened to you?

KW: I get confused for Kirsten Dunst ALL the time. It certainly doesn't help that our names are so close either. The first time it happened I didn't know what was going on. The person was soooo excited to meet me. By now I am used to it. I even got my picture in US WEEKLY with Heather Graham, Molly Shannon and Tricky, because they thought I was her!

DG: What are your aspirations, and where do you see your career going in 5 years?

KW: I own a hat company (Click on the logo below to visit Kristen's Store - iLids!) so my time will probably still be split between acting, modeling and running a business. I can't say what the future holds but I do know I will be doing something I love, surrounded by people I love.

DG: Who are your role models?

KW: I really respect strong, independent women. I think people like Oprah and Britney Spears deserve all their fame and fortune because they have worked so hard to follow their dreams.

DG: What is your exercise schedule like? Do you have a special diet plan?

KW: I work out like crazy. My health is my number one priority. I vary my routine to obtain the maximum results, but every day always includes some kind of cardio (like running, aerobics, hiking, Tae Bo), some sort of weight training (like Pilates or using free weights) sit-ups, and some sort of stretching (like Yoga). I also get regular massages. As far as eating goes, diets NEVER work. They never will. Our bodies are designed to eat a combination of proteins, fats, carbs, fruits, veggies, etc. As long as you eat a balanced diet (everything in moderation) and exercise, you should be fine. I eat what I like but I eat to live, I do not live to eat. I do not smoke and I avoid caffeine (except chocolate)!!

DG: Do you have any advice to teenagers with dreams?

KW: Listen to your heart. Be honest with yourself and others. Be a great friend to others and especially to yourself. Ask for what you want- you never know when someone will say "yes." Learn from every experience. Only you have power to control your moods and thoughts - why not make them positive?

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