Equal parts actress, socialite and model, Paris Hilton has had a knack for capturing headlines since she penetrated the pop culture mainstream. Currently best known for her hit reality TV series "The Simple Life," now in its third season, Hilton can be called a jack-of-all-trades; she is fresh off the release of an autobiography, anticipating the release of her own album, and about to begin shooting the fourth season of "Simple Life." The Daily, along with other college papers, caught up with the heiress promoting her upcoming film "House of Wax," co-starring Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray. The film opens May 6.
Question: Most celebrities are movie stars first and then gain their fame from that. I'm wondering if you feel like you've had a different experience, being famous first and then branching out and becoming a movie star.
Paris Hilton: Whatever, that's how it happened and I'm happy with my life. I've always wanted to do this so I'm glad. I like doing it.
Q: Did you ever find that the cameras for the filming of the MTV show "Movie Life" were intrusive for the filming of "House of Wax"?
PH: I think at first we were all a little nervous. It's going to be nerve-racking to be just doing the film and then have a reality show as well. We were all a little nervous, but the cameras were not intrusive at all. Like if you wanted to have them film, you just say it to them, and if you don't want to be filmed, you just tell and they would stop so it wasn't bad at all. I think it was a great promotion for the movie and I'm happy with that. I think it's a really cute show and it's interesting to show the behind-the-scenes of a movie. We just had a great time together and it was fun to have all of our memories on tape now to watch forever.
Q: Why do you think you got cast in this movie?
PH: I think the whole cast, everyone is perfect for the role they're playing. I like the character. I play Paige and I'm kind of like the sexy character role and ... because I look cute.
Q: So, because you're hot?
PH: Yes. And because, I don't know, I think that I'd be cute in the movie and we all look good together.
Q: Where would you most like to go next in your career and who would you most like to work with?
PH: I love both. I'm going on my fourth season of "Simple Life" and it's a hit show; I love it. And I also love doing films so, you know, "Simple Life" only takes up a month out of my year each season. So the rest of the time I have time to do whatever I want, and I love film and I love TV. They're both fun.
Q: I know you performed your single to an Australian crowd while you were there. What was that reaction like?
PH: It was a lot of fun. It is a great song to dance to and I love music. I've been doing it my whole life and I'm glad that everyone really liked that.
Q: What role do you think sexuality and nudity have in the film?
PH: I think the scene was done really tastefully and there's no nudity. It's just like me in like sexy red lingerie so I don't think it's a big deal. But I think in every movie, you need some sexiness, because people like it.
Q: What's your preference between TV and film?
PH: Yes. I think it's totally different. With me, the reality show, it's really easy. I just do whatever I want and I don't have to follow any script or do anything, so it's much easier than doing movies.
