StefanieP1: coming through our main center and an outreach program "Into the Bush". By that, I mean "Into the Bush" in East Africa. Kenya, precisely. We have a rural program, a sort of outreach, that copes with roughly 1800 families on a continual basis. We are active in breeding programs although our companion organization, which is the Mt. Kenya Game Ranch is not -- I repeat NOT -- supported by public funds as the William Holden Wildlife Foundation is. But the game ranch allows access to our students in order that they may view the animals at close range and learn more about their behavior. I know that's a long answer, but I hope it satisfies. If you would like further information, I would be deliriously happy to send you a mailout that we have. The answer for the foundation is: P.O. Box 67981 Los Angeles, CA 90067

Question: Your new personal finance series, Funding Your Dreams, starts this month on PBS. Why did you get involved with finance?

StefanieP1: I was pulled, kicking and screaming, into waking up to not onlymy own needs in order to plan my future. But much later, as President of thefoundation, the first incident occurred when at age 29 I found myself getting divorced after having been a professional since I was 15 years old. At the time of my divorce, I had no place to live and owed a lot of money that was invested by my husband largely in property, which he believed he could develop. When that did not occur, we found ourselves obligated for a great deal of money. In the midst of a divorce where we both wound up in tremendous financial straits, I vowed that I would never be without a home of my own that I owned, andI would never relinquish control of my finances to anybody because my financial stability was my future. And so I was given an extremely rude awakening. Many years later in the formation of the foundation, I was onceagain called upon to become even more deeply involved on a very serious level witha 501C3 public charity. Caring for the donor dollars and making sure that they were invested properly, with the greatest of care, supervision and security inorder to not only fund the foundation but endow the work so that it could goon in perpetuity. So I was clearly, by virtue of responsibility as well as motivation, placed into this arena. I feel very grateful for having had that opportunity. While I'm not an expert, I do at least know how to get access to the best advice, how to filter it, how to cross check it and how to make sure we are doing the most conscientious job within our power to do with our donors' funding.

Question: Why do you think women are so reluctant to be responsible for their finances?

StefanieP1: I think we have to, a certain extent, been brought up to believe that we somehow lose our femininity by taking charge in those areas.Mathematics never seemed to appeal to girls. We're not encouraged at a nearly age to start thinking about financing, accounts, investments or any notion that there may or may not be someone there to help us. The big question must be proposed:Is marrying someone or being with a man the 100% answer to all of our financial needs? It would be lovely if someone would come on a white horse and suddenly take on our responsibilities so we can maintain the mythical illusionof a fairy princess, but that's hardly the case of any of us in reality. So the notionthat marriage automatically means that someone is going to take care of us is not fair to theguys, nor is it responsible behavior for us. We don't lose anything by being intelligent about our money. Or having an opinion of where or where it may not go. If we earnit, why would we be so willing to not have any knowledge of where it might go? I think one of the most interesting differences between our generation, the income bearing generations of people who are money earners as opposed tothose heading towards retirement, is that when they worked in the work force, theythought about money as something that they would put away, helping them build a better future. People bought neice, nephew or grandchildren today because kids want the latest computer, Nintendo or latest pair of sports shoes. And yet those things mayor may not insure their future. We think and are completely involved with instantaneous gratification and we look at what we earn or may earn as a resultof a raise or something as not what we can put away, but what we can buy. That's probably the most significant difference between the previous generations. We can look at say we have a retirement that we can't afford.

Question: I've been trying to find an air date for funding your dreams andhavent'Question: been able to. Do you know when it will air?

StefanieP1: It's airing on PBS. So by definition, PBS has different markets around the country and the airdates will be different for every city. If you keep agood eye out for it starting this week, it should be on once a week for seven weeks. But I'm not sure how the individual PBS stations will choose to program this. I believe they have certain amount of autonomy in choosing their programming.

Question: I just wanted to say how much I admire and respect her. I love to watch re runs of Hart to Hart. Will there ever me a reunion?

StefanieP1: Lol. Thank you very much! It was a wonderful period in my life, my working as well as personal life. We did in fact sorry you missed them, spent 2 years doing 8 2-hour movies which we finished in 1996. I believe those movies have seen the end of our dear Hart to Hart. I think we have now put a period at the end of the sentence.

Question: Hi Stephanie, I think what you're doing with the foundation is great! Do you consider it to be your most important achievement?

StefanieP1: I think it is the greatest privilege that anyone could have towork in an area that they are emotionally involved with, and I am deeply committed to wildlife and animals of all kinds. I consider myself fortunate to serve in whatever way I can. I cross my fingers and hope that what we do will have some effectin my lifetime or sometime after that. I know it's a long process, and we see small, small steps Some which give us hope, and some which don't. But we have to keep trying. It's the best thing I've ever done.

KW ELECTRA: Stefanie...did you have a good relationship with your mother?

StefanieP1: I had and I have. She's with me now. We are in the Coacello Valley down in the desert near Palm Springs having a few days off together with our puppies. She's my best friend.

KW ELECTRA: That's great - is she proud of all that you've accomplished?

StefanieP1: I hope so. She was the person who set me up with the kinds of values, I suppose, that I have and there's no one like mom. So if she is proud of me, I hope what she sees is some of the results that she input.

Question: Did you and Robert Wagner have fun doing the "Love Letters" tour?

StefanieP1: Oh, yes. We certainly did. We went to a lot of wonderful places-- places that we would not automatically go to. The audiences received us so warmly and generously, and we performed that play over 350 times.

Question: Do you have any tips on how to balance home and work priorities?

StefanieP1: I think it's very difficult, and it's an ongoing job to keep allthe balls in the air. Sometimes, one or even both suffer and it takes an extremely disciplined, dedicated person to keep everyone happy in both places. I do think that at certain times, you have to be selfish enough to make decisions that are good for you and, perhaps, nobody else but you. And takesome private time to collect yourself and your thoughts. But any good relationship should be able to see through that and benefit from it. I know I find that when I'm working, I become so completely involved in what I'm doing that I need to be alone quite a lot. At least in thebeginning stages of a role. Once I feel comfortable with it, it's a bit easier. But I like to be very much on my own in the very beginning.

Question: Where were you raised and how did you get into acting?

StefanieP1: I was raised in Southen California and I was a professional by the time I was 15. I got into acting through dance.

Question: Who were some of your favorite stars that you've met?

StefanieP1: Well, I've been very lucky because I've worked with some extraordinary people. Starting at the very beginning with Lee Remick, Bobby Darrin, Talulah Bankhead, Lana Turner, Ruth Roman, Virginia Grey, John Wayne, Sandra Dee,Maureen O'Hara,StefanieP1: Bing Crosby, Van Heflin...so many... Cliff Robertson, Nick Adams, Robert Wagner, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis, James Caan... I know I'm leaving out a lot... I've certainly been at it for a long time.

Question: When I prepare taxes each year, I always donate to the Wildlife Foundation at the bottom of the form. I was wondering does The William Holden Wildlife Foundation recieve any of that, and if not, Where may I donate to it? I have been a fan of yours for 30 y

StefanieP1: Well, thank you very much for being so loyal. I don't think we get it. It has to be specifically to us, andthe best way to do that because whatever you give us is tax deductible because we are a public charity under the 501C3 category. Once again, our address is: PO Box 67981 Los Angeles, CA 90067

Question: What do you feel about the role of communication in todays family-with so many parents both working outside the home?

StefanieP1: Oh, it's very difficult. I think people who are embarking upon family life have toconsider very heavily whether or not they're going to have a family early on or wait until they can afford it. It's a desperately difficult situation because somebody has to be a parent, and parenting is a very big job. It's one of the biggest and who can take that responsibility better than the parents themselves? It's certainly not the job of theschool, and they can't do it. The kind of structure that can only come from a parent is essential in raising the kind of people we need as solid citizens. I knew that I couldn't devote the amount of time it was going to take to be that kind of a parent, so I chose not to have children. Although there are so many children in my life that I try to help in the way of an outsider, I knew that I could not devote myself to all that was necessary to raise a child. I was traveling around the world and moving too much,and I didn't want to stop that. So I think one has to make some very definite decision about themselves and their choices in life before they take on that responsibility. It's the biggest.

Question: You and Robert Wagner seem to have a very special chemistry oncamera...Question: does that carry off screen as well?

StefanieP1: Yes, to a certain extent. Yes, it does.

Question: Stephanie...why aren't you doing the play "Love Letters" with Robert Wagner anymore?

StefanieP1: He's doing it now with his wife, and indeed it proably makes moresense for them to do it together because they're schedules are easier to coordinate.

Question: How can I offer myself to your projects...literally. Office time, onsite help, etc. I want to get involved.

StefanieP1: Oh, that's very kind and generous. We are an extremely small operation, and our operation in Kenya, which has extremely tough requirements,require that we hire Kenyan citizens. We do have an internship program that enables us to use foreign students who are already in the country on foreign exchange programs, who do an internship of 3 months with us. But we don't accept anybody from overseas because they need to have had some practicial experience in the country to understand the language and how to get around. Otherwise, it's a big responsibility forus to take care of people who are not familiar with the customs and language. We onlyaccept guest lecturers who are experts in their field. I thank you very much for your desire and your enthusiasm, and I would urge you to focus on something closer to home --wherever that may be. Animal organizations are always looking for well-meaning volunteers. At the very least, a stepping stone to something else. But at least it would be agood way to get your feet wet.

Question: what has been the best moment in your life?
StefanieP1: Oh, I hope it's still to come :>

Question: What location has been your favorite to film in?

StefanieP1: I loved the Czech Republic. A couple of years ago, I did a film there and it was such a fabulous opportunity to visit this remarkable place where the baroque period in architecture and in art is still so beautifully maintained and restored.

Question: HI Stefanie.. This is Calicia..I met you in Grand Rapids Nov 96 while you were doing Applause..I was wondering if you are going to do a benefit for the William Holden Foundation this year?? Thanks.. You were really great in person CAL

StefanieP1: Oh, that's very kind. Thank you very much. We have a number of fundraising activities throughout the year that we participate in. So we have ongoing events. The large polo event that we have done in LA and in Florida is not planned for this year. Probably next year.

Question: Do you have any new movie projects in the works?

StefanieP1: I've got a lot in the works, but nothing has been green lit yet.

Question: Hello Stefanie, I have been a fan of yours since I was ateenager(about30 years). Why haven't they ever had a reunuion of The Girl fromU.N.C.L.E.?

StefanieP1: There is something forthcoming which is going to be online, and it is a new idea in interactive travel information. You can see the webpage whichis called Interactivetravel.com. That's one of my little projects. I just performed with the Louis Philharmonic doing A Midsummer Nights Dream with a choir --soprano and mezzo soprano and I hope to do more of that this year. We're launching a perfume in September, so I'm a bit busy. As for the Girl from UNCLE question, you may well ask ;> I'd love to do one.

Question: You have always seemed so grounded and stable. How did you managethisQuestion: in such an insane and very public business?

StefanieP1: I guess it's my mother. She probably should take most of the credit for that. My stepfather was pretty good. I think that at the time that I was involved in the studio system, it was at the tail end of that Golden Period, so called. They really did try to instill in us a kind of more realistic behavior of our position in the industry and to look upon the business as something long term. It was a profession and not a gig, and onethat we hope we would go through not only all its phases, but still be active in throughall our dotage. That may have something to do with it. But I think also I was extremely curious about the outside worldand I'm not someone who is terribly self-involved. That may be my saving grace.

AOLiveMC15: We have time for one final comment from the audience Stefanie.

StefanieP1: It's been a pleasure to talk to everybody and to hear so many kind things from people who have been loyal over the years. I hope that Funding Your Dreams will present some useful informatin. I believe there are a lot of options offered, and I think it can be extremely helpful which is why I am involved. I have great hopes that it will assist people to open the doors and onto the path that will lead them to a safer future, and one that will not only fund their dreams but give them choices.

KW ELECTRA: Thanks for being with AOL Live and Electra, Stefanie!KW ELECTRA: Come to KEYWORD: Electra, Sofa Chat room for a Stefanie Powers trivia contest...KW ELECTRA: we're giving away Electra t-shirts as prizes! Thanks for comingeveryone :)OnlineHost: All good things must end. We've run out of time for this event!AOLiveMC15: Thanks for joining us here tonight Stefanie, it was veryinformative!AOLiveMC15: Thanks to each of you in the audience for being here also! Goodnight!AOLiveMC4: Good night! OnlineHost: Copyright 1998 America Online, Inc. All: Rights Reserved.