Nothing's more impressive, however, than the old-fashioned, low-tech fandemonium that breaks out when the cast goes on location or makes public appearances. "The girls really react to Scott," says Hewitt. "It's overwhelming." But even wolf is conflicted over his status as a role model. "I'm an actor. I'm not a politician, I'm not a teacher," he says. "To value the opinion of somebody because they're on TV seems absurd to me. But the more I've seen how many people watch what we do and how strongly they attach themselves to it," he adds, "I realize, if I'm looked at that way, then I am."
Indeed, when the show was recently shooting on location near an elementary school in Venice, Calif., Wolf--a dimpled Tom Cruise lookalike-- was instantly surrounded by a gaggle of hyperventilating schoolgirls (and a few awestruck boys as well). Most no doubt would be breathless to learn that Wolf is unattached these days. In 1994 he broke off his six-month engagement to actress Alyssa Milano, with whom he costarred in the movie Double Dragon. All Wolf has to say about the relationship now is, "It's old and it's personal. It was a relationship that I had and that I'm not in anymore."
More recently, Wolf was paired with recurring PO5 costar Paula Devicq, 31, who plays Charlie's jilted finacée, Kirsten. The couple, who began dating a year ago and shared Wolf's three-bedroom Los Angeles house, seemed the picture of compatibility in mid-January. "One of the best things that I've gotten out of my experience with Party of Five is my relationship with Paula," Wolf said, beaming. "There's an openness to her that I like to live with." For her part, Devicq was more reserved on the subject. "We started off as very good friends," she said, "and that is the foundation that we have." But by early February the romance had fizzled. While neither will comment on why, the pair remain friends.
For now, Wolf is making do with the affection of fans such as those at the Venice elementary school. As they sighed with adoration, he responded with a brotherly smile and an autograph. "To be able to make people happy like that is great," says Wolf, who grew up in West Orange, N.J., and graduated from George Washington University with a degree in finance. "When somebody is genuinely excited to have met you, in a minute, with a little exchange, you can make their day."
