The Dawson's Creek Interview

Exuding a preternatural maturity both on and off the screen, Katie Holmes is a captivating newcomer to the acting business, landing major roles both in film and on television with just a handful of auditions. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Holmes started acting in theatre productions, but didn't think she had a shot at stardom living in the Midwest. Fate intervened and, while attending a national modeling and talent convention in New York City, she met a manager who encouraged her to come to Los Angeles for television's pilot season. Now Katie stars in "Dawson's Creek," the WB's midseason show written by Kevin Williamson ("Scream," "Scream 2," and "I Know What You Did Last Summer"). We had the pleasure of catching up with Katie while chatting live with the stars of the WB network in January.

Q: What are the similarities between you and Joey, your character on "Dawson's Creek"?

Katie Holmes: Joey is the girl who usually doesn't get the guys...I didn't [get guys] in high school...She's a nice person...She maintains.

Q: How is it playing a such a tender age when you're just out of that period?

Katie Holmes: It's nice to be older because you can look at the big picture, you can remember how you felt...I relate to it so much - I was just there.

Q: Do you hang out with the Dawson's cast offscreen?

Katie Holmes: Yes...In Wilmington, [N.C., where location shooting for "Dawson's Creek" takes place] we're kind of forced to...The crew is great.

Q: If you are an incarnation of one of the original bratpackers (Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham, Molly Ringwald) who would you say you most closely emulate (not necessarily in looks)?

Katie Holmes: Molly Ringwald. Minus the red hair.

Q: Why?

Katie Holmes: She always played the tomboy, whiny characters.

Q: Who's the most underrated actor working today?

Katie Holmes: There's a lot of talented actors out there that don't always get all the buzz and the covers of the magazines.

Q: If Oliver Stone and Woody Allen both wanted you to be in their next films and you had a schedule conflict, who would you choose to work with?

Katie Holmes: Oliver Stone.

Q: Why?

Katie Holmes: I enjoy a lot of his movies.

Q: Would you want to be cast in a period piece, like Sense & Sensibility?

Katie Holmes: Yes, I'd love to.

Q: Where will you be when "Dawson's Creek" premieres?

Katie Holmes: Vancouver...I'll be by myself.

Q: You had a small but great role in Ang Lee's recent feature film, "The Ice Storm." How did you prepare for being 'messed up' in the scene at the party?

Katie Holmes: I didn't have any experience with drugs, but I'd seen people who were drunk and high, and they always acted really tired, so that's the way I went.

Q: How hands on is Ang Lee?

Katie Holmes: He's very. When I first arrived on the set, he took me into the trailer and explained the part and made sure I was comfortable with it. He had a great rapport with the crew, he helped a lot.

Q: Does Ang Lee talk a lot with his actors or does he just block the scene and let you have at it?

Katie Holmes: He blocks the scene, lets you try it out, gives you input. Very hands on.

Q: What was it like working with Tobey Maguire? Is he as handsome as he looks on screen?

Katie Holmes: It was great, he's a very talented actor, he was very generous as an actor, and a great friend.

Q: What was it like having your head in his lap?

Katie Holmes: My mom wasn't in the room so that was good...It was kind of embarrassing...I had to be mature and not giggle.

Q: Talk about coming to Hollywood. What was it like?

Katie Holmes: It was a dream. Going from a high school musical to go to this pilot. Getting to meet all these people...Forming all these friendships, and all this buzz...it's crazy.

Q: Do you feel overwhelmed by the whirlwind of success?

Katie Holmes: A little, but it's exciting.

Q: Are you ready for the fan mail?

Katie Holmes: Sure. Hey, if somebody wants to write me.

Q: Where you do you see yourself in ten years?

Katie Holmes: Married, with 1.5 children. [Laughs.] I hope I'm at a nice place in my career, hope I'm starting college or have already gone, I hope I'm in love... to just be comfortable...

Q: What is a good place in your career?

Katie Holmes: I want to do things that are interesting and help me grow as an actor...Do things that make me happy; projects that make me happy.

Q: Are you going to be in Kevin Williamson's next movie?

Katie Holmes: I have no idea. I'd love to be in his next movie, but who knows?

Q: Are you going to work with Ang Lee again? Are you going to be in Scream 3? What does the future hold for Katie Holmes?

Katie Holmes: Katie: I can't predict the future...but I'd love to.