Katherine Moennig Interview

The Facts

Name: Katherine Sian Moennig

Birth Date: December 29, 1976

Birth Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Her Big Break: Was one of the lead characters in the former WB series Young Americans [2000]

Did You Know: Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is Katherine's cousin and Gwyneth's mother, Blythe Danner, is her aunt

Johanna Fredriksson: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
Katherine Moennig: Sure! It still amazes me that the show is still on.

And on three different channels over here, in Sweden [counting ZTV Norway, ZTV Sweden and TV3 Sweden.]
That is crazy!

How has being in Young Americans changed your life?
Well, it has been so long since the show aired here, that my life is pretty much the same now.

Are you still friends with the cast from the show?
Honestly, I haven't seen anyone from the show in so long. Maybe because I live in NYC and they are all in L.A.

That sucks, huh?
Well, it's the way it is in this business. You spend a huge amount of time together, and then you go your separate ways.

If someone called you today and said that they're doing a second season of Young Americans, would you agree to do it?
If someone asked me that two years ago, I wouldn't think twice to say yes. But now, I'm in a different place, so I would want to leave it the way it was, but I still think of that experience with the happiest memories.

Now that it's been almost two years and people are still very emotionally attached to Jake and Hamilton, what do you think? Did you ever imagine this kind of reaction from the fans?
Never in a million years. I am beyond flattered. I'm so thankful for the support.

You really did a great job. I'm a huge fan myself.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

There is a piece of me in all of them.
(Katherine on her roles)

Your new movie, Invation To Suicide -- can you tell me a little about the movie and the part you play?
That movie is set in the Polish community in Greenpoint. It's about breaking free of the everyday lifestyle and just how far you would go to do it. I played Eva, who probably has the most realistic voice in the film. She's best friends with Kaz, the lead.

Can't wait to see it! Do you know when it will be out in theaters?
Thank you! I really don't know when the film will be released. It's an independent film, so that means going to the festivals, getting distribution...blah blah...it could be a while, but I really believe in the story, and I think others will relate to it.

I'm sure it's a great movie. You played in Swedish director Lasse Hallström's movie, The Shipping News. How was that?
Very brief, but a lot of fun. A great learning experience.

Have you ever been to Sweden?
No, never been.

There are always different answers to this question: What's your eye color?
My eyes are green, but they go different shades, depending on the colors of my clothes.

Who's your favorite fashion designer?
I like a lot of little unknowns, but I love Henry Duarte and Christine Ganeaux.

Which character that you've played would you say is most like you?
It's a mix between Jake and maybe on my bad days, Ms. Moosup from The Shipping News. There is a piece of me in all of them.

Which movie, modeling or other acting part are you most proud of?
I have a hard time watching myself, usually. I'm most proud of myself, when I walk out of an audition and know I did well, but there are certain people I've worked with that pushed me and that makes me proud.

What commercials have you done?
I did a Fleet Bank commercial not too long ago.

A fan wants to know if Ian's a good kisser and if you've heard about him winning The New Face Award on Movieline?
Yes, he was and no, I didn't know that.

How do you feel about having fans, websites and message boards about you?
I'm really flattered and grateful that others care. It means a lot to me, because I know it takes time to do those things and for people to take that time means sooo much.

I actually just started katherinemoennig.org if you want to check it out sometime.
Oh, thank you! That is so kind of you. I will check that out.

Do you like to stay at home on a Friday night, or do you go out to clubs?
I really don't do the club scene. There are too many people. I like to hang out at home or see some friends.

I agree. Have you ever had a "regular" job?
I have had "regular" jobs before, but they never lasted that long. I think the longest was ten days. I don't have a very strong work ethic when I couldn't careless about what I'm doing.

Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?
For the people who have been sooo supportive since the show -- I just want to say, I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all the love you have brought my way. It means so much and I cherish it. Thank you everyone.