Deanna Russo is Amazing

I was thrilled to be able to talk to Actress and Writer, Deanna Russo this week about Knight Rider, The Young & the Restless, her new web series, and so much more. What I didn't realize prior to the interview was how incredibly amusing, how witty she is. When you read what she had to say below, you will just love her even more than you already do! Make sure you follow her on Twitter.



What was your favorite episode to shoot of Knight Rider?
'Knight Fever' was my favorite episode to shoot because it's the only time Sarah ever got to make Mike jealous. That guy's got a new chick every week. I mean, come on.

What are some things that didn’t make it to the Knight Rider series that were in the original series and you wish could have made it?
I love Val, but I wish William Daniels was the voice of KITT.

What is your dream car?
When I was a toddler, my dad fixed up a 1960 Austin-Healey. It was a white convertible with red interior, and I'd give anything to own it. I can't believe he ever sold it.

What was the most challenging part of shooting and/or getting into character?
Doing a fight scene in stilettos and acting like that's a normal thing to do was a challenge, certainly. Also, the first time we filmed a high-speed car chase in front of a green screen was one of the most ridiculous things ever. Justin [Bruening] and I had to lean to either side as if we were turning really quickly, but we kept leaning in opposite directions by accident and cracking each other up. I think the crew wanted to murder us.

Do you still keep in touch with any of The Young & the Restless cast? If so, who?
Josh Morrow sends me baby pics. That man comes from good breeding stock.

Do you keep up with The Young & the Restless?
It's my midday guilty pleasure. I grew up watching the Newman family, so it's nice to check in every once and a while to see how they're doing. It still blows my mind that I was once a resident of Genoa City.

Charmed ended 3 years ago, but as that is my favorite show of all time, I can’t help but ask…do you remember what that experience was like when you appeared in an episode for that show? If so, please tell me all about it!
I do! It was my first acting job in LA that wasn't a commercial. The girls were so sweet. I remember Alyssa Milano went out of her way to introduce herself to me, as if I didn't know who she was. It nearly tipped me over. Rose McGowan is stunning and awesome in person. I remember that we filmed my scene the Monday after Thanksgiving, so everyone was a little groggy from traveling. Oh! And Alyssa was dating Justin Timberlake at the time, and I remember she was considering getting him a banjo for Christmas. It's funny the things that stick out. I can only imagine what some guest stars may have eavesdropped me saying on set!

When did you get into writing and can you tell me what you are working on?
It was the onset of email that helped me to discover my literary voice. You can tell a lot from a person by their email. I've never had much luck in writing screenplays. That task is far too daunting for my brain at this point in my life, so in the mean time, I'm crafting a bit of online sketch comedy. I'm surprising a lot of folks with my foul sense of humor I guess because people assume good cheekbones equal vapid puppet. My friends aren't surprised, though. They all tell me it's about time I got into this. You can check out some of my videos on FunnyOrDie.com. I've also always loved writing short stories about my crazy adventures around the world. I'm so tempted to compile them all for a publisher. One day, perhaps.

Can you tell me about the web series you are producing?
My friend, Celia, was telling me about this idea her and her husband [Destin] had called Real Life with Married People, some funny little scenes poking fun at the monotony of married life. Celia's initial goal was to generate material for a reel. They were going to shoot it in their living room with a tripod! When she told me some of the episode ideas, I quickly saw the potential for a solid web series. Plus, this would give me a chance to be creative behind the camera. I used to direct theatre back in the day, another fun fact. Selfishly, I wanted to produce 'Real Life' so that I could give myself the opportunity to direct again. Celia, Destin and I approached 'Real Life' with the primary goal of fostering a future creative relationship. Friendship first, I say. We had such a blast working together that we're already writing a second season. They are so talented - I'm honored they let me be a part of it all.

When and how did you find out that you made Maxim’s Hot 100 List?
I heard I was going to be on the list several months ago by my publicist. At the time they didn't know what number I'd get, but that I was definitely on the list. It wasn't until a day or two before the big Maxim Hot 100 Party that I found out that I just barely made the cut! I had so much fun on that red carpet eating up the attention. I kept telling everyone, "I'm Number 100, and this is the Maxim Hot 100 Party. So, really, this is my party. I've got an open bar and DJ AM spinning all night. Thanks for coming."

It’s no secret that sex sells. But how far is too far when it comes to the roles that you choose to play?
Wow. Good question. Everyone differs in their tolerance for discomfort. I think the best way to decide what's right is to take a time machine into the future and look back at a questionable experience. If you think the memory of it will make you or people you care about cringe, then don't do it. That being said, you can never really predict anything. You can sign up for one thing and then have an asshole director completely betray you. That's always fun.
On the other hand, if you're blessed with a great figure, celebrate it while you still have it. Sure, I used my figure to get my foot in the door. I didn't exactly have a choice about that. It's everyone's first impression of me, anyway. People think I'm hot, so let them see me as hot. I ain't skeerd. I've got an arsenal of secret weapons ready and waiting. It's like that old Simpsons episode when Bart runs for class president. He had a poster that said, "SEX ... Now that I have your attention, vote for Bart Simpson." Makes sense to me.

So what do you have to say to the girls who try to look like models/Hollywood actors?
I am so sorry. I resisted being a model for so long because I despised the industry. Chick magazines are designed to make you feel bad about yourself so they can sell you the products that will make it all better. Then I thought it'd be a great way to not wait tables any more so I caved.
What every girl needs to know is that what they see on TV or in magazines is all smoke and mirrors. Even reality TV is doctored. We all look the way we do because we have a dozen people hired to follow us around and pick food out of our teeth, etc.
I don't understand the weight obsession we all have with celebrities. I just think people like something to gossip about. If you're healthy, then your dress size shouldn't matter. But that doesn't sell tabloids.

What was your favorite part about growing up in NJ?
Taking the train into Manhattan to catch jazz shows on a school night. That and counting down the days for summer to arrive so that I could go to the shore.

What would you say is a big misconception about Jersey and/or Jersey Girls?
There are no misconceptions about Jersey Girls. Some stereotypes are true. The Garden State, on the other hand, is commonly misjudged. The most beautiful countryside is in north Jersey. I grew up on a horse farm in a little town founded during the American Revolution. Between the colonial architecture and the lush landscapes, haters need to simmer down for they know not of what they speak.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in LA vs. living in NJ?
The best part of living in LA is skipping town because no matter how frustrated you were before you left, it always feels so damn good coming home. Some LA disadvantages include: the stagnant parade of break lights, the boring weather, and everyone's theory on how to "make it." The best part of living in NJ is moving across the country to learn that the coolest people come from Jersey.
FACT: all my best friends I met out here are either from Jersey or were referred by someone from Jersey.
Some NJ disadvantages include: ill deserved rep, the legal driving age is higher than every other state's, and the last train back home is 1am.

What are some of your favorite things to do in LA?
Hike the hills, bike the beach, catch live music, and take drunk photo booth pictures.

What is your favorite city to travel to in the US and favorite country to travel to?
New Orleans and Belize.

When did you fall in love with traveling?
My mom's been a flight-attendant her whole life. I guess it's just how I was raised.

What are some of your favorite televisions shows?
Lost, Battlestar Galactica, The Office, 30 Rock, The Daily Show, The Real Housewives of NJ, Reno 911, South Park, etc...

Aside from Meryl Streep, who do you look up to when it comes to acting and writing?
Acting: Carole Lombard! What a cool chick she was.
Writing: Shell Silverstein

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Scooping out presents my cats left me in the litter box.