Traci Dinwiddie: Rising Above the Din

Paul Fenton/ZUMAPress.com

This summer I've interviewed some big names in the business: Tobey Maguire, Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz.

But one of the best parts of my job at E! is speaking with the stars of tomorrow. Last year it was Shia LaBeouf, and now he's a household name. This year I've spoken with up-and-comers like Emma Roberts, Selena Gomez and Danielle Panabaker. Another such coming attraction is Traci Dinwiddie.

We first met at the premiere of Mr. Brooks, in which Traci appears with Demi. After a solid opening weekend at the box office, the film is doing well. So, after you see the Up movies (Knocked and Surf's), be sure to give it a chance. I hit her up via email, and she had much to say about working with Mrs. Kutcher, her time on Dawson's Creek and the party girl of the moment, Lindsay Lohan.

Lisa O'Connor/ZUMAPress.com

In Mr. Brooks, you share the screen with Demi  Moore. What did you learn from such an iconic actress who has done so many great movies?
Spending time with Demi on and off the set taught me that a woman can have a passionate, loving marriage, a wonderful connection with her family and a magnificently successful, artistic career—all together. I will certainly take that with me for the rest of my career.

Besides Demi, what other actresses out there do you admire and would like to work with someday?
Sooo many! Kate Winslet, Joan Allen, Ellen Burstyn, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Patricia Arquette, Sissy Spacek, Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, Chloë Sevigny...I have a lot of work to do, eh?

If you could work opposite any leading man in Hollywood, who would it be?
Three-way tie, for different purposes, of course: Adrien Brody, Johnny Depp, John Malkovich.

That's a solid list. You grew up far from Hollywood, born in Alaska. What were the films you watched growing up that made you want to be in film?
Oh, boy. Don't laugh too hard, but here goes...Star Wars (I wanted to be Princess Leia), Labyrinth, Flashdance, Grease (Rizzo rules!) and The Breakfast Club.

A hot girl who loves Star Wars. Not sure if there's anything better in life. I met you first on the red carpet for Mr. Brooks. Any advice for young actresses on how to prepare for walking the carpet and dealing with the craziness?
Aside from the obvious self-care, add to that a gentle reminder that the red carpet is simply synthetic fibers and dye, and it doesn't magically fly. I swear, I didn't mean to make such a cute little poem! Ha.

You appeared on some of the biggest TV shows of the '90s, like Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill. What separated those shows from other teen-driven projects?
I got my start as Katie Holmes' stand-in during the first season of Dawson's Creek, and I got to know the cast fairly well. Maybe it's because Michelle [Williams] and Kate were (and are) such lovely spirits who can attract many people to them. I really don't keep up with teen-driven programs, so I couldn't say much more on this.

Brian Ach/WireImage.com

As an actress who has fought for every job she has landed and paid her dues, how does it make you feel when you see someone like Lindsay Lohan seemingly take for granted all of her success?
I am always concerned when a sister lacks gratitude. I hope she remembers her blessings, though I can relate to forgetting.

What projects are you working on now, and when can we see you next?
I'm currently filming a freaky little film called The Brass Teapot, with Ben Weber (Skipper from Sex and the City) as my husband. I play a British housewife darkly obsessed with a magic teapot. In a nutshell, all hell breaks loose. It's directed by up-and-comer Ramaa Mosley, and we have the lovely, talented Danny Moder (Spider-Man 3, Mr. and Mrs. Smith) as our director of photography. Also, just wrapped the lead role of Det. Tischler in Seducing Spirits. Another suspense thriller for ya!

Sounds like you have a lot going on. Any big summer plans?
Just going with the flow, really. Will probably take a trip down to San Diego and catch a few waves when I can get away.

Let's be honest for a second. Dinwiddie is not the most common of names. I think it's hot, but what were some of the nicknames kids would call you growing up?
Dimwit, Dumbwiddie, Diddle-a-tiddy, Damn!widdie, Down-wid-it...They never end.

Top three songs in your iPod right now?
Tough question! Personal downtime playlist three would be Joni Mitchell's "All I Want," Cat Stevens' "Moonshadow," and "Falling Slowly" from the Once soundtrack. For my sweaty workout sessions: Nina Simone's "Feeling Good," Squirrel Nut Zippers' "Good Enough for Grandad," and James Brown's "Get Up."

And finally, you worked with Demi, who fell in love in real life with a much younger man...So, what I'm trying to ask you is, Does a young, fresh-faced reporter from E! have a shot with a beautiful movie star like Traci Dinwiddie?
Hee! You've got to be kidding me. A nice, cute, young, successful buck like yourself not having tons of superstars knocking down your door? Thanks for the compliment!

Story of my life. Thanks, T.D., for taking some time out.