Every 2 weeks, Katherine answers questions from her fans. If you want to ask a question, send an email to
question@thelword-fr.net or meltlw@free.fr.
The Q/A session is copyrighted and exclusive to www.thelword-fr.net and is not to be copied
or reproduced without written permission.

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

June 22, 2007

1.) If you'd be able to change one thing in the world or in your life, what would it be?
Katherine: no more violence in our world.

2.) What are your favorite hangouts in Vancouver and Los Angeles?
Katherine: in vancouver it's a restaurant called rodney's. but in l.a., there isn't one specific place, i just like to float around in my neighborhood.

3.) Do you keep in touch with Sarah Shahi (you two had great chemistry on screen) and Erin Daniels now that they're no longer on the show?
Katherine: i'm in touch with erin. she's a very good friend. i run into sarah randomly and it's always great to see her. she's a good girl.

4.) Showtime has built an entire place for the L Word fans in the virtual game Second Life. What do you think of it and will you and the other cast members get an avatar and hang around there with us?
Katherine: i've heard of it and from what i've been told, i don't understand it. all this virtual stuff goes right over my head.
June 08, 2007

1.) what is it that you look for in a significant other and with that being said what is the best lesson you have learned when it comes to love and relationships?
Katherine: i think it's so important to like someone as much as love them. and with that, respect and accountability are priceless. those go hand in hand with what i've learned so far.

2.) Does the fans/media's constant focus on your sexuality bother you?
Katherine: i don't notice if it's the constant focus. i don't pay much attention to it.

3.) What were your dreams when you were a kid?
Katherine: i think the beauty of being a kid is living in the moment. my dreams didn't go beyond the excitement of riding my bike or eating a good dinner.

4.) I am a big fan of Shane and I think you do a wonderful job. As a forty something lesbian in Northeast PA I find the characters in the L Word a bit unbelievable. I have an extended group of friends, all of whom chose different career paths, but none of whom have film companies fighting over their stories, or are posing for Hugo Boss, or are radio DJs or multimillionaires. I would appreciate the show more if it were more realistic. Do you think the characters accurately portray real life lesbians?
Katherine: it's not the show's responsibility to portray everyone. i do think that regardless of their lifestyle, there is a spectrum of personality and emotion for these characters' situations. and that is what is relatable. it's television and entertainment, what do you expect?

5.) If you weren't on The L Word, do you think you would watch it?
Katherine: i'm sure i would. and then i'd be annoyed that i didn't audition for it.
May 25, 2007

1.) I know fans must drive you crazy and I have read a few interesting stories about how crazy fans can get. But if you could put yourself in your fan's shoes, I was interested in hearing how you would react. What would you do if you saw yourself in a restaurant or on the street and you just wanted to say "hey!"? I thought this might give some advice to your fans on the best way to approach you and speak to you but not annoy you or freak you out. What is something fans can do that would make a good impression on you?
Katherine: i really don't know how to answer that. everyone has their own way of dealing with situations. i don't like getting grabbed, but who does?

2.) What is your favourite song lyric?
Katherine: i don't have one favorite, but i love what bjork has to say in "unison" [Click here to read the lyrics].

3.) You once said (back in 2000) that in 2010, you saw yourself in a loft in NY with your dogs and a relationship. With three years to go, has anything changed in where you want to be by then? Any different goals to add?
Katherine: i'm too superstitious to predetermine my future. a lot can happen in 3 years, let alone 10.

4.) Who do you think are the 5 most beautiful women in the world (excluding your mom)?
Katherine: thandie newton is the one that comes to mind right now. i'll think of the rest later.

5.) Could you ever see Papi and Shane hook up?
Katherine: umm... no i don't think so. seems a bit far fetched.
May 11, 2007

1.) Congratulations on your new project on Gay Youth Homelessness! A lot of people have commended you on how you brought light to this important matter. While a lot of us are aware of homelessness issues, your video project might actually be the first (or one of the few) which focused on the impact of this issue on gay youth. Aside from bringing awareness, what do you expect to come out of this project? I'd just like you to know that we'll support you and the project any way we can. Good luck!
Katherine: i really don't have any expectations. it would be great to see this project go further. but my intention with doing it is just to bring some awareness to the issue. and it seemed like the ourchart website was a good place to start.

2.) If Sarah Shahi was interested in coming back for the 5th season, would you like to see Shane and Carmen back together again, have some form of storyline? or has the door shut on that, would you like to see Shane move forward? Also, is there anything you can divulge for season 5?
Katherine: i know nothing about this upcoming season thus far. but if sarah was to come back... it wouldn't matter to me which way the storyline would go. it would just be great to have some closure with that.

3.) Of all the published photos which is your favorite, why and do you have any difficulty having your picture taken?
Katherine: i don't have any favorites. i never really like any photos of myself. but i do find b/w ones to be more forgiving.

4.) In your opinion, how was Shane as a kid?
Katherine: a mess with a.d.d. i'm sure.

5.) Is there any item you cling to from childhood, such as a favourite teddy bear, toy or family heirloom?
Katherine: i'm not big on mementos. the german side of me never wants any clutter.
April 27, 2007

1.) What is your one true guilty pleasure?
Katherine: Tattoos.

2.) You must receive a lot of fan mail, do you read all of it?
Katherine: I have someone who helps me out. I try to read as much as I can.

3.) Your acting in episode 4.09 after Shay had left was really moving. Looking in from the outside it seemed really raw, emotional, and very real. How do you prepare for a scene like this, where it doesn't work unless the performance is really touching? How many times did you have to take that scene?
Katherine: That scene was one of those instances where I knew it was coming. So I had it in my head for a while. We only did the goodbye part about 3 times to capture different pieces. But yes, in those kind of scenes you can't fake it. And sometimes it comes very easily and you can just trust what comes to you.

4.) In the first part of the podcast I saw you having a new tattoo again. Would you say that it is kind of like an addiction getting more and more tattoos? Can you please describe and tell us the meaning of the latest one?
Katherine: I think tatts are addicting. I love everything about getting them. My new one is only 2 weeks old. I'll tell you what it means later.
April 13, 2007

1.) As you know, Dana showed up as a ghost in the last episode of season 4, those brief minutes made lots of fans realize how much she was missed. It was wonderful to see her again. Did you get to hang out with Erin when she was on set during filming? I hope you did and that you guys had a blast.
Katherine: yes, having erin back was a great surprise and we all were so happy to have her back.

2.) You said in a previous Q/A that you're getting to a point where you want to step away from the androgynous-looking characters. What would be your first ideal role to differentiate yourself from the past roles?
Katherine: i don't know what role would be a good example. i usually don't know till i find it.

3.) How would you describe the relationship between Shane and Paige (just fun, love, practicing family life, carmen substitute....) ?
Katherine: i really think the best way to describe that relationship would be placid. however i do think it served its purpose. but in the end, i really don't think it is shane's way of life.

4.) Kate, what do you hope to see next season for Shane and the other characters?
Katherine: more scenes involving friends. other than that, i really don't know.

5.) Kate, I have read many interviews with you and you seem to be a very private person and value your privacy very much. If so, what motivated you to be in such a non-private career?
Katherine: i enjoy the risk with this career. it has the highest highs and the lowest lows.
March 30, 2007

1.) Kate, first of all great news that there's going to be a Season 5 of TLW but as always there are many rumours on the web etc that your character isn't going to be a part of this season. Would you be able to put your fans minds (and hearts) at ease and tell us if this is true or not?
Katherine: that is untrue. where do these rumors begin anyway?

2.) Recently I was on youtube.com. I entered your name as search-key and I was amazed by the number of videos that appeared. The bigger part of the clips represents self-made clips of you and I wondered how much time these people must have invested. Have you ever had a look on them and what do you think about them?
Katherine: i discovered youtube a while ago, and yes i have seen a few of those fan vids. personally, i wonder how they make them look so good. and sometimes they look better than the actual episodes.

3.) In a recent online interview, you said you were going to be a part of two films later in the year. Can you give us any hints about the projects?
Katherine: you know, i'd rather send these projects in stone before i start talking about them. they are indies so they can fall apart at any second. i'll let you know when they are concrete.

4.) In season 3, we briefly saw Shane snowboarding. Was that you? Are you a fan of snowboarding in real life and if so, when did you learn, how often do you go and any tips on your favourite resorts?
Katherine: no, that wasn't me. i used to snowboard when i was younger. now, i don't like it as much. i enjoy surfing a million times more.

5.) Do you have any favourite animated/disney-movie and could you image giving your voice to an animated character?
Katherine: i liked the old mickey mouse cartoons. if anything, i would want to be a character on south park.
March 16, 2007

1.) What are your top three priorities right now in life?
Katherine: peace of mind, security and contentment.

2.) Beyond needing a place to crash, why do you think Shane sought out Cherie Jaffe after leaving Carmen at the altar?
Katherine: i don't know. don't we all do dumb things when we are under such an emotional stress?

3.) I read in an interview that you had taken part in the selection of the actress who would play the part of Carmen, is it true? What is it that the casting directors look for when casting a part like this? Did you go through the same process for casting Paige?
Katherine: yes, i did read with a few girls for carmen. i don't know what the casting was looking for, but i had my own thoughts on who she should be.
ilene took the reins with the paige character. i didn't have much to do with that.

4.) If this was the last season of the L Word and you were told you could join the cast of any current TV show, which show would you join and why?
Katherine: i haven't watched a television show in ages. i don't even know what's out there anymore.

5.) Howard Stern talked on his show about his fiancee having a crush on you and your character. Have you heard about that? How do you feel about it? Would you go on his show if he asked you?
Katherine: yeah, i did hear about the howard stern show. i think it's flattering i was brought up. i think howard stern is a genius. i used to listen to him all the time. but if i was to go on his show, that would be crossing a personal line with me. i'm just too private and shy.
March 02, 2007

1.) I don't know if you're familiar with "myspace" but I've noticed that there are about 20 pages of people pretending to be you. Does it make you feel uncomfortable at all? I know I personally would be considering some people could think it's really me and getting answers from somebody else...
Katherine: i'm sure it would scare me if i went on myspace and did a search. but i never go on.

2.) I laughed out loud at Shane's reaction to the underwear ad in the recent episode- it was classic! Angela Robinson said that that response was really you- that you actually were mortified when you saw the poster. Ilene Chaiken has also said that the whole Shay story arc was your brainchild. So I'm curious, how much of Shane's storyline this season is sort of "art reflecting life" for you? Did you think of the Shay story because of a relationship you have with a child, and is the representation at the premiere pretty reflective of your responses at those types of things? Thanks!
Katherine: basically, i was shocked and embarrassed to see a huge poster of myself. plain and simple.
as for the shay storyline, i did think of that. not because it reflects anything in my own life. it came from a place of thinking "now what?" for the character. i couldn't imagine where she would go after the way 3rd season ended. i thought she needed redemption. she needed to step up to the plate, and put someone before herself. from there, ilene thought up the paige arc, cause without sex where would we be?

3.) I've recently been re-watching season 2 and noticed the Gush t-shirt Shane wore couple of times. Just wondered if it was your idea to wear the shirt with Leisha's old band logo on it or how it came about?
Katherine: i really don't remember. but i'm sure leisha donated it to wardrobe.

4.) You seem to play a lot of roles where an androgynous look is an integral part of the character (transexual, girl masquerading as boy, etc.). Do you pick these roles or do these roles pick you?
Katherine: i think it may be a 50/50 exchange. but i'm getting to a place where i want to step away from that. and go beyond what is expected of me.

5.) Do you believe in soulmates and/or love at first sight?
Katherine: i believe in soulmates and i think they can take form in any kind of relationship. love at first sight is something i have yet to experience, but i'm sure i'll know when i first see them.
February 16, 2007

1.) I absolutely love your work and find you very inspiring. I know a lot of your fans are interested in seeing you on talk shows or television interviews. Would that be something you may be interested in for the future? Or do you prefer to steer clear of talk shows?
Katherine: i wouldn't have a problem doing talk shows. the real question would be, are they even interested?

2.) Did you see any good films while you were at Sundance? Anything you want to tell us to look out for?
Katherine: i didn't see one film at sundance. our schedule was all over the place and we could never coordinate times.

3.) Do you tend to dwell in the past, live in the present, or plan your future? Any regrets?
Katherine: i seem to do all 3 at once. in hindsight, i never have regrets.

4.) The L Word has a few kids in the cast now. Is it easy or hard for you to work with them? Any interesting "kid" scene stories to share?
Katherine: when working with child actors, they are required to only work for, i think, 8 hours a day, maybe less. so whenever we had scenes together, they moved quickly to make the deadline. i found it a pleasure to work with aidan [Jarrar, Shane's little brother]. he is just as darling off camera as he was on. he really won me over. he is a great kid.

5.) First, I wanted to let you know Shane is by far my favorite character on the show, and I think you're doing a phenomenal job! It's too bad that in Holland (where I live) they haven't even broadcasted the third season of TLW yet (I bought the DVD in America) But I was wondering, what was the hardest scene or episode for you to shoot, and why?
Katherine: 1st of all thank you for your sweet words. i think any scene involving water, big planet scenes, food or night exteriors are the most difficult because the water is usually freezing; the planet scenes are just long, hot days and more for camera coverage; food is all about continuity that can make you ill after a while and night time shots usually mean you're gonna be up till 5 or 6 in the morning. but it's all for fun and that's the point.
February 02, 2007

1.) Would you consider yourself rebellious? As a child or teenager? Now?
Katherine: i was much more so when i was younger. i think i have mellowed out a bit now but i still disdain authority when it's pushed on me.

2.) What was the highlight, for you, of 2006?
Katherine: in a strange way, all of it. it was a challenging year for me but i know the changes i went through only make me who i am now. so i embrace all of it and know that it was meant to be.

3.) Do you surf the 'net? What are some of your favorite sites?
Katherine: i have become obsessed with ebay recently. but i check out the message boards sometimes. i read my horoscope every day and go on cnn.com.

4.) In a recent Interview, you talked about high school and having had a "typical Catholic-American upbringing". How has being raised Catholic shaped you?
Katherine: everyone is free to believe in whatever makes them feel fulfilled and happy, but for me i don't get much out of organized religions. so in no way, shape or form, did it help mold me into the person i am today.

5.) How did you get involved in the OurChart.com project? What are your duties as a founding partner? What type of information are you going to post on the site and, what are your expectations about this new project?
Katherine: ilene asked jennifer, leisha and me to be part of it, and i think it sounds really exciting. right now the social networking aspect isn't up yet so it seems like another l word website. but i know that once the networking aspect is up and running, that will be the focus and the l word content will be the pepper to keep it fresh.
i personally have a few things i'm a part of that will go up soon, they are just being fine tuned. but i will contribute asap. so if anyone of you are checking it out and are annoyed that everything isn't working, please hang in there with us. it's brand new and the technology people want everything to be perfect instead of half-assed rushing that crashes. but i promise, it won't be much longer.
January 19, 2007

1.) Are there any cool/funny behind the scene stories from the filming of season 4 that you can share with us?
Katherine: there is always laughter on set. but i can't recall anything specific this year. i know, it's not the answer you want to hear, but i'm being honest.

2.) Of all the roles you've played, what role has been the most difficult for you, and why?
Katherine: i found the role in guardians to be the most demanding thus far. the subject matter was very intense, and i have never worked harder. but looking back, i loved every second of it.

3.) I read in your recent interview in "Interview" Magazine that you enjoy decorating. Do you have a particular style that inspires you? Minimalist, classical, contemporary? What is important in your environment and how do you create the feeling that you want?
Katherine: i appreciate it all. i have a little bungalow, so my goal is to use all different styles. recently my attention has been on these eames chairs i found and my landscaping. once my bamboo and plants grow i will be very happy.

4.) My friends and I all turned 30 this year and we all celebrated in different ways. For your 30th, was it a big bash, close friends and family, or low key and just wait for it to pass? Any thoughts about turning 30?
Katherine: actually, i didn't turn 30 this year. i turned 29. i've noticed my birth year is 1976 online, when it's really 1977. i have a birth certificate to prove it. so, i didn't have a big party this year. it was very mellow. but i think next year when i really do turn 30, a small party/dinner sounds good. or i may just say the hell with it, and let it go by quietly.