Raquel Alessi: Unarmed & Dangerous

Nov 08, 2007 00:23:09

Maxim did some tough negotiating with Standoff star Raquel Alessi (hammering out a compromise has never been so sexy).

Maxim, May 2007

You play FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit member Lia Mathers on the TV drama Standoff. Do you like being in intense situations?
I love action. Anything physical, I’m into. I want to push the edge with whatever I do. I’ve done so many different sports. I’ve broken things. I’ve gotten stitches. I don’t care—I just go for it. My character on the show is a computer techie, so she doesn’t get out of the office much. If I had my choice, I’d be running around with a gun and totally be that tomboy chick.

You don’t look like the average keyboard jockey…
Everyone says that! I don’t look like a lot of things people think I am. Some people tell me I’m unapproachable and intimidating. I think, If you only knew how goofy I am.

Have your looks ever worked against you?
It has happened, and when you hear that you think, Isn’t that what Hollywood’s about? You’d think they’d want someone who’s attractive and still fits the character. They’re always going to find something wrong with you. Too pretty, too thin, too fat, too tall. I compare getting jobs to ice cream. Do they feel like vanilla today, or do they feel like chocolate? I’m definitely not vanilla.

You must be used to it, since you grew up in L.A.
Right in the heart of Los Angeles. I went to Catholic school all my life. Marymount. Catholic school was where I learned not to follow rules. I loved going to an all-girls school. We had so much fun. I always had boyfriends, but it was nice not to have them around. You know how boys are, especially in high school.

We do, and you know our next question.
Everyone always asks me if I still have my uniform. And of course the answer is yes.

Saints be praised! What should a fellow know to have a shot at seeing you in that outfit?
I love guys who are funny, sweet, and smart. I could not care less if a guy was a model. I don’t think I ever dated a guy who thought he was good-looking. I won’t even talk to guys who think they’re cool or players. People will say, “Oh, don’t you think that guy’s cute?” And because of their personality, I’m just like, “Ew.” I don’t play around. I like the nice guys.

You should find yourself a Maxim reader. What other things do men do that you find irritating?
Talk about themselves. Or if they’re all about going out with the guys. That is so childish.

Having experienced both, which do you prefer: television or film?
Film. With TV it’s such a set schedule. I like the creative process of films. There’s more time to do everything. And the movies I’ve done I’ve had to go away for, so it’s a bit like being at camp.

A second childhood, eh?
That’s exactly how I see it. You make new friends whether you like it or not, because you’re all in it together. When you’re living in L.A., you barely get to know anyone. So it’s a chance to make those friends.

You portrayed the young Roxanne Simpson in Ghost Rider. Did you make friends with her older version Eva Mendes?
Eva is the girl that any girl or guy would want to be friends with. Whenever I see her in L.A., she’s always so excited to hang out. Everyone on the movie felt that not only do we look alike but our energies on the film were the same. Ever since I started acting, everyone’s always said, “You remind me of…oh, yes, that actress Eva Mendes!” It was meant to be.

What’s it like doing a flick with a huge budget?
Heaven, especially since we filmed in Australia. Anything that anyone can do for you, they try to make happen. They get the best people. Great hotel. On small films…I did this independent movie called Summerhood, and it was filmed in Canada in an actual camp. I was living in a small town in someone’s house with a woman and her cat. Bizarre.

What’s your dream role?
Gia. I really identify with Angelina Jolie—a tough, strong woman, but very fragile at the same time. You believe her because she has that integrity.

Would you be OK with the nudity Gia required?
I would. I don’t particularly want to be naked, but I’m very comfortable with my body; I’m just protective of it. With that kind of a role, it’s art. I would love that. It would be so wonderful, like, “This is me. This is all of me.” There’s something so liberating about that.

We hope you find that liberation.
Thank you.