Photo by Lisa Franchot

You know this seasoned actress from Jericho and National Treasure 2….

How are you preparing your other two daughters for the birth?
This pregnancy was a huge surprise to us. Really, out of left field. I cannot really say that anything is new or different, except finally, my maybe having the understanding that what I am in control of in my life is limited to making a bowl of cereal. I pretty much know the turnout on that.  It is actually quite a relief in a way; to accept and embrace what very simply is. We are delighted to be having another girl. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen to me. My eldest daughter Mila put it best…when we initially told her she would have another baby sister she was thoughtful for a bit and said “You know Mommy, sometimes God gives us something we are not prepared for.” Truer words were never spoken. Once we all got over the shock, the awe set in; Esmé, our 13 month old daughter, points to my belly, then hers and says “baby.” Mila is planning their rooms and who’s going to sleep where and we all can’t wait to meet this little girl. My advice to any older child welcoming a sibling is to love that baby… he or she might one day be your best friend.

Do you have any funny stories from sets you have worked on?
One of my most treasured memories is on the set of National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. We were shooting on Mt. Rushmore where the weather can change on a dime. I had on a few layers and it was getting warmer. With no where to change, Helen Mirren helped me take off my undershirt under my wardrobe shirt without anyone noticing ala Jennifer Beals in “Falshdance” taking off her bra! I thought, Holy Crap! Helen Mirren! It doesn’t get any better than that.

What is the funniest thing anyone has said to you while pregnant?
“What? No TV?”

I don’t really have any weird unhealthy cravings. Not that I  ate anything crazy in my other 2 pregnancies, but this time, I find myself eating more healthy foods, rather than the BLT’s I ate with Mila and the candy I ate with Esmé. The one weird thing is that unpregnant, I do not care for beer. Pregnant? Cannot get enough of it. Non-Alcoholic of course. I’m like a frat boy looking for a party!  I drink the O’Douls…LOVE IT!

What would be your dream role and person you would most like to work with?
My dream role is always the role that I wish I had gotten after I have walked out of a theater or watched TV and am almost wearing the skin of the character I have fallen in love with on screen.   I enjoy actors, so I am always excited to work with anyone. Name someone… I’ll love it.

Do you think Hollywood has changed in their attitude toward pregnant women in Hollywood, what has been your experience with this?
I don’t know what the attitude used to be, so I cannot say. What I can say is that I have felt very supported. Very encouraged. In society in general, not just limited to Hollywood, I  find that there is an almost idealization for pregnant women. Pregnancy and babyhood is big business. It’s very popular which is a good thing because I don’t think they’ve yet discovered another way to make people!  Basicially, I find that everyone loves a pregnant woman. I really think pregnant women make people happy. It’s life, it’s a gift and that’s beautiful.

Read the full interview in the March issue of Pregnancy Magazine.