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by � S H E R Y L � A L T M A N

In "Out of Sight," this summer's film adaptation of an Elmore Leonard crime novel, Jennifer Lopez tackles perhaps the most challenging role yet in her budding career -- and nails her performance as a federal marshal. Film critic Janet Maslin wrote in The New York Times, "If it was hard to imagine a hardworking, pistol-packing bombshell on the page, it couldn't be easier here."

Aside from dusting co-star George Clooney, the 28-year-old's acting has landed her a lucrative spokesmodeling contract. Women's Wire caught up with Lopez at a L'Oreal luncheon in New York City, where she talked about more than just makeup.

Her Lucky Break
After a stint as a dancer on TV's "In Living Color" ("That was cool, but I didn't like to be anyone's backup") and a few small movie roles, Lopez's career took off when she won a nationwide search to star as murdered Tejano singer Selena in the 1997 biopic. "I've been very lucky. Once I got my foot in the door, everything fell into place," she says. Her $1 million salary for "Selena" instantly made Lopez the highest paid Hispanic actress in history.

New Projects
Besides this summers "Out of Sight", Lopez is filming the crime drama "Thieves" with "Kiss the Girls" director Gary Fleder and the sci-fi flick "Imposter."

Lopez is filming the crime drama "Thieves" with "Kiss the Girls" director Gary Fleder and the sci-fi flick "Imposter."

Move Over Madonna
"I've made a Latin-flavored album that will hopefully be released next January," Lopez reveals. "I want to be like Shirley MacLaine or Bette Midler and do it all -- sing, dance, act."

Her Background
The Puerto Rican "Bronx Bombshell" is the daughter of a computer specialist and teacher. "I grew up in a typical Latin home -- lots of music and great food," she says. "Now I'm like royalty in the Bronx -- no kidding. My whole neighborhood cheers me on."

That's Amor
Lopez's lips are sealed when it comes to her love life ("The personal stuff is off limits, okay?"). She recently divorced her husband, model/actor Ojani Noa, after one year of marriage.

Favorite Accessory
"My cell phone. It's attached to my ear," she says. Lopez pulled it out at the Oscars this year to call her mother. "Warren Beatty took it from me to say hi. Mom said, 'That's nice. Put Jennifer back on.'"

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