In Full Bloom
He's a survivor
Orlando had a life-changing experience several years ago when he fell three stories and broke his back. "It really tested my belief in myself and everything else because they told me I'd be in a wheelchair." he says. "It was scary, but also a blessing in disguise." Orlando left the hospital less than two weeks later and, within a year, was cast in The Lord of the Rings .
He's a leading man, on and offscreen
Orlando loves playing heros, from brave Legolas in the LOTR films to sensitive Will Turner in Pirates of the Carribian. Even when he was young, Orly used to race with his friends in order to impress his girlfriend. "I wanted to be like superman and pretend to fly in and rescue her." he says. "I think romance means politeness, openness, and making my girlfriend fell that she's someone really special."
He writes his fans
The number of his admirers has increased rapidly ever since Orlando stepped onto the spotlight, and rightfully so. Yet between all the filming and promoting, you'll be suprised to know he finds time to go through fanmail. "I get 200 letters each week and I try really hard to deal with all of them." he says. "It takes a bit of time. There are fans who write a short letter, put it in an envelope, and that's it. Those are the letters I write to first."
He ignores rumors
Orlando chooses to turn his back on the number of stories circulating around him. It was rumored that he got into the acting biz so he could kiss girls and that he only eats starchy foods. He says both rumors are rediculous and untrue. Getting the most headlines, however, is his relationship with Blue Crush actress Kate Bosworth. "She is a great girl, but I don't like to talk about that stuff." Orlando says. "People want to know everything."
He's here to stay
Admit it, it'll be totally sad to see Orlando play Legolas for the last time when The return of the King hits theaters next month. But from the early buzz on Troy and countless fan websites springing up, you know you haven't seen the last of Orly yet! "I pinch myself all the time." he says. "I feel so lucky because oppertunities have been coming, and I've managed to be around the right time and the right place."