A: Oh yes. I had auditioned a year before for a smaller part as a

girlfriend of Doug Ross. And they remembered me. When I went to audition

for this part, I thought I wouldn't get it. I thought the character

would be more stereotypical - big and tough. Then I got the part, and it

was the kind of energy the show needed at that point.

Q:Why is Dr Weaver's glamour downplayed so much?

A: When I first read for the part, I said to the producers that I should

have no makeup, no hairstyle .... this is just somebody who doesn't

waste an ounce of energy worrying about glamour. And I thought it was

really liberating for me: To play somebody without any vanity was great.

And not to be nice all the time felt great. Now that I've become a

regular, they made me look better, and she has had to soften a bit. But

I think her edge is the core of who she is, and she will always return

to that place.

Q:What are the big differences between you and Dr Weaver?

A: I'm really into family and career comes second. Career is everything

to Dr Weaver.

Q: Will we ever see you doing the Hollywood party circuit like Julianna

Margulies and Gloria Reuben?

A: It's not my thing. I have a family, and I don't value partying all

that much. But going out to a few parties is fun and you do have to be

in the game somewhat. I'm not in the same league as Julianna or Gloria -

they're gorgeous. I think I'm great-looking, but not a beautiful

creature.

Q:If Dr Weaver came into the emergency room and in one room was Demi

Moore, another Meg Ryan and another Madonna, whom would you choose to

save first?

A: I'd have to say Meg Ryan but I would hope to save them all.

Q: George Clooney is known for his practical jokes - are you a victim?

A: Oh yeah. He got me on one of my first days. He asked if he could see

my crutch in between takes and when the cameras started rolling again,

he gave me back the crutch. I out my hand around the handle and this

surgical goop that is used on ultrasounds started oozing between my

fingers. But I got him back by putting it on a phone he had to use and

he had the stuff oozing from his ears.. But he's the king of practical

jokes - I don't come close to his antics!