You’ve been in LA for ages now. Still liking it over there?
I’ve been here nearly seven years but I love Australia. If you go to LA for a holiday, it’s awesome. It reminds me of Movie World, where I used to work. But in terms of living here, everyone’s just trying to get ahead. Nobody’s here to settle or have a family. I’ve noticed that everyone drives around solo and it’s a very single town. I don’t think I know any couples.
So you’d return here to settle down?
Absolutely. I always look forward to coming home – I miss my Aussies so much. I get a lot of paparazzi attention in LA and I wouldn’t want that for my children. It’s not a healthy way to live. I can’t really have any privacy unless I’m in my house.
What’s the difference between LA dudes and Aussie blokes?
There’s no comparison. In LA the guys are very feminine – even more than I am. They get manicures and pedicures and will always be looking in the mirror. I’ll be ready to go in 10 minutes but it’ll take them an hour-and-a-half. It’s a vain town.
Has that rubbed off on you?
Looks only last for a little while, and I like to think I’m a pretty funny, quirky person, so I don’t want my appearance to be the focus. Having said that, here I am in MAXIM wearing bikinis. Everyone in Australia knows I’m just a Gold Coast bogan but I’m trying to work on America getting to know me in that way. They actually see me as a Paris Hilton type but I’d like for them to know how I grew up – without money and doing it all on my own.
Do you get approached by guys a lot?
I do. It might be the Aussie, down-to-earth thing but I’m over it right now. I’m going on a fast. Despite where and how I live, I’m pretty grounded. It’s not about money. I want normal stuff.
What’s the dating scene like?
I don’t find it very hard but my girlfriends find it impossible. It’s a fickle town and unlike Australia at all. With my job, I imagine it’s difficult for a man, with the kissing scenes and wearing bikinis. You don’t really want your girlfriend doing that, and it tends to bring out a bit of jealousy.
Your accent is still strong – that’s hot.
It’s not as bad, or good, as it used to be. When I got here I sounded like Kath and Kim. But I love our accent – it’s cool. And whenever I come back after visiting Australia, nobody knows what I’m saying. Also, Aussies have potty mouth. And we kinda get away with it over here because the accent is cute; when Americans start swearing it just sounds obnoxious.
Are you a fan of Valentine’s Day?
I’m not into it and I’m not really a romantic. No movies or walks along the beach. I like chilling and hanging out. If you’re with a good person, it doesn’t matter where you are. I’ve been to the most beautiful places, on private jets, all of it, but if you aren’t into the person it’s horrible. I just like to laugh and enjoy myself.
Cool. We’ll get two tickets to Wet’n’Wild.
Exactly! Actually, I don’t really want the paparazzi taking photos of me in bikinis. Let’s go to Dreamworld instead?
Done. What’s the worst date you’ve had?
It was with a famous actor who spent the entire time talking about himself – how good his body looked and how he could be a model – and didn’t ask one question about me. He was texting most of the time as well. At the end I was like, “I think you’re depressed. And I think how you acted was really rude.” Didn’t go down too well.
And the best?
Honestly, my ideal date would just be at my house, having dinner cooked for me. Men here have a problem cooking for you but I feel comfortable in my apartment. Bring some flowers and Angel Champagne. Simple.
Advice time: what’s the best way to approach someone you fancy?
I had a guy come up to me and say, “I just had to come up to you.” But he didn’t think it through and that was all he said. So I was like, “Oh, OK. Cool. Well… I gotta run.” You’ve got to have a plan of attack, which comes with confidence. You can always tell if someone has good self-esteem, which is sexy. And a joke always wins me over.
Would you date a non-celebrity?
I’d love that. I couldn’t date another actor. There’s too much ego. I just like someone who’s passionate – but not about me. I went out with a fan and they knew everything about me by the second date. I knew nothing about them. It was a bit weird.
You split from fiancé Jimmy Esebag last year. What did you learn from that?
I’ll be a lot more careful about yelling it to the world. I’ll keep it very quiet next time. I actually don’t date a lot but it looks like I do because I can’t do anything in private. That’s a reason I wouldn’t date another celebrity. I want something private and real.
Did you cop much criticism because of the age gap and the fact he’s pretty wealthy?
As soon as the news comes out, everyone thinks they own you and want to say something about it. Australia was very supportive when it ended. I’ve been unlucky in love, so when you finally meet someone you connect with and you think it’s real, it’s so exciting. But I do tend to make decisions very quickly for that reason. I’ve been through a lot, and a lot that hasn’t been publicised, but I bounce back amazingly quick now. It’s not just dealing with the situation but you have to deal with the public, too. You might be crying in the car but you have to get out and smile for the cameras – and then you can get back in the car and cry again.
In 2008 you split from Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden after two years together. Do you still hang out with him at all?
Nah. I would, but I think it’s healthier just to move on. With Benji we were more like best friends and it was a case of bad timing. There was a bit of hurt there but definitely no hard feelings. I was young in love at the time. I grew up really quick, industry-wise, but in terms of relationships I’d only dated one person – for seven years. I hadn’t been hit on or anything like that. Then I came to LA and that was my second real relationship. I’ve made the same mistakes everyone has but I’ve made them later.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt about men?
They’re completely different to women. I know both sexes really well and… I wanna come back as a man. You’re just so black and white, and much more reasonable. Compared to women, you’re very basic. We’re all over the place. You might meet a girl and a few months down the track she’s completely different. Women can keep up a façade for months. It must be so hard for you guys. Another thing – I’m not precious about stuff like leaving the seat up. I actually think the girl should leave the seat up for the guy. It’s such a double standard.
What don’t we know about you?
I have a habit. I drive an auto, and I drive with one leg out the window. I have to do it. It makes people really nervous but you don’t need that leg and it’s just more comfortable. Also, I’m bad when it comes to wearing underwear. It’s not for sexual reasons, I’m just lazy. I love freeballing. My sisters do it, too – it’s very Aussie. Hence the camel toe photos you always see on gossip sites. It’s actually more famous than me in the US, but you’ve gotta laugh at that stuff. I might have to get it insured.
Daniel Steiner
For the full feature and images grab the February 2012 issue of MAXIM Australia.
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