Gretchen was intent on making the word ‘fetch’ into slang for ‘cool’. She was never able to, but the White House recently tweeted a picture of the Obamas’ dog with the caption, “Bo, stop trying to make fetch happen.” Do you feel a sense of victory?
I have to say that was pretty awesome. I retweeted it and said, “OK, fetch has officially happened.” I mean, it’s the White House! People tweet me all the time: “Are you still trying to make fetch happen?” I never thought people would still be quoting Mean Girls 10 years later.
Well, the movie is part of the teen-movie pantheon at this point, like Heathers, Clueless, and every single John Hughes movie.
I understand why. Whether you’re in high school, have been in high school, or, unfortunately, even if you’re an adult, some of those dynamics do exist. So I feel like it’s the kind of movie people will always be able to relate to.
Now, in real life you don’t seem like a mean girl at all.
No, I’m not a mean girl. Life is too short. I think we all have our own path, and to ever compare your life to someone else’s is really such a waste of time.
You sound well-balanced for a former kid star. How have you avoided going off the deep end, like certain Mean Girls co-stars whose names we need not mention?
Look, life is tough, and growing up in this business is especially tough. So I really can’t take any credit other than saying I grew up in a really protective family. Also, I want a long-lasting career, so you’re not gonna find me doing anything scandalous anytime soon.
Except, perhaps, this shoot. You look incredible, by the way. What’s your secret?
I got the big call from MAXIM and then immediately put down the cupcake and ran to the gym. When you’re gonna be in MAXIM in your underwear, you work out and try to eat healthy.
We asked Andrew Dice Clay if he still has his leather jackets and Heather Graham if she has Rollergirl’s skates, so we ask you: Do you still have Claudia’s violin?
I do. It’s really special to me, but it’s too small, and I would have to get a full- size violin now if I wanted to actually play it.
What projects are you working on now?
I just filmed a movie called The Color of Rain, where I play a mum, which was a different kind of role for me. I’ve been doing the sitcom Baby Daddy on [US station] ABC Family, and then I did a horror film called Scarecrow. Oh, and I did a thriller called Non-Stop. I play a woman who is stuck on an airplane and this very odd chain of events unravels.
Have you had any real-life nightmare flights?
Not really. I have my system down to a science – I have my blankets, my snacks, my iPad, my headphones. That said, I still appreciate a kind flight attendant. I always try to give them a nice recommendation.
You mean you’ll go to the airline’s website and write, like, “Sally was very nice during the cross-check”?
Yes. I’m that person who will fill out the survey.
OK, you proved it: You’re definitely not a mean girl. But you must have at least one vice?
I’m a nice girl next door, but I love a good weekend in Vegas. Blackjack, roulette, four-card poker, slots… all of it.
For the full feature and images grab the April 2014 issue of MAXIM.
To grab a digital copy CLICK HERE. All past issues available for download.
To subscribe CLICK HERE. Australian residents only.
iPad Application also available. CLICK HERE. All past issues available for download.
