Brian Bowen Smith
But after our day with Anna, we long most for her amazing energy. This is a girl who likes her workouts hard, her coffee "giant," and admits that she doesn’t like to sit still. After Stephen drops her off and takes their two dogs to the park, Anna dishes about everything from the pressure to stay thin in Hollywood to whether she sees True Blood kiddies in her future.
Q: You started out acting and got an Oscar for The Piano at such a young age. How did you turn out so, well, sane?
A: I have a really, really, really normal family. And by normal I mean we’re all nuts on some level. I think you’ve gotta be a little nuts to pursue any kind of creative job. I was also a really good kid. I know that sounds really dull, but I didn’t rebel in the traditional sense.
Q: In what areas of your life are you healthiest—and less so?
A: Well, I could probably drink less coffee and drink more water. I try to eat well, but sometimes you can be a little too obsessive. It’s good to remember it’s actually not the be-all and end-all, and if you’re absolutely falling down with exhaustion, really, do you need to go to the gym? I’m very hard on myself. So I’ll be inclined to go until I hit a wall and collapse, or someone is like, "Mmm, stop." Contrary to what you believe, you are not actually superhuman.
Q: Right, you’re not being chased for your life.
A: As I get older, I’m learning to balance that stuff better. Not focus on one thing at the expense of everything else. Sometimes it’s like, walk away from the elliptical machine. Go sit outside. Do something relaxing. Because you’ll be in a better mood.
Q: Your character is a tough cookie. Were you already like that?
A: I’ve always been a tough cookie. I just didn’t do it in short shorts and a blonde ponytail. I mean, if you’re going to be spending literally every single day of your working life wearing clothes that barely cover your body, you’re gonna be extra-diligent. I’ve always been pretty diligent. Just that, there’s just a little extra motivation of, "Hmmm, teeny white shorts and a bikini top? I think I will go to Pilates this morning."
Q: What do you love doing?
A: My favorite workout by far is boxing.
Q: You go a couple of times a week.
A: At least. It’s so much fun. You do a full proper boxing workout. You start jumping rope, and you do the pads, where your trainer calls out the combinations and you do them.
