Why did you want to become an actress?
Tanja: I was just going with the
flow of life. Things just happened. I was in high school and this friend of mine was taking summer courses in theater - it
sounded like fun so I went along one summer. Then some agents came to the show and wanted to sign me. I started going to auditions
from there.
Tell me about your new movie coming out - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Tanja:
Well, it was supposed to come out in February or March. But now it’s supposed to come out in the third quarter.
It’s with Val Kilmer and Robert Downy Jr. It’s a romantic, comedy, mystery. If that makes any sense. It’s
about Hollywood and Robert Downy Jr’s experiences... and there’s a murder... and he gets the girl. (laughs) I
play a "B" list actress who’s looking to forward her career.
Is it a pretty big part then?
Tanja: We’ll see. ‘Cause I’ve been there before - I think "it’s a big part"...
It’s definitely not a lead it’s more like supporting. But we’ll see.
You used to be a fitness instructor - do you still do that on the side?
Tanja: No, I don’t.
When I moved down here (L.A.) in 2000 - that’s when I gave it up. I was always able to do it in addition to working
- but when I moved I wasn’t able to work on anything else besides acting. The original visa I had was for acting only.
I still go to classes all the time.
Which one is harder - actress or instructor?
Tanja:
Being an actress is definitely harder. There’s so much more pressure. And a bigger responsibility. There’s definitely
responsibilities when you’re teaching classes, but the stakes are higher when performing in a movie or a TV show.
If you could cast a movie of your own - who would you cast?
Tanja: It depends
on what type of movie. I’d definitely include Sean Penn because I think he’s an amazing actor. I think it would
be a pleasure to work with him. And I also like Naomi Watts’ acting. She’s really talented. And then I’d
put me in there - I’d play Naomi Watt’s little sister. (laughs)
I also read that
you’d like to work with Pierce Brosnan - is that true? As a Bond girl?
Tanja: That’s
because I’d love to do an action film. Something like Charlie’s Angels.
What
type of music do you listen to?
Tanja: I’ve always been a really big Tori Amos fan.
I really like Kate Bush too. And every now and then I like to rock out a little bit. (laughs) I like to listen to pretty fast
based music when I work out.
Do you think you’ve passed your goals and expectations
- or is there more you’d like to accomplish?
Tanja: I’m always wanting to accomplish
more.
Did you ever think you’d get this far?
Tanja: I
really have dreams not expectations. Because I don’t want to get disapointed. I always dreamed I would get this far,
but I have bigger dreams.
Do you have any other projects coming up?
Tanja:
I’m working on Bottom’s Up. It’s with Paris Hilton and Jason Mewes from Jay and Silent
Bob. It’s another Hollywood scene movie.
