Actress Jennifer Morrison gets around -- the TV world, that is. She played Dr. Allison Cameron on the hit show House M.D., appeared as Ted Mosby's (Josh Radnor) latest girlfriend on How I Met Your Mother and has her new fairytale-inspired show, Once Upon a Time, premiering next month.
But there's one TV genre she won't likely be dabbling in. "I am definitely in the dark when it comes to reality shows," the 32-year-old actress tells iVillage. "I still don't completely understand how someone's name is The Situation."
Now, Morrison is making the move to the big screen, playing the wife of a mixed-martial arts fighter (Aussie actor Joel Edgerton) in the drama Warrior (in theaters Sept. 9). When iVillage caught up with the actress, she dished about the emotional role, her real-life romance with actor Amaury Nolasco and why she still hasn't jumped on the Jersey Shore bandwagon.
Warrior is such an intense film. What attracted you to the role?
When I read the script, I immediately felt drawn to her. I was a huge fan of (director) Gavin O’Connor’s work, so for me it was a no-brainer to go after that.
Did you guys do anything to lighten the mood on set?
There was an environment of family, truly, between everyone. We all got along so well, and we all wanted it to be the best it could possibly be. So there was an exciting energy, even though the material was heavy and intense at times.
There have been rumors about you possibly returning to House this season. Is that something you're considering?
I would for sure. If there was something they wanted me to do, I would do it. It was such a huge part of my life, and I love that character. So, of course, I would want to be a part of the end of that show. But as far as rumors, I have not been contacted by anyone over there.
What about How I Met Your Mother? You played Ted's girlfriend last season. Any chance you'll be back?
You know what, I have no idea. With that show I always feel like anything could happen. They are so full of surprises over there that I wouldn’t put it past them. I would be in heaven to be a part of that again. I had so much fun working on that show. I think that is the happiest place on Earth.
It seems like such a fun group of people.
It is! I remember telling them -- the first time I had a scene where I had to sit at the bar, I was like, "Guys, I’m at the booth!" They were like, "What?" I’m like, "The booth! The booth you always sit at!" They were like, "Oh, right." For them it’s totally normal, but I’ve been a fan of the show since it started. So for me I was like, "I can’t believe I get to sit at the booth!"
You also have a new show, Once Upon a Time, starting this fall. What’s that been like?
It’s been absolutely incredible. I’m completely blown away by the script. I’ve never ever read anything like this, and there’s never been anything like this on television. We go crazy waiting for the next scripts. It’s like as if someone wrote this incredible novel, but they only give you one chapter at a time and you have to wait ten days for the next one!
You play a modern-day woman who finds out she's the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. What did you think when you first heard about the fairytale aspect?
I didn’t hear about it, I just read the script. And to be honest the script is so clear that when you read it, it makes so much sense. It’s much harder to articulate without having seen the script or pilot.
You've been in so many shows lately. What are your favorite TV shows to watch?
I loved Friday Night Lights. I actually just finished watching the final season and cried through the entire thing. I’m going to miss that show a lot. I love The Good Wife, and I watch 30 Rock and Modern Family.
What about reality shows? Any favorites?
To be honest, I don’t watch any. I always feel out of the loop because everyone is always talking about different shows, and I’m like, "What?" I remember I had never even heard of Jersey Shore, and at one point, someone said something about, "Did you hear what happened with The Situation?" I was like, "What situation?" They were like, "No, The Situation." I totally didn’t understand. I still don’t completely understand how someone’s name is The Situation. I am definitely, definitely in the dark when it comes to reality shows.
You’ve been engaged in the past (to House costar Jesse Spencer). Do you think you’ll go down that road again?
I guess, probably. I try not to make a decision about aiming for something. It’s just more about letting life be what it is and sort of accepting what it is, instead of hoping it would be different.
Now you're dating Prison Break star Amaury Nolasco. What do you two like to do on date nights?
Right now, we are in two different cities all the time. So being in the same city is enough. We eat at restaurants that we love, and we go see movies. We’re pretty normal.
Is it hard having a long-distance relationship?
Of course it is. You want to always be around the person that you love.
Do you see kids in your future?
Yeah, I think I’ve always assumed at some point I would have a family of my own. I don’t know when, but at some point
Have you even been starstruck around another celebrity?
I am a huge fan of Annette Bening. I was on the carpet next to her once, and I totally didn’t have the guts to say anything. Looking back I was like, “Why didn’t I just say something?” I’ve definitely had those moments of feeling like I have no idea how to form a proper sentence when it’s someone I really have that much respect for.
What would you do if you weren’t an actress?
I would probably be a teacher. My family is all teachers, and I grew up around that. I used to actually teach children's theater years ago, and I really enjoyed it.
What’s one job you think you’d be really bad at?
Well, I probably would have said being a doctor. But now that I’ve been on House for so many years, and I’ve been around so much fake blood, I think I would be a lot calmer than I would have thought.
So being around fake blood has made you better around real blood?
I think it has. In a weird way, your brain gets used to it, instead of being so squeamish. But I know for sure I’d be a terrible flight attendant because I’m terrified of flying. I do it all the time, and I’m just miserable.
Do you do anything to help you get through it?
I mean, I’m fine once we get to 10,000 feet. As long as I can get through the first part, I’m okay. I think my brain actually thinks my fear is holding the plane up. I think, “Well, if I stop being afraid it’s going to fall."
Ali Gray is iVillage's Senior Associate Entertainment Editor. Follow her on Twitter: @thealigray
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/jennifer-morrison-warrior-interview/1-a-380467
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