The deliciously perverse Julie Cooper, that’s her; Lady Heather, that’s her again. Meet Melinda Clarke, though The O.C. (which France 2 repeats daily) has just gained its popularity, and before a new appearance on CSI. Attention, Melinda talks with us during an eventful week of The O.C.’s season 3. There’s only one revealed secret, but as of right now, you’ve been warned
Does the role of bitchy girl on The O.C. amuse you?
Melinda: It’s an absolute blast. It’s so me. Seriously, for me, it’s about a woman who’s trying to survive. I think that if she had been a man, she would have been gay, she’s so funny. I don’t believe that [the producers] had a really long-term vision for my character. I was only listed as a guest star in the first few episodes because they didn’t have the budget. But once the pilot was picked up, Rachel Bilson and I were made regular characters. I also believe that in the original projection of the show, Julie was supposed to disappear after seven episodes. That would have been a real shame!
What do you think of Mischa’s departure?
M: Mischa is a young woman who is professional, beautiful, and talented. I am certain that she will have lots of success in everything she does. The last scenes are remarkable and like the rest of the world, I was in tears. In fact, a true surprise would have been if she were to return next season, coming out of a coma or something like that. Mischa would have loved that.
You’re also a professional dominatrix on CSI.
M
aradoxically, it’s easier to be Lady Heather. I slip into it like a glove; the character is so well written, where as Julie Cooper demands a lot more work. But it is a brilliant role, one of my favorite characters! I think of myself as a regular guest, but, as luck would have it, last year, the two series went head to head in the time slot, and I thus could not appear again [on CSI]. I will be interpreting the character a fourth time, for the end of this season, all the better because Grissom is a fascinating character. Who doesn’t love to see a good old love triangle?!
