Two Cents & Five Questions With...

... Lourdes Benedicto, Actress.

You've seen Lourdes on the hit show "24" as Carrie Turner in the 2003 season as well as Eva Rios in this year's brilliant but cancelled "The Nine". Her other television credits include "Dawson's Creek", "Titans", "ER" and "NYPD Blue". Lourdes has also appeared in films such as "Drive Me Crazy", "Two Days" and "The Fighting Temptations".

We were lucky enough to steal some time with Lourdes and she was kind enough to give us her Two Cents & Five Answers. Enjoy!

Two Cents: You have been a part of two of TV's most talked about serial style dramas; 24 and The Nine. What do you think is the current appeal of the serial-style compared to the more traditional form that ties up every episode?
Lourdes Benedicto: Although I think that the trend of serial dramas might have reached its limit (people don't have the time to commit to more than one or two of them in their continually busier lives); the appeal I believe is the investment in the characters and stories. You don't put down a good novel just before you find out what happens! Good writers know how to unfold a story that keeps the audience wanting to know more.

TC: How did you get your start performing?
LB: I started doing theater in elementary school; then there was theater summer camp and finally I got a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Carnegie-Mellon University's conservatory.

TC: What fun websites do you visit for your own entertainment?
LB: Well I'm a dork and my husband and I love to travel and I love going on line and researching where we're going; booking flights, hotels, restaurants etc.
I don't really find entertainment stimulating on line; but I love the immense resource the internet can be.

TC: What is the most embarrassing 'fad' you completely bought in to?
LB: Asymmetrical hair cut in junior high.

TC: What future projects can the Two Cents readers look forward to seeing you in?
LB: I just finished shooting a part in Darren Star's new pilot for ABC, called "Cashmere Mafia".

*Two Cents Bonus Question*
TC: If someone were to climb off a desert island and only have time to watch five movies to learn what American cinema is all about, what five movies would you show them?
LB: Wow! This is going to be hard... American Graffiti*, Godfather I and II, Star Wars, Gone With the Wind, Forrest Gump*
*these choices are more about the American culture they portray...

We can't thank Lourdes enough for sharing with us today! Be sure to look for her on "Cashmere Mafia" next season!