Non-MX Interviews: Lauren Lee Smith (3/09 Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Excerpt from Philippine Daily Inquirer 3/27/09: Lauren Lee Smith

Hear it from ‘CSI Las Vegas’ cast
By Pam Pastor
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lauren Lee Smith (Riley Adams)

No, she’s no Sara Sidle replacement

You’ve seen her on “L-Word,” now you’ll see her on “CSI.”

The first thing Laureen Lee Smith wants “CSI” fans to know is that she will not replace Jorja Fox, who played Sara Sidle. “That would put way too much pressure on me,” she said.

How hard was it to walk onto a set as a newcomer?

“It was very daunting coming into something so established. First few days, I was very, very nervous, but everyone made it so easy.”

Can you tell us about your character?

“Riley comes into the show when they’re understaffed. They need a CSI out in the field. She’s CSI Level 2 – a cop, from St. Louis. She has a bit of an issue with authority figures. She likes to push people’s buttons.”

How much research did you do to prepare?

“It was crazy. I had about a week. They flew me to Vegas and had me do a ride-along with actual CSIs. They had me go to the crime lab in Los Angeles.”

How did you end up with a job on the biggest show in the world?

“I think they had seen a demo tape of mine from some films and some past television stuff that I’d done. I flew in from Vancouver and we just talked about the character. It sounded like an amazing opportunity. I got very lucky.”

In a show that kind of deals with death and darkness, how hard is it to let go of that at the end of the day when you’re going home?

“It’s pretty weird. But for the most part, you just have to let it go. It’s part of the job, and you have to sort of put your brain in a different place. Some days are easier than others. It helps that everyone has a really wicked sense of humor.”

What has been your worst moment so far?

“Watching the autopsies are pretty gross. I know everything is fake. I know it’s plastic and I know it’s fake blood and I know it’s not real brains, but for some reason, when they’re, like, squishing stuff, it’s pretty gross. Especially when it’s right after lunch.”

© Philippine Inquirer