Actress, Washington Native: Olivia Wilde

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D.C.'S OLIVIA WILDE has tackled the teen market (as Alex on "The O.C."), the prime-time drama (as Thirteen on "House") and the Hollywood blockbuster (next year's much-anticipated "Tron"). But she takes an indie turn with her new film, "Fix," directed by and co-starring her husband, Tao Ruspoli. The actress — and daughter of veteran news journalists — chats about working with a spouse and coming home for the holidays.

» EXPRESS: Tell us about "Fix."
» WILDE: I like to describe the film as a dark comedy, a road movie and a story about a family. It's about two brothers, one of whom has 12 hours to get his brother to rehab, or else he'll have to go to jail for seven or eight years. It involves this wild odyssey through Los Angeles, where they encounter all these different characters.

» EXPRESS: Was it difficult to work alongside your husband?
» WILDE: It was fun! The great thing about working with someone that you're involved with romantically and whom you respect and admire is that you trust them. I really felt very safe in Tao's hands and very free to take risks. I think that's when actors can really thrive.

» EXPRESS: You grew up in Georgetown. Do you come back here often?
» WILDE: I'll actually be back for Thanksgiving to see my family. Every time I visit, I'm struck by what a beautiful city it is. Whenever I meet other people in Los Angeles who also grew up in D.C., we have an immediate connection and camaraderie. It's a very cool place to be from.

» EXPRESS: Now you live in Venice, Calif., which seems like the opposite of D.C.
» WILDE: I actually settled in Venice because it's the most East Coast of all the L.A. neighborhoods. It's a pedestrian place — you walk or bike to the bank, the post office, the gym. Unlike other parts of L.A., you actually know your neighbors. There's a real sense of community here.

» EXPRESS: Do you enjoy the red carpet aspect of being a celebrity?
» WILDE: We dress up so much in this business — I'm always getting gussied up for something or other. I like to be experimental, take risks and learn about the designers because, of course, they're artists, too. I don't obsess over it, but I certainly appreciate the chance to wear some of these beautiful things.

» EXPRESS: Is it annoying to be photographed so often?
» WILDE: Actors are not politicians. We're not claiming to be perfect; in fact, quite the opposite. We're eccentrics, artists, people who like to play. The idea that the paparazzi might "catch" me looking sloppy, silly or fat is ridiculous. I have nothing to hide; if someone gets a picture of me spilling on myself, well, I'm only human. As an actor, my only job is to be human.

» EXPRESS: On the plus side, you've started popping up on best-dressed lists.
» WILDE: I would never want the pressure of being any sort of fashion icon. People must always expect you to always look fabulous, and I am nowhere near that. One night I could be wearing a beautiful Marchesa dress, but the next morning, I'm schlepping around in painting jeans and a T-shirt.

Photo courtesy Tao Ruspoli