Jennifer Aniston and Melissa
Etheridge Chat on Voxxy.com 02/05/2001
Jennifer_Aniston: Enters Voxxy Chatt
coconut: Did your parents approve of your being an actress ?
Jennifer_Aniston: No, My father especially not. he's an actor himself. he though the amount of rejection would be to painful and he wanted me to have a career that would guarantee a salary. So, of course that made me want to do it even more
joyce: my daughter is 14 and an aspiring actress from Hamilton Ontario Canada (near Toronto) can you give us some hints on how to break into the acting world.
Jennifer_Aniston: First of all, make sure you know why you're doing it. second of all, take classes an get into a great acting class. Find a wonderful teacher. It's a tough business and you have to have thick skin. And that's something they don't teach in class.
Jennifer_Aniston: And just have a lot of patience. I had bad job after bad job. One movie in particular called "Leprechaun" Youv'e go to start somewhere!
kayteapee: What are your views on eating disorders ???
Jennifer_Aniston: Get to the root of the problem...talk, talk, ask questions, educate yourself. I haven't had one but I've battled with the issue of weight..and its very painful and very confusing an I think this insdustry contributes to that.. the unrealistic goals that girls are trying to achieve, whether it's the acting or modeling world. Find someone to talk to and get to the root of the problem. I'm just now starting to educate myself about it because I've been hit with so many accusation about having an eating disorder myself. But I have no problem with eating !
katerbuggie: If you could change on thing you've done, what would it be ?
Jennifer_Aniston: Nothing. There are no regrets...only lessons.
voxxycrazt: Jennifer, I think you are the greatest actress in the world an you are very inspiring. In fact you made me take drama classes outside of school. Thank you and did you want to be a role model for young women a you have become ?
Jennifer_Aniston: No, Absolutely not... I don't even know what that means to be a role model
whiteladder: Does it frustrate you that people think they have a right to your perosonal life ?
Jennifer_Aniston: It does sometimes..yes, absolutely, but I also understand why they feel the way they do...again the "damn media."
Melissa_Etheridge: Hello Jen, How are you doing ? Are you nervous ?
Jennifer_Aniston: I'm petrified !
Jennifer_Aniston: Melissa is here with me because she's the coolest chica on the planet.... an she's a good role model.
barbra: MELISSA HOW DID YOU MET JEN ?
Jennifer_Aniston: The first time I remember was at a mutal friend's ( Ellen Degeneres ) party. She impressed me because she knew a game I was playing.
Jennifer_Aniston: Oh my God ! lol
Melissa_Etheridge: The game was snaps.
winnie: How did the two of you become such close friends ?
Melissa_Etheridge: Mutual admiration. In this town, you might meet a lot of people. but rarely do people make a connection. And when you do you work hard to keep the contact. You might not see them very much but when you do, you make sure it's quality.
Jennifer_Aniston: that's right. that's always how it's been.
Melissa_Etheridge: Plus...She married anold Griend of mine.
jamie214: Jennifer, I know you parents are divorced and my parents just recently told me they are getting a one..Do you have any advice on how to deal with it?
Jennifer_Aniston: You probably won't realize...gosh, how do you deal with it. Talk to each other ....don't let them escape. My parents tried to escape each other and me. If I had only known I could plop down next to them and ask them...at the time though parents weren't really getting divorced, I was the minority. And Don't let them fight through you either. And it has nothing to do with you..which is one think I didn't do...I could go on and on. It's a tough one to give a quick answer to.
sara1: Jennifer, how do you tink the media's obession with thinness affects womens self esteem?
Jennifer_Aniston: I think they affect it by putting it out there. It starts with the human being and their obsession, and the media just feed on it. The hardest thing to get is an understanding of who you are and what you're trying to achieve. You have to realize that the media isn't real, it's fantasy..It's created. The obsessions start within unfortunately and the media feeds into it. Detach yourself---put d0own the magazines. That's what I've done. I'm right there with you, I 'm in the same boat, I did it when I was a teenager and when I was in my 20's.
weazy: Melissa- What do you do when you meet someone is prejudice? Do you try to educate them? Nothing worst than ignorance I say!!
Melissa_Etheridge: That's a good question. Ihave always felt to respond with kindness and love and understanding. The hate comes from fear and that they are only afraid of what thery don't understand. And if I can present myself as a loving, caring human being....then maybe they don't have so much to fear.
Jennifer_Aniston: true word, my friend That's a big thing we need to distingush in the world---fear and shame. It feeds on itself and grows into a bigger and beigger ball.
omid: Melissa and Jennifer. Do you sometimes feel freaked out when you meet obsessive fans?
Jennifer_Aniston: No. Of course there have been moments that have been scary when they come out of a dark corner...but No. I Love fans and their enthusiasm.
Melissa_Etheridge: When they let go of the hair is nice!
Jennifer_Aniston: When they stop ripping the clothes, that's a good thing.
americaneagle: Jennifer, I think this is great that you take time out to talk to us. Do you happen to do any other charities?
Jennifer_Aniston: Well I've been involved with the Rape Treatment Center and the Lily Clare Foundation. Voxxy is not a charity, its a company and I like what they stand for.
doube100: Jennifer: You are a spokeswoman for young teens but yet you have such a difficult body image for young teens to obtain, If you weren't on television would you still be as fit as you are now or do you work out so hard because you are always in the spotlight?
Jennifer_Aniston: First of all, I 'd like to say that I don't feel I'm a "spokes person" for young teens and women in the quest for truth about the world and what it's all about. Would I be as fit if I wasn't on TV. I don't know, since I am. All I know is that being fit makes me feel very good. I sleep better and I feel better about myself. Unfortunately they go hand in hand. That's tha truth about the business. But I don't do it for the business--I do it for myself.
dreamqueen16: Jennifer do you plan on having kids in the future? I know they would be beautiful!
Jennifer_Aniston: That's very sweet and I sure do.
sammie: Jennifer do you feel like the media is pressuring you to have children?
Jennifer_Aniston: No, not at all.... they are just filling pages..
Jennifer_Aniston: And there are no fertility problems!
chuckles: Jennifer and Melissa, do either of you have any pets?? If so what are their names?
Jennifer_Aniston: I have a doggie... and now five "stepdogs" <Laughs> and there are too many names to mention!
grant: Jenn, How do you feel about raising children in the spotlight? does Melissa say anything about it? Hard?
Melissa_Etheridge: Yeah...I'm sure when the day comes by Jen. It is really is... I have always felt very protective of my children. I didn't want any secerts around them. That's why I gave all the information to the media so they would leave my children alone. The spotlight was something I chose for me If my children chooses...Fine. But it is something I would not like to bring upon them.
Jennifer_Aniston: And that day is far far away!
Jennifer_Aniston: It is something that we've talked about in terms. I'd have to agree with Melissa on that. It hasn't happened yet , but I think you have to be very honest with them and keep them away from that world..Move away if possible. Keep their lives very normal. Being raised with a "silver spoon" has a lot of downsides..they have to realize there are chores and jobs. You have to love one another. It's not all qlitz and glamour.
hope777: Jen do you think you will ever reconcile with your mom and do you want to or do you think it is better if you don't talk to her because it could cause conflicts in your life?
Jennifer_Aniston: At some point in my life I hope my mother and I will get together, unfortnately that got dragged out ino the public eye. this a wound that needs to heal slowly and time does that. And we love each other.
culigurl: Melissa, congrats about your grammy nomination !
Melissa_Etheridge: Oh, thanks ! It was a surprise !
Jennifer_Aniston: yeah, congratulations..I didn't know that !
chuckles: Jennifer do you regret not attending university ?
Jennifer_Aniston: Yes, I do..at times. When they use "them big words !" No, absolutely I regret it...again, I wouldn't go back and change the way my life has gone...but I do regret it but I had to do the acting thing
Melissa_Etheridge: Youv'e done okay !
Jennifer_Aniston: That's why I'm here I need you guys to educate me !
raqui: What are u thinking of doing mainly after Friends u said u wanted to do some theatre is that still on ? ? ? ? ?
Jennifer_Aniston: Oh I would love to go back to the theater I would absolutely love it. It's a thrill like nothing else. I'm waiting for the right thing to come across my desk.
cjc: I am trying to get acting jobs right now and my agent told me that I should losse a few pounds. I'm not big by any means, I weigh 122 and Im 57, but now I feel so bad about image. I've started working out, but I haven't noticed anthing. What do I do?
Jennifer_Aniston: Don't lose a pound tell your agent to Go to Hell !
Jennifer_Aniston: I run and I've started
eating more believe it or not that the big misconception. You must eat well. I
dieted for so long and it was painful..and trying and trying..then one day this
"Zone" thing came around and sure enough it was such a crazy
idea.." If you eat food you can lose weight" Your body is like a car
it needs fuel. The body is smart it will hold on to things.
Melissa_Etheridge: Jen is smart.. I wish people would realize that !
chassegurl: Jen, what's the funniest thing the papers have wrote about you that wasn't True ?
Jennifer_Aniston: That I'm "hooked on drugs"
julieann: Jennifer, I was molested when I was a child and I just want to thank you personally for contributions for the rape charity.
Jennifer_Aniston: Well... my gosh. don't thank me..you're welcome and you're very brave! I'm so sorry.
sarahxx: Jennifer, how did it feel to recieve the People's Choice Award ? You deserved it !
Jennifer_Aniston: It felt wonderful ! It was a absolutely thrilling to know, that people are appeciative of what I do, because I love what I do. It means it's working..and the people, at the end of the day, that's all that matters.
bingaling: Jennifer ar you and your husband Brad planing on doing a movie together ? If yes that would be great you guys make a great couple ! ! !
Jennifer_Aniston: Some point in our lives we would love to do that but there's nothing at the moment.
chloez: what are some of your main hobbies besides acting ?
Jennifer_Aniston: Painting, clay. Being in my home, tending to my garden, margaritas...the simple things in life.
versacenyc128: Jennifer an Melissa, everyone has aninspiration for their work. Mine is obuiously the late Gianni Versace. What are your inspirations for your work ? That may be a cliche question, but I was wondering.
Melissa_Etheridge: Life is my inspiration. Has always been . There are many artist that I love...mainly Sprinsteen.
Jennifer_Aniston: My inspiration is people, human beings, T'm fascinated with them.
funmom: Jennifer & Melissa, What is your personal philosoply of life ?
Jennifer_Aniston: No shame...whatever love requires.
Melissa_Etheridge: Live everydayin the moment and in the truth !
laurenxx: Melissa- what do you think about Briteny Spears ? What about you Jennifer ? Do you guys think she is a positive role model ?
Melissa_Etheridge: You know what...Briteny Spears is entertaining. That's waht the music business is. She seems to be in her truth, in her space. I have nothing negative to say about her.
Jennifer_Aniston: ditto.
Melissa_Etheridge: Damn catching songs too !
Melissa_Etheridge: oops..catchy !
myia: If you had one object that you could save an twenty years from now, give your child, what would it be ?
Jennifer_Aniston: It's hard because I haven't been a material sort of person. Maybe the home movies I've taken of them.
Jennifer_Aniston: I don't save trinkets...maybe, the first love letter from their dad ? ?
xoxoalliexoxo: Where do you see yourself in ten years ?
Jennifer_Aniston: Hopefully not working at a restaurant !
Melissa_Etheridge: I hope I am still able to perform and write music. And people will still want to listen. But as long as I'm with my family and friends, I'm happy.
Melissa_Etheridge: And you Jen ?
Jennifer_Aniston: I want to be allowed to do what I love, which is acting... and maybe making some other wonderful contribution to the world. If that's a possibility, If I have the opportunity.
Melissa_Etheridge: Cool !
Voxxy Host: We have to end the chat, so this is our last question for Jennifer and Melissa....thank you so much for joining us tonight !
Jennifer_Aniston: Thank you for coming into the first chat. And I think this went well ! I can't imagine ever bring more nervous than tonight, but it was so much fun. And we will have a lot of topics we can talk about.
Melissa_Etheridge: Yes ! Very good, Jen I'm very proud of you ! Good lick to you ! And I wish everybody in the room an in Voxx world lots of love and strength and inspiration.
Jennifer_Aniston: That's right.
Jennifer_Aniston: We love you.
Voxxy Host: Next month Jen will join us with
another great guest so check back to Voxxy.com for details !
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