It is always a pleasure to have a conversation with Shaune, who has a sometimes ribald sense of humor and is always thoughtful and outspoken. Originally from Houston, she's a mix of fire and vulnerability, stoic strength, and always tells it just like it is. You had better learn early on when dealing with her that you simply "Don't mess with Texas..." At least not with the savvy and intelligent girl raised there. When I spoke with Shaune, we talked about the tremendous media attention she received over the last year. From high profile modeling assignments, to becoming one of the most photographed women in the world, as well as her appearance on the Howard Stern Show. 2002 is going to be a very big year for Shaune!

"I always do my best work when loaded guns are aimed at my face..."
Shaune Bagwell, 2002

ninemodels:
Hi Shaune, thanks for joining us today.

Shaune:
You're so welcome, I'm delighted.

ninemodels:
I want to start by asking you what first attracted you to the entertainment industry?

Shaune:
I mean, come on. It's the industry that almost everyone wants to be a part of. Hollywood is unbelievably crowded. It's so full of actors and industry people that it takes two hours to go five miles, there's never anywhere to park, and there are lines everywhere you go. This place is basically a nightmare most of the time. No one in their right mind would put up with such a deplorable mess if it weren't the center of the entertainment business. I do find it all to be very exciting, however. There's always something new happening, and the beach is amazing. Plus there's so many new opportunities every day. I guess you take the good with the bad. I didn't really answer the question, did I? (laughs)

ninemodels:
That's OK. Since you've lived in LA, who is the most interesting person that you have met?

Shaune:
I would have to say director Robert Altman, Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks, Sally Field, and the original "Quincy", Jack Klugman. I used to watch reruns of his show when I was a little girl. He gave me a lifelong love of science. I have my favorites though. I adore John Rzeznik, the lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls, and Sean Astin who stars in the Lord of the Rings. Sean is a very sweet person who has the most beautiful family. I'm dying to meet Barry Watson and Paul Walker, however, both of whom I would marry tomorrow. Too bad polygamy is illegal in California. If anyone knows either of them, tell them to e-mail me: shaunesb@aol.com (hysterical laughter)

ninemodels:
Who are your favorite bands?

Shaune:
The Calling, The GooGoo Dolls, Beautiful Creatures, and Aerosmith.

ninemodels:
In the past year, we have seen you in quite a few magazines, do you still have any interest in modeling?

Shaune:
Oh, absolutely. I love the fashion business so much because that's where I started working before acting. I literally grew up in the industry. I love picking clothes from the designer's collections to wear to the various events because I get to see the collections before anyone else.

ninemodels:
How does that work? Do the designers show up at your house with truckloads of clothes and give you whatever you want because they want you to be photographed in their collection?

Shaune:
(laughs) I wish! There are several public relations companies that represent the designers. They loan us what we want for the premiere or event, but we have to give it back. It's sort of like being Cinderella for the evening.

ninemodels:
Who are your favorite designers?

Shaune:
Gianni Versace, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dolce Cabana, Gaultier, Escada, and Dior.

ninemodels:
Speaking of events, we've seen you photographed at all kinds of events on the red carpet. What is it like being in front of all of those cameras?

Shaune:
It's fun, I guess. I don't really think about it. The photographers that I've met in the press line are really great people. I always make a point to say hello and chat when I step on the red carpet. I owe the press a lot, and I won't ever forget that. I am eternally grateful to God that anyone would even want to take my picture, let alone put me in their magazine.

ninemodels:
Has there ever been a negative experience that you've had with the paparazzi?

Shaune:
No, but there are some other people that follow you around when you're walking down the street. They take pictures of you as you shop and eat. I have no respect for that, it can get really creepy. They are almost never the photographers you see at premieres. Oh well, I guess they have to make a living too, as long as they don't endanger anyone lives or brutally invade anyone's privacy. If someone printed a picture of me pumping gas, that would be OK, but if I were sunbathing topless, and pictures showed up somewhere, I would be irate.

ninemodels:
Is it strange seeing yourself in the tabloids at the supermarket?

Shaune:
No, because I've only been in the fashion section so far. If I ever see myself in a magazine that says I gave birth to an alien baby, I think that would be strange. (laughs)

ninemodels:
Would you ever consider posing for Playboy?

Shaune:
It's funny that you ask that. They called me just recently, and I made an appointment to shoot the Playmate test. On the day of the shoot I canceled. I had just met Halle Berry's manager, Vincent Cirrincione, and he told me not to do nudity. He advised me to wait, then they have to pay the big bucks. Since he manages Halle, he must know what he's talking about. I was very conflicted about my decision, I sort of wanted to do it. There were things that I didn't like much about Playboy though. For one, they don't pay the girls anything. Secondly, what's up with those cheesy videos that they make the Playmates do?

ninemodels:
Who are the actresses that you most admire?

Shaune:
Nicole Kidman was brilliant in "The Others", Reese Witherspoon, I also like Cate Blanchett's work, she's so versatile.

ninemodels:
What was your favorite movie last year?

Shaune:
Shrek and Lord of the Rings. From this year, I Love "The Count of Monte Christo" because it's about getting even with those who have done you wrong! (laughs)

ninemodels:
What was your appearance on the Howard Stern Show like?

Shaune:
It was nothing like I thought he was going to be. He was so kind, respectful, fun, and polite. I have great admiration for Howard. He treated me like a lady. I think he also picked up on the fact that I'm not a total idiot. Someone called me at my hotel before the show for a pre-interview, and they were speaking to me like I was mentally impaired. I'm not trying to be funny, I swear! I finally said, "Look, I don't know who you are used to talking to, but please speak to me as your equal and not like I'm a complete imbecile!" It was insulting sort of, but I tried not to take it personally after I thought about it for a while. I know they have a variety of different folks as guests, but not all attractive women are stupid, please! (laughs)

ninemodels:
What can we look forward to seeing from you in 2002?

Shaune:
I have a role on the soap opera, "Days of Our Lives" that I will be filming next week, and I also am CO-hosting a game show for the PAX network. I would love to do a lead in a film this year. I've done many smaller roles, but I have yet to carry a film. There is so much that I need to learn, and I look forward to the future. Every day is a new adventure, and I'm so excited about everything!