Hair FAshion Images for editorial usage - BABAKGALO: On ABC’s Motive, you play a residential examiner. Having to operate on the wavelength as one of the smartest people on the show, I would assume you had to be under an enormous amount of pressure at the beginning. However, your parents are two studious professors, and so, I presume that you were probably raised around textbooks and syllabi. This must have greatly abided you in the research for your character role. Did preparing for the part generate a sort of nostalgia factor for you?

LH: A medical examiner. Ha. Yes, I grew up with two scholars for parents. Though when I was a teen, I announced that they were the intellectual type, and I was the social type. I’m sure they were so proud! The creative process on set usually includes asking a lot of questions — something my parents always fostered in me; maybe that’s why when I work, I feel at home [smiles].

GALO: On both NCIS and Motive, you took on a role as a determined, charismatic woman that proves her vigorous, unpretentious attitude from her initial introduction. Is it only a coincidence that these strong-willed women are roles you signed onto? And do you find that character traits from Dr. Rogers and Jenny Shepard (or others) start to manifest in your own life the longer you play them?

LH: And which comes first: the chicken or the egg? I think every part that I have played has at least one part of me. I have to know it to play it, at least somewhat. I’m not sure if I’ve made the characters strong-willed or if they did that to me! Regardless, I think I’m attracted to the women who do things well — whatever that is.

GALO: Dr. Rogers seems to have moved more into the spotlight in recent episodes. Her career certainly doesn’t lack intrigue from a viewer’s perspective. Do you find being wrapped in a horrifically morbid atmosphere provides a sense of security for Rogers? How do you feel your character contributes to the dynamic of the series?

LH: I always like to tease that Dr. B is really the one who solves all the crimes, at least the scientific aspect of each case! She doesn’t see the morbid, only the clues. Her irreverence comes from everyone else seeing gruesome [things]. She loves the reaction. Audiences love a little spice.

GALO: Throughout the years there have been several TV crime-drama series. What do you think sets Motive apart from other popular shows like Law and Order or Criminal Minds, which have certain commonalities — is it mainly the characters and the storyline, or do you see certain core differences that go deeper than the surface that even viewers themselves might not distinguish at first view? Additionally, are you yourself a fan of these types of shows, or do you prefer to watch something else during your leisure?

LH: Actually, I don’t watch a lot of procedurals. If I did, Motive would intrigue me. I’m into solving the puzzle of why; to me that’s way more interesting than who. Plus, the twist at the end reminds me of O. Henry. I loved his short stories with ironic endings.

GALO: Your great-grandmother was also an actress. How did her performances contribute to where you are today, despite her background being in musical theatre?

LH: Oh, trodding the boards probably just seeped into my DNA. Though she certainly didn’t pass on how to sing, unfortunately!

GALO: In the Oscar-winning movie Monster, Charlize Theron was required to gain 30 pounds and transformed herself both physically and emotionally. She starred as serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who swore that a slew of sexual assaults triggered her emotional rampage against men. After the movie, Theron launched an anti-rape campaign in South Africa. Do you feel a role has ever inspired or affected you in your personal life?

LH: Actually, a movie I just did definitely inspired me in real life. After the Ball is a Cinderella story set in the world of fashion. Now I am working with the designers of that movie, Le Château, on my own line.

GALO: What are some of your latest projects? I saw on Twitter you’re coming out with the Lauren Hollyday collection, which features holiday decorations. How did you get into this business and what can we look forward to?

LH: Yes! My Hollyday Christmas collection is about to come out. You can see it all on LaurenHollyCollection.com, and we start shipping October 10. It is my favorite time of year, and I love to decorate. My favorite item is the 12 days of Christmas linen napkins. Lauren’s Closet at Le Château begins with fall — all my favorite things to wear from head to toe.

Besides After the Ball with Chris Noth, I’m also starring in Hoovey with Patrick Warburton, and there’s Field of Lost Shoes that premieres at the end of September. I’ve been busy and happy!