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BUSY BEE RENEE BACK IN BUSINESS
Renee Zellweger talks about working with writer Jerry Seinfeld on new animated film Bee Movie which is due for release on DVD in March, and tells us why she loves voicing cartoon characters. She also discusses her disastrous 128-day marriage to singer Kenny Chesney.
For someone who insists she wanted to take time out of the industry, actress Renee Zellweger has been a bit of a busy bee.
The Bridget Jones star has a schedule which seems to be as hectic as ever, however, the 38-year-old insists shes now all play and not too much work.
I now know its important to take time off, she says. I think if youre going to be a creative person, especially in this medium, you have to have human experience to draw from. But Im not someone who
feels a drive to keep going and going until Ive achieved something anymore, she adds.
The star also pledged to do something about her personal life this year following her disastrous 128-day marriage to singer Kenny Chesney. The pair tied the knot after a whirlwind courtship but just four months later she filed for an annulment citing fraud.
Though there have been rumours of romance since, the actress says theres no-one special in her life and is understandably cautious, admitting she learned a few lessons from the short-lived nuptials.
I think I was just looking for something else, she reflects. I wanted to put acting aside and sit still for a while and not to worry about the stresses and the travel and the interviews.
These days the blonde star admits she has a renewed enthusiasm for her work because shell only take on a project if it looks like being fun, which explains why she leapt at the chance to voice one of the lead characters in the new animation Bee Movie (due for release on DVD in March).
The film is written by and stars Jerry Seinfeld, one of the biggest comedy talents in the world, and Renee admits she couldnt wait to work with the man who makes her laugh out loud.
Like everyone else I am a huge fan, she says of the star of the smash hit Seinfeld show. I thought this could be a lot of fun. I just appreciated the humour as it was spilling - and it was spilling all over
the place, let me tell you, she giggles. Every time they called and said Hey, is there a day you could be available? I just couldnt wait.
In the movie, which also features the voices of Matthew Broderick, Kathy Bates and Chris Rock, Renee plays Vanessa, a spirited Manhattan florist who befriends disillusioned bumble bee Barry B Benson (Seinfeld) giving him a crash course in how the human race works and setting him on the
path to liberation.
Its the second foray into the cartoon world for the multi-talented star, who won an Oscar for her role in Cold Mountain and became an honorary Brit for her portrayal of singleton Bridget Jones in Bridget
Joness Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
Two years ago she made her animation debut in the underwater adventure Shark Tale and says its a genre she has come to love.
When I got offered Shark Tale it took just one phone call to say yes, she enthuses. I was so excited about it. Id always wanted to do something like this. These films had a huge impact on me as a child. I would just get lost in them.
The actress also admits that another big draw of animation is the fact she didnt have to go to work dressed up to the nines.
You just head in, in the morning and its so exciting not to have to worry about having gotten enough sleep or that big pimple thats taking over the left side of your face. Its just about having the imagination
and having a really good time in the room.
Texan-born Renee has come under constant scrutiny for her fluctuating weight. She piled on the pounds for her role as curvy Bridget, but has since faced criticism for being too skinny.
The actress denies shes ever had an eating disorder and says the speculation is something shes had to learn to live with.
I try not to make it part of my day, she says with a slight shrug. I just try to take care of myself and be as healthy as I can.
And who can blame the girl for not getting too hung up it about it, when shes successful, rich, beautiful - and one of George Clooneys best mates.
Were old friends, she says of the heartthrob actor who will direct her in her next movie Leatherheads. We have a lovely relationship. Im very lucky. I still have the good things which have always been in my life. |
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