Profile:　Leisha Hailey
Born in Okinawa, Japan in 1971 and grew up in the United States from the age of 5. Once she graduated high school, Hailey moved to New York to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After completing her education, she made her way into the field of music - most notably as part of the indie rock duo, The Murmurs. In 1994, Hailey appeared in the cult hit, lesbian film, "All Over Me" and promptly became an icon within the American lesbian scene. In 2004, after an end to the band, she took on the role of journalist Alice Pieszecki in The L Word. In 2007 she returned to her musical roots as part of the electro-pop duo Uh-Huh Her. Hailey is currently preparing to star in a spin off of The L Word, sure to bring more attention her way.

Alice Pieszecki, a perky journalist who has appeared regularly on the stylish hit lesbian drama The L Word since Season 1, just may be everybody’s favorite character. Alice has charmed her way into the hearts of viewers of all genders and persuasions with her cheery, chatty, and humor-filled approach to life. In fact, owing to her popularity, Alice was selected to head The L Word's spin-off. The woman behind this beloved & upbeat character is out musician and actress, Leisha Hailey.

Last year, Hailey made a tremendous return to the world of music after taking some time off to focus on her role in the popular Showtime drama. Now, the long-standing queer girl icon is just as passionate about pursuing her dreams as ever - and she has plenty on her plate as she both tours with Uh Huh Her and works on filming for the upcoming L Word spin-off. Incidentally, the Japanese release of Uh Huh Her’s CD has been set for mid January 2009 and things are already looking good for the band here judging by downloads of their Japanese ringtones and a rapidly growing fan base.

Tokyo Wrestling spoke with Leisha Hailey on two occasions - once two and a half years ago for her first Japanese interview and once last month, with her band mate Camilla Grey, for the Japanese release of Uh Huh Her’s CD. In the following pages, we will post parts from both, starting with the earlier interview in which she talks about coming to Japan and seeing Shinjuku (back in her obscurity days) as well as the US lesbian baby boom and some LA hang out spots. The latter half of the interview covers what it was like on the set of Season 6 of The L Word, in addition to some of the newest information to come out about the spin-off!

★For our latest full interview with Uh Huh Her, follow the link here.

★Uh Huh Her　CD release (Japan)
Scheduled for January 21, 2009
TECI-24541 2,520 yen (with tax)　
Ringtones for "Say So" and "Not a Love Song" are available in Japan
through the ChakuUta/Ringtone provider RecoChoku (Japanese)!

--Could you tell me a little about how and why you became involved in The L Word?

Well, I had studied acting for a long time, and was also in the film "All Over Me" (1994). For 10 years before I was in The L Word, I had been playing in The Murmurs and music was really central in my life. But just when I was beginning to feel like I was at a turning point in my music career, I heard about The L Word. It was going to be the first lesbian drama and everyone in the lesbian scene was talking about it. My friends and everyone was really excited. And I really wanted to be a part of it, so I went in to audition.

--You are yourself a lesbian, right?

Yes, the only out lesbian among the original main cast. But Daniela Sea joined from Season 3.

--Do you take part in the creation of the stories, as a lesbian?

Since I‘m an actress, I don’t usually get involved in writing. They just hand me a finished script and it’s my job to act it out.

--In my interviews with a few lesbians from Los Angeles, I had asked who on The L Word they thought most resembled a true-to-form real-life lesbian. Most people responded Alice or Shane. Do you have any friends that remind you of Alice or Shane?

Yes. But at the same time, all the characters resemble friends of mine in one way or another. But still, I have to admit, I do have one friend that’s exactly like Alice (laughs).

--Alice does have a special popularity among lesbians. Especially recently.

Thank you! I like her too, so it’s really nice to hear that!

--What do you think is most attractive about Alice?
The fact that she’s got a great sense of humor, and she’s so candid - she doesn’t try to hide how she feels. I think that’s why so many people relate to her. Not even just lesbians, straight women too. I really liked it when Alice and Dana were a couple. Alice had to face a lot of tough stuff in Season 3, which meant it was very challenging for me, but rewarding as well - to have to tackle such deep emotion.

--Is there anything that you have in common with Alice?

Unfortunately, no. I’m a very shy person, so I’m actually envious of how she can just come up with these perfect one-liners. I’m totally different (laughs).

●The L Word Season 3　DVD Collector's Box Set
DVD on sale
6 disc set ￥9,800(w/tax ￥10,290)

●The L Word Season 4
Available for rental from November 5, 2008

●Broadcast (Japan): FOX Life HD
www.foxlife.jp