Star of Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva,” Brooke Elliott is into the third season of the popular cable show playing curvy, full-figured but shy attorney Jane, whose body has been taken over by a recently deceased model, Deb. Packed with life lessons and messages about inner beauty and brains, the show attracts a bevy of big-name guest stars. This season, Paula Abdul, LeAnn Rimes and Kathy Griffin are among them. Elliott began her career as a stage performer, touring nationally with “Wicked” and “Beauty and the Beast,” before getting the starring role in “Drop Dead Diva,” where her singing talents are occasionally showcased.
Q: What was it about your childhood that set you on the path to show business?
| On TV |
| ‘Drop Dead Diva’ |
| When: 9 p.m. Sunday |
| Channel: Lifetime |
A: I started off singing when I was little. My parents have said I was singing at 3 years old. So I think it was just something I probably came into this world wanting to do and knowing I was going to do.
Q: Your parents obviously encouraged it?
A: They did. They were really encouraging and I have to say I was very, very lucky in terms of my parents, who were always supporting and always wanting me to try it and to do it. I’m so grateful for that.
Q: Did that interfere with your siblings at all? Did they feel you were getting all the attention?
A: You know, I’ve asked them that and they have said no. They all had their things that they were doing and have done great and special, too. It was just in a different area.
Q: Your role on “Drop Dead Diva” must seem a little schizophrenic. Have you adjusted to its demands?
A: You know, it’s funny. It is schizophrenic to an extent and actually not in another way. It’s Deb’s soul in Jane’s body, so everything comes from Deb’s perspective first. It’s her spirit, her point of view, it’s her eyes viewing the world and Jane’s characteristics kind of pepper on top of that. It is sometimes because you are thinking, “OK, does Deb know this? Does Jane know this? Who actually knows this?” It’s really fun, and actually one of my favorite things I get to do with this role is to figure that out and decide what she knows and what she doesn’t know and how it all plays out.
Q: As for society’s image of what a desirable woman should look like, is it men’s or women’s opinions that are ultimately more influential?
A: I really don’t know the answer. I think everything is so convoluted and messed up at this point that I don’t know, you know, is it the chicken or the egg? I don’t know what started it. I don’t know what’s perpetuating it, whether it’s men or women or both at this point. It’s a really good question.
