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Shy 'Post Grad' actress Bledel stays within her comfort zone

Published online on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

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SANTA MONICA -- There are plenty of words that have been used to describe those who make their living as actors: extroverts, exhibitionists, overbearing, attention seekers.

Those descriptions don't come close to describing the soft-spoken Alexis Bledel. Get this: She's shy.

Although she selected a career that often comes with a spotlight -- her's coming through the hit TV show "Gilmore Girls" and films like "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" -- Bledel's not in it for the attention.

"I wonder sometimes if acting is the right thing for my personality. But the truth is I am comforted by the fact that a lot of actors are shy," Bledel says during an interview at the Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica to promote her starring role in "Post Grad."

Even as she talks about her new movie, there is something about Bledel's body language that supports her shy claims. She's seated at the end of a couch with her legs pulled tight under her model-thin frame. The only time she comes out of this tucked position is to take a few sips from a cup of tea.

The trick to being a shy person in such an overt career, explains Bledel, is to structure your life around your own comfort level. Most of the time that means living the kind of life that would send paparazzi to sleep. She's not hot on the party trail. If you were to see her home you would find countless novels she's currently reading.

Bledel's career choice was not the result of being pushed into acting while growing up in Texas. Her parents tried to expose her to as many artistic outlets as possible and that included community theater. Bledel develop a mixed-bag interest in the humanities from photography to costuming. She finally decided acting provided her with the outlet to all of her interests.

"I never pictured myself as an actor. I always thought that I would be behind the scenes," Bledel says.

In "Post Grad," Bledel's character has a very distinct plan for her life after college. Things change and she must consider a career right turn. That's similar to what happened to Bledel. She entered New York University's film school when she was 18 years old, intent on creating the foundation for her future life behind the scenes.

To make money, Bledel started modeling. A fellow model said acting classes helped with modeling so Bledel took a few classes. The behind-the-scenes life plan began to fade as Bledel discovered how much she liked acting.

A year later she was thrown into the limelight when the "Gilmore Girls" became an instant hit. Bledel has had steady work since then, but she can relate to her "Post Grad" character. Bledel's not certain where her acting life will lead.

The 27-year-old actress is open to going back to television, but she's not shy in saying it would take a TV series with the same quality as "Gilmore Girls" for her to seriously consider it.

"I like to see what comes my way and take the path of least resistance. I am not a planner in that way. I think it is great to have confidence, to have goals. But you have to be adaptable when things come your way," Bledel says.