Jennifer Love Hewitt Stars in 'The Client List”

Jennifer Love Hewitt knows her character in the new Lifetime film, entitled The Client List, will be judged. As the mother of three children who turns to prostitution to keep the bills paid, Hewitt’s character, Samantha Horton, is not the most prestigious character out there.

“You do root for her and you do judge her, and you love that you judge her and by the end of it, you really forgive her for all that she’s done,” Hewitt says. “Sometimes the best role models, and the people you should look up to the most, are the ones who actually do make mistakes because they show you how to overcome them.”

The Client List, which will premier Monday at 9/8c, is based on the true story of Samantha Horton, a young mother who takes a position working at a massage parlor only to find herself in the middle of a prostitution ring after she and her husband lose their jobs.

Hewitt says the film intrigued her. “It really struck me, particularly where we are in the world economically. This is real stuff that people are dealing with… And I love that, in this, it was about female empowerment. It was really her taking care of her family and I loved her struggle.”

In preparations for the role, Hewitt began taking pole-dancing lessons. However, no other research or preparations were made before filming began.

“I wanted to learn as Sam was learning it and I think it helped me in doing that,” the actress says. “This project in particular, I really went on a journey with her because I didn’t do any real research or preparation. …I really felt for Sam and her story and her struggle.”

Hewitt believes this emotional journey alongside her character have made the film, and the character, one of the actress's favorite roles in her “20-plus-year acting career.”

For the actress’s future, Hewitt says she is still trying to find what to do next. Despite the cancellation of Ghost Whisperer in May after five seasons on CBS, Hewitt says she is looking at some TV shows as well as film roles.

After performing an emotional role in The Client List, she seems ready to experiment with her skill and find different genres to work in.