Karissa Shannon is one-half of the beautiful Shannon twins, Playboy Playmates and stars of E!'s "The Girls Next Door". Karissa and Kristina both appear in Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere," starring Benicio Del Toro. Karissa talked with TheCelebrityCafe.com's David Omansky about making the leap from the centerfold to the big screen.
TheCelebrityCafe: Without giving too much away, can you briefly describe your role in your film-debut, "Somewhere?"
Karissa Shannon: I play a girl named Cindy. She’s a funny, playful girl. She’s a twin; she’s more of a tomboy. My sister plays more of a girly-girl. We don’t really play the seductive role, it’s more like the comedy of the movie.
TCC: How did you get your role for Somewhere?
KS: They contacted our Playboy PR, and then flew us in.
TCC: What makes "Somewhere" a must-see movie?
KS: Sophia’s last movie won an Academy award. It’s got a really good cast. It has a ton of celebrity cameos. It’s just a movie that’s coming up, and no other movie is like it. It’s going to be iconic. It’s going to be huge. And there’s hot Playboy twins in it (laughs).
TCC: How does being a movie star compare to being a model?
KS: A lot better I think (laugh). You get a lot more perks with being a movie star. Models have to work a lot more. You have to stay really skinny and constantly go all over the place. Movie stars (if you have an agent) can get roles if you’re really good at what you do.
TCC: What was it like being one of Hugh Hefner’s “girlfriends”?
KS: I didn’t know what to expect going into the situation. There’s a lot of rules; it’s a whole new world. It’s a whole new life. I went to Monte Carlo, Ireland, Italy; I went everywhere. I got TV shows, a lot of experience, and stuff like that. I did a lot more covers for magazines. I did a commercial for Guitar Hero. There’s just so much stuff and opportunities, it’s just crazy.
TCC: If you had to describe Hugh Hefner in one word, what would it be?
KS: That’s tough to narrow it down to just one word: Fun-loving
TCC: How will your experience on "The Girls Next Door" help your career?
KS: I’m working on four different projects on TV shows. I’m going to do my own spin-off show with my sister. We’re working on a show with the concept with living the simple life, taking place in Argentina. It’s helped me a lot, being around the cameras for two years and filming three seasons of "The Girls Next Door."
TCC: What inspired you to do Playboy, and did you have parental support in the decision?
KS: We wanted to do modeling. People would tell us we were pretty twins when we were little. When we turned 18, we sent out pictures to Playboy. We got the address off Google (laughs). We got a call back and they sent us to Miami for a test shoot, and then we met Hef.
TCC: If you could be on the cover of Playboy with someone (not your sister), who would it be?
KS: I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone but my sister. But if I had to pick, then Paris Hilton.
TCC: How do you feel about using Twitter and making comments knowing that thousands of people will see each one?
KS: I think Twitter’s a really good thing. I have it on my Blackberry. I do it every day, five times a day. It’s a good way to communicate with fans, and get fans to know you.
TCC: What is the weirdest thing a fan has said or done to you?
KS: A fan on MySpace made a song called "The Shannon Twins." The whole song was whispered. It was just really, really weird.
TCC: Do people ever get you and your sister confused with each other?
KS: All the time (laughs). Hef couldn't even tell us apart.
TCC: In a question that may break the hearts of many, can you confirm your current relationship status?
KS: (laughs). Right now I’m dating Sam Jones III, an actor.
TCC: The burning question that everyone wants to know your answer to, who is the better looking twin?
KS: We look a lot the same. We have little things that make us different. She’s more pretty, but she thinks I’m the prettier one.
TCC: In closing, is there something you would like to say to all your fans, and those who support you?
KS: Thank you to all my fans. If I didn’t have you guys, I wouldn’t be anything.