Dollhouse

TWO years ago Dichen Lachman was enjoying her first taste of acting success in the Australian soap Neighbours.

Now she’s starring in Dollhouse - the new offering from Buffy creator Joss Whedon and one of the few American dramas to survive the economic crisis to a second series - and is touted as an actress to watch.

It’s been a fast ride to the top, the 27-year-old admits, but one she’s not taking for granted.

"I came to LA and after one role in a giant lizard movie [Aztec Rex] I had eight months of not working. I had one month of rent left because I’d gone through all my savings and then Dollhouse came along. I’m very lucky."

In the series, which premieres in Australia next month on Fox8, Lachman plays Sierra, whose personality has been wiped by a mysterious agency. She is supposed to be the perfect "doll", able to take on any role, but part of her original personality is slowly seeping back.

"Sierra has had her power taken away and one of the fun things is that Joss [Whedon] has said he’s looking forward to her getting her power back," Lachman said.

In the meantime, Lachman’s own power grows. She boasts international appeal, with an Australian father and Tibetan mother. This month Lachman was named as one of the 100 hottest women on screen by prominent lesbians in the media site afterellen.com. "What a privilege to be there," she said.