Dollhouse

The Betty Interview: Eliza Dushku

The star of Dollhouse tells BettyConfidential all about the new season of her show and her surprise wedding!

An actress’ worst nightmare is being typecast, but Eliza Dushku has no problem with her tough-as-nails Hollywood image. From her breakthrough as Missy, a bad-ass cheerleader in Bring It On, to the leather-clad slayer, Faith, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, to her current action-packed role as Echo on Fox’s Dollhouse, Eliza never plays the average girl next door. “I’m always the guy’s girl, who’s outspoken and not afraid to stand up for herself,” says the Boston-born 28-year-old. “How could you not like that label? I think I’m like that off-screen too. I’m no pushover and I’m proud of that.”

Eliza’s equally proud of her show Dollhouse, which returns for its second season on Fox tonight. Aside from being one of the show’s producers, she also plays Echo, a genetically altered woman whose memories are erased and new skills and talents are implanted in her brain, so she can become whoever the highest bidder wants her to be. “The show never gets old! ” Eliza says of the collaboration with Joss Whedon, a good friend and creator of Buffy and Angel. “Whenever I get the scripts, I’m so excited to see what I’m going to be doing, and who I’m going to become. This season is amazing, because Echo is more self-aware and three dimensional. There are so many fun storylines, too. I can’t give too much away, but by the third episode I’m married!”

See what other secrets Eliza has to reveal about all the things she can’t live without: reality TV, sexy nights in, and the one thing guaranteed to relax her.

As a former vampire slayer, which blood suckers are you more drawn to: True Blood or Twilight?

I love me some True Blood! I have the Twilight DVD, but I haven’t watched it yet. There must be something behind all the hype, though, right?

If you were going to appear on a reality TV show, which would it be?

The ones I’ve gotten into most are The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but I would never be a part of either. It’s just a guilty pleasure.

What adjective would you use to describe yourself?

Game. I’m always up for anything and everything.

Eliza Dushku and Rick FoxYou’re dating super-hot former basketball player turned actor Rick Fox, so tell us what qualities you need in a man. First and foremost, I look for a best friend. Communication is key. I like a guy who’s both sexy and funny. And I need someone who knows a thing or two about a thing or two.

What would happen on your dream date?

I’ve had exciting dates and fancy dates, but it comes down to your connection. Some of my best date nights have been lying in bed on a Saturday night for hours talking, eating, watching a movie and just hanging out. When you’re connected, that’s more important than what you’re doing.

Marry, date or dump: Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, David Beckham?

I’ve got someone. So I’m not trying to marry, dump or date anybody!

Who’s your girl crush? Angelina Jolie’s pretty wicked, I have to say. She’s magnetic.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

I had a perfect day last weekend when I was in Boston to see my family. I went to the beach, went swimming and buried my nieces and nephews in the sand. Then I had a big drum circle with about 30 family members, and later we watched a Red Sox game and played racquetball. It was the perfect day, a very full day.

What is the beauty product you can’t live without?

The beauty product I can’t live without literally is a good sunscreen. I like 50 full block since I’m outdoors a lot, running around with the dogs or in the water.

What was your most embarrassing fashion moment?

There’s probably been a few considering I’ve worn my brothers’ clothes till just a few years ago!

What is your go-to outfit on the weekends?

Cross trainers and workout clothes, but not the real, gray baggy dumpy kind of sweat pants. I like to wear something cute and comfortable without completely letting it all go.

What’s the one thing that really expresses who you are?

My tattoos. I have six. I have a hymn for my aunt on my hip, an Albanian double-headed eagle on my back (my dad’s Albanian), the word “Grace” on my neck for my grandma, a cross on my ankle for the little religious girl in me (it reminds me to pray), a beautiful feather on my ribs done by Kat Von D. which represents my aunt who was like a mother to me, and a Japanese cherry blossom, which reminds me to live each day to the fullest, because they bloom for such a short time.

What exercise do you hate doing at the gym?

I don’t like running unless I’m running somewhere. If I’m just running on a treadmill, it can throw my ADD into a tailspin. The cardio part is the hardest for me, but I love the lifting weights part.

What’s the one food you can’t live without?

It’s a tie between sweet potatoes and French toast. I just learned how to make a healthy French toast, which I’m very excited about.

What’s the most surprising thing in your refrigerator?

Food! Because I don’t really cook. I always eat out so when people come over they’re surprised when there’s food in there. I’m not going to lie, though, there’s nothing fancy. My staples are water and nuts.

What do you do to relax?

I take a long, hot bath. Then I put on all my lotions and potions. It’s probably one of the girlier things I do.

What motto do you live by?

“Go big or go home” is fundamental Eliza. That has always been my philosophy, and it probably always will.