So, I really love the USA show Law & Order: Criminal Intent. So I was thrilled when Alicia Witt agreed to chat with me about the show and working with the gorgeous Chris Noth. Here’s what she said…

So you’re the new girl on the set of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. How has that been?
The whole experience is a win-win situation. It’s so fun in every way. I love that I was able to walk into an established entity—where everyone knows one another—and I’m the new girl. And the character is not some conservative detective. She has a strong personality—you love her or hate her. She walks in with an attitude. It’s great.

How did you prepare for this character?
I read books that were written by detectives. I found some former detectives in New York City. I went to a shooting range and fired 100 rounds. I also wanted to mentally prepare—Nola has the type of mind that puts pieces together. On one hand, she’s a trained police officer with respect for the weapon. On the other hand, she’s an investigator and detective with a different set of skills.

Are there similarities between you and Nola?
Yes, there are always similarities. She is more ballsy than I am and better at saying what’s on her mind. She speaks first, thinks later. I’m not like that, but I really like that she’s always herself. It’s my goal to speak my mind and be myself. And actually I am like that, so in that way we are similar. I love that she has two kids—it drives her. She also has a great sense of humor and some playfulness.

How is it working with Mr. Big a.k.a. Chris Noth?
He’s lovely. We have a great rapport as we get to know each other. I really am enjoying working with him.

You’re singing at his event for the Rainforest Action Network.
Yes! I’m playing the piano and singing. Three original songs I wrote this year with Jeff Siovello. He’ll also be playing with me. The work of RAN is amazing and brave and necessary, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I like learning new ways to get more involved. I’m pretty conscious as is, but you can always do more.

Do you normally reside in New York City or are you just here while shooting? Are you liking it?
I love New York City. I’m seriously thinking about living here. It’s great—an unequivocal great place to live. It’s all about timing. I spent some time here while filming Two Weeks Notice and didn’t fall in love with it. I was really missing L.A. This time is different. It feels like it’s the place for me to be. 

Favorite restaurant or bar in the city?
There are so many. My favorite sushi is Tomoe Sushi on Thompson Street. Best sushi in New York and has been for a long time. I also really like Turks & Frogs and Bar Pitti.

Do you have a favorite television show?
I don’t have a clue what’s on. I don’t really watch TV. I love The Sopranos! Once I was on it, I watched. I watched the episodes before and the ones after. I watched Sex and the City too. Still have it on TiVo. It was funny and perceptive—so relatable.

Question from a Glam reader:
What was your favorite part about living abroad?  —Meredith, Virginia
I spent so much time in London. The longest I was there was five months for a play last fall and a summer. It’s a place I miss a lot, and I could see myself living there. I like that it feels part of the world, not just the U.K. When I’m there, I’m more aware of what’s going on in the world. It’s a different culture in that way. Patriotic, not isolated as our country can be. As in, we know what’s going on within our own country but not the world. I like the people there—they’re funny, charming, and smart. Always love going abroad. It’s the best part of being an actor. I’m not stuck in the same place!

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