Jodie Foster is without a doubt one of the most talented, intelligent, and respected women in Hollywood. Her sincerity and integrity are apparent in all her endeavors, from acting to directing to producing to parenting. And while Foster shies away from the spotlight and takes long breaks between projects, she continues to remain at the top of her game. (Two Oscar wins never hurt anyone.)

And now Foster, 45, is taking on a new challenge. In her latest film, Nim’s Island, she strays from her comfort zone and explores her comedic side. Foster plays Alexandra Rover, a reclusive, agoraphobic novelist who conquers her fears and faces the outside world to help save a young girl on a faraway deserted island. With the film’s moments of slapstick physical humor and Foster’s kissing scene with a sea lion, we imagine that playing Alexandra Rover was as much fun as watching her in action. – Lauren Barth

You’ve built your career playing serious, dramatic roles. Nim’s Island is definitely a departure from that. There are even moments of physical comedy in this film. Did you have any hesitations about playing a lighter, comedic role or was it a welcomed change?
Oh no. I was really looking forward to that. That was the challenge. I’ve been trying to find the opportunity to explore a lighter side of myself. And being able to bring my kids to see the movie, and bring them on set, and read the book [with them]. And [it was nice] for them to really understand what I do, and for me to make a movie that was for them – that was great.

Nim’s Island was filmed on a very tropical beach, with lots of live animals. Plus you have Abigail Breslin, who’s 11, and Gerard Butler, who I’ve heard is quite the on-set class clown, it had to make for some funny moments. Are there any stand-out stories from filming?
Well you know, the animals – a lot of the world revolved around them. Whether the sea lions felt like giving me a kiss or how the pelican was working that day. A lot of the lizards had to be animatronics because, well, lizards don’t listen so well. And at one point we were all on the beach having one of those tropical days where you lie around making sand castles. And the set guys were trying out the lizard sling-shot [we use in the movie]. And they had all these little fake rubbery animals that were flying through the air at us, and we kind of didn’t know what was happening. Suddenly all of these fake little animals would land in our path and it kind of jarred the [peaceful] moment.

The message of Nim’s Island for children (of all ages) is “be the hero of your own story.” Is this a message you try to instill in your own children? How?
I think so. And I think also in the context of the natural world – to be a hero, to be an adventurer! It takes hard work and discovering sides of yourself and getting dirty and getting your hands dirty, and being able to face challenges. It’s not about computer-generated virtual worlds where there are laser teams and you hit a target. I think entertainment for kids is really lacking in the sense of the power and the beauty of being part of the natural world and planet.

You play adventure novelist Alexandra Rover. And all of her readers and fans expect “Alex Rover” to be this rugged man and not an agoraphobic, Purell-obsessed woman. Do you ever have experiences with fans where they expect you to be completely different than you actually are in real life?

They almost always expect me to be taller. That’s one expectation that I fail at traumatically every time. They’re like “wow you’re really short.” And I’m like “yep.” Yeah, everyone expects me to be taller.

Tell me a bit about your philanthropic activities. And how do you decide what organizations and philanthropies to align yourself with? Glam is the #1 women’s property on the web – so we reach a very large demographic of women and we want to empower and help women around the globe. With so many great causes out there, how do you find the one that will really make a difference?
Well, I keep all that to myself. I really do. I’m not good at being a sort of publicity spokesperson. So, what work I do, I kind of just do with my hands and my feet and my money. And I’m not out there with it.

Having started your career in entertainment at such a young age, how does that affect your opinion about all the young actors and actresses who are getting into trouble these days? Why do you think it’s so common for them fall into these traps, and what’s your advice for young actors about avoiding that pattern?
Oh, I really have no idea. It was a different time when I was growing up. Who knows whether I would have survived it now? Long [paparazzi] lenses, skyrocketing salaries, and all of that stuff. It was just a different time. Yeah, I don’t really have any advice for anyone. It’s hard enough to be an adolescent no matter where you are –whether you’re living in Kansas or any place. It’s just difficult to navigate that [stage of your life] and keep all your faculties in tack – it’s a pretty difficult thing.

*Photos Courtesy of Fox Walden

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