Interview With Steven Cousins
During 2002 Stars On Ice
Transcript by Steven Cousins/Stars On Ice

Steven: So Tara, we have just finished the Texas swing of the tour and this is the first time that Stars on Ice was in your home town of Houston. How was it for you performing at home?

Tara: It was one of my most memorable nights because it was the first time on this tour I was able to perform in front of a hometown audience. The crowd was awesome and I felt so proud to be in Houston and be a Texan.

Steven: Did it feel weird staying at home and then driving to work?

Tara: Very weird. It felt good to be home while on tour, to see my parents, sleep in my own bed and still be on tour.

Steven: Did you break the record with comp ticket requests?

Tara: No, actually it wasn't too bad. But I did have a lot of close friends and family there.

Steven: Is this the first time that you have performed at home since you won the Olympics four years ago?

Tara: No, I performed once on the Champions on Ice tour. This was my first time with Stars on Ice.

Steven: Speaking of the Olympics, how do you feel about the upcoming event? Do you feel like you should be there competing or do you feel just fine watching?

Tara: I don't regret my decision to turn pro. I am the happiest I've ever been in my life right now. Because my parents are home, happy, healthy and together again. And since my hip surgery, I feel greatful to have won in 1998. Now I get to move on, entertain my fans, and pursue new goals.

Steven: What are you going to be doing when the Ladies event is on?

Tara: I'm not sure what my schedule is yet.

Steven: How much did the Olympic experience change your life, both good and bad?

Tara: There is nothing bad about winning an Olympic gold medal. It has filled my life with so much joy waking up every day knowing what I have accomplished. It gives me the chance to perform and give back to others.

Steven: What do you try and do to keep a balance in your life on and off the ice?

Tara: I travel with my best friend which makes me so happy and amongst the hectic touring life, she brings a normal, fun balance to it. And also my parents are so supportive; they are like my best friends.

Steven: You recently have been doing many TV and movie appearances, is it correct that you were in the movie "Vanilla Sky" briefly?

Tara: Yes, that is my next big dream and this year has been my first year I have set out to accomplish it whole-heartedly.

Steven: What are your goals in the skating world and also in your acting career?

Tara: This year I feel that in skating I have come into my own as a professional. And now I feel every year I have to challenge myself to do something different.

Steven: Does it help that you have been very disciplined in skating and that you can carry it over to the screen?

Tara: Discipline is beneficial in every profession. But the main thing is to be passionate about what you do.

Steven: Favorite actor and why?

Tara: Josh Hartnet, for all reasons.

Steven: Favorite actress and why?

Tara: Kate Hudson, after seeing her in "Almost Famous" I have so much respect for her.

Steven: What would be the biggest challenge for you role- wise and why?

Tara: I think every role is challenging because an actor really has to detach him or herself from being themselves.

Steven: Your favorite thing to do away from the rink and the screen is what?

Tara: Be at home, relax, be with friends, or work on my new home in South Carolina.

Steven: Tell us something that no one would know about you that would surprise us!

Tara: I've always been pretty open about myself, but if I think of anything I'll let you know.

Steven: Do you feel like Target Stars on Ice has developed your on ice skating and, if yes, why?

Tara: Yes, because you really get the chance to challenge yourself in all different areas. With all the group numbers, you have more meaning than just doing solo's.

Steven: Is it true that your Mom's favorite movie was "Gone With the Wind" and that you were named Tara because of it?

Tara: Yes. It was her favorite movie when she was younger and she always knew she would name me Tara.

Steven: Is that your favorite movie? I know that you and I both skated to it for our Olympic season!

Tara: That is definitely one of my faves. I love Scarlett O'Hara.

Steven: I'm asking everyone this....If you could meet someone (anyone) and spend one hour with them, who would it be and why?

Tara: There are so many amazing people - past and present - I couldn't choose just one and spend only an hour.

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