Paris Hilton: America might not have the pyramids, but we'll always have Paris

NICOLE RICHIE: Tell me about The Hottie and the Nottie, your new film.

PARIS HILTON: The Hottie and the Nottie is a romantic comedy, and it's basically about two friends who have been best friends, like us, since nursery school. Twenty years later they're roommates. And this guy really likes the character I play, but I've made a promise to myself that I'm going to be celibate until I can find someone special for my best friend, 'cause I feel guilty that I've had all these boyfriends and she's never had one. But the problem is that she's really hideous. [both laugh] I'm the only one who can really see her inner beauty--and nobody else can. It's a funny movie. You met some of the other actors.

NR: Was working on such an over-the-top comedy fun?

PH: Oh, my God, it was so much fun. I love over-the-top comedies, and this one's, like, total gross-out comedy, but it still has these characters who are so sweet.

NR: Is it hard keeping a straight face when you're acting with people like that?

PH: Oh, yeah. It was hard not to ruin takes sometimes, because we'd all be laughing.

NR: Do you find yourself drawn to specific types of roles?

PH: I'll do roles that I'm going to enjoy.

NR: I've grown up with you since we were 2 years old. We've been best friends, and you have always been so funny. Is being in a comedy more familiar to you?

PH: Yeah. I like comedies. One of my favorite films is There's Something About Mary [1998], and this movie reminds me a lot of that. NR: Doing a comedy, you can really put your self emotionally out there without taking yourself too seriously.

PH: Totally. But I also love doing horror films.

NR: A lot of people have a perception that you don't work and that you don't deserve the success you have. When I hear that, the first thing that comes to mind is that you and I went to Buckley [a private school in Los Angeles] together, which is known for its impeccable performing arts programs. You were always in drama, orchestra; you played two instruments. At what point did you realize that performing was what you wanted to do for a living?

PH: I just loved doing it at a young age, and I've been studying my craft since then. It's not fair that just because people know me as Paris Hilton or because of my last name that I can't be an actress.

NR: You've also always loved musicals. Did that play a part in your decision to sing?

PH: Oh, yeah. I've always loved music--and loved Madonna. One of my favorite musicals is Moulin Rouge [2001]. So that's why I decided to do the film I just finished last month.

NR: You just wrapped Repo! The Genetic Opera, right?

PH: Yes,

NR: This is the first time that people are gonna see that real performing arts side of you.

PH: In the beginning I was really nervous, but I really worked hard, even to get this role. I was so excited to work with people like Sarah Brightman and Paul Sorvino, who plays my father in the movie. We rehearsed for literally three-and-a-half months before we even started shooting. We've been working on this movie for, like, six months now, and it's just such a unique film. Darren Lynn Bousman--who directed most of the Saw movies and Repo!--has a really amazing eye and he knows how to scare people. It's just a really unique project, like nothing I've ever seen. It's like Blade Runner [1982] meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show [1975] with Saw thrown in.

NR: What's the most difficult thing you've ever had to do in front of the camera?

PH: In House of Wax [2005] I had to kiss my costar--it was kind of uncomfortable because I didn't really know him, and his girlfriend was on set so I felt bad. That was really hard for me. [Richie laughs] Because I would be going crazy if I were sitting there on set watching my boyfriend kiss someone else. So that, and having to scream--also when I did House of Wax. I was really embarrassed.

NR: Acting seems like it's an easy job, but it just makes you really uncomfortable because you really have to go there, and in reality there's no reason to. So I know that's got to be hard.

PH: It is, and I've asked other actors, "Do you ever get embarrassed or, like, uncomfortable when you sing?" They're like, "Yeah. I hate dancing. I hate singing. It's embarrassing. I feel like an idiot."

NR: What other film projects do you have coming up?

PH: One's a romantic comedy, and another's a teen comedy. We're also developing a TV show. And I've launched my clothing line. Purses, hair extensions, and shoes are next.

NR: I think you've proved so many people wrong, because a lot of people predicted you would come and go, but you've really created a brand. Does that feel good to you?

PH: Yeah. I look forward to doing more real estate and developing properties, like hotels.

NR: You have a list of nine or ten jobs that you work at--every single day.

PH: I know. That's why it really annoys me--it's such a big misconception when people are like, "Oh, she doesn't work." I'm traveling around the globe constantly. On The Simple Life, you kind of played this crazy character--and you are fun like that--but you're not crazy like on the show. And I'm not stupid like I was on the show.