Layla interviews Erica Durance
For the third installment of WWE.com's Superstar to Superstar, 2006 Diva Search winner Layla took a few minutes to catch up with Erica Durance, a.k.a. Lois Lane on The CW's hit show Smallville. The Canadian actress, who also stars in the popular direct-to-DVD feature The Butterfly Effect 2, tells Layla who she thinks Lois Lane really is, and how she'll fit in when Smallville returns with new episodes starting January 11.
Layla: WWE Divas represent strength, independence, beauty, sex appeal and class. How do you think Lois Lane fits into these characteristics?
Erica: When I grew up, one of the things I loved about the Lois Lane character was her independence. The fact that she has this inner strength that basically says, "If anything goes wrong, I'm going to turn to myself first. I'm not a victim. Let's see how I can get myself out of this."
The beauty that Lois has is that she doesn't view herself as a beauty or sex symbol. Her beauty comes from the confidence she has within, and the fact she can rely on her wit and her strengths. As a result, it comes across as confidence that people find beautiful.
Layla: Madonna was my first inspiration. Who were yours? As a child, was there anyone who you saw on TV that inspired you to become an actress?
Erica: Well, I don't want to steal Madonna from you…
Layla: Go ahead, she's an icon!
Erica: She's an independent woman who didn't take crap from anyone. She went out there and did her thing. But, over the last few years, another woman who I think is unbelievable is Angelina Jolie. She doesn't apologize for who she is. It's take it or leave it, and she's not going to change. I really admire that. They are both people who make their own decisions and stick to them, and I really find that attractive.
Layla: Favorite Lois Lane actress?
Erica: Margot Kidder. She brought so much strength and class to the character.
Layla: What are some of the obstacles you had to overcome to win the role on Smallville?
Erica: I'm not sure how many actresses auditioned, but it was a long process. They were looking for a good six months before I even auditioned. I didn't expect much; I expected it to go to some beautiful girl from L.A., so I figured I'd just give it a shot and see what happens. I had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. I auditioned on a Friday, and got the part on a Monday.
Layla: That's a great accomplishment. Y'know, the Divas welcomed me into WWE with a cold shower at SummerSlam. How did the Smallville cast initiate you?
Erica: Well, we didn't have any cold showers, thank God. They welcomed me in with a sense of humor, and taught me to laugh at myself and not take myself too seriously. The whole cast was very welcoming. I went to Paris with Allison Mack, who plays my cousin Chloe, for a Smallville thing. She took me out to dinner, which was really nice; it was just one of those things that helped break the ice.
Layla: At WWE, we never know what's going to happen, but many of the Smallville episodes for this season have already been recorded. Can you tell us what's in store for Lois Lane for the rest of this year?
Erica: Lois is going to keep getting herself into trouble, but she's also going to grow up a little more. She's been investigating more stories and getting into some sticky situations, so she will definitely have to do a little more fighting. And there will be more between her and her new love interest, Oliver Queen [played by Justin Hartley]. I don't know if I can give away too much.
Layla: My personal kryptonite is desserts. What's yours?
Erica: My personal kryptonite is probably chips and dip. Or In-N-Out Burger when I'm in L.A. Every time I'm there I have to go.
Layla: I love that place! Have you been to Fatburger?
Erica: No, I haven't been there yet, but I'll have to give it a shot.
Layla: You don't look like you eat a lot of burgers.
Erica: We all need to make time for a burger once in a while.
Layla: Erica, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. We'll keep watching you on Smallville.
Erica: Thanks, Layla.
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