Most of us grew up watching a young Lacey Chabert go toe-to-toe with Matthew Fox and Neve Campbell on the long-running TV drama Party of Five. Or perhaps she’s better known as Gretchen Wieners, famous for having a father who invented toaster strudel, in the hit film Mean Girls. But contrary to her character alter egos, there’s nothing dramatic or mean about Chabert. From Broadway to primetime to the big screen, Chabert, now 26, has grown up in the spotlight but is one of the few actresses in Hollywood that has managed to keep both feet firmly on the ground. This month, Chabert appears opposite Jennifer Garner and Matthew McConaughey in the romantic comedy, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, proving that the transition from child star to a successful adult actress doesn’t have to be a turbulent ride.

Bright and always cheerful, Chabert arrives at our shoot at West Hollywood’s Villa Lounge perfectly on time and with

donuts for all. Her petite stature and sugary sweet voice make it easy to see why stardom came her way as a child, but her sexy curves and sense of maturity are clearly the mark of a young woman and established actress. After a day of donning thousand dollar evening dresses and joking with the crew between shots, Chabert settles down to fill us on her latest projects and her evolution from wide-eyed Claudia Salinger to sexy screen siren.

In her new film, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Chabert plays Sandra, a bride hoping her perfect day will go as planned while her soon-to-be brother-in-law (McConaughey) is meanwhile haunted by the ghosts of his past girlfriends. “I’m a paranoid bride on the verge of a nervous breakdown throughout the film, wanting her wedding to be perfect,” Chabert explains, adding she was thrilled to be teaming up with Mean Girls director Mark Waters once again. Working with Garner and McConaughey also proved to be a dream come true for Chabert. “They’re both really genuinely kind people and great actors and really professional,” she gushes. “I couldn’t ask for a better experience.”

Chabert fell in love with script and it’s touching romantic story. “It’s a really sweet story about holding onto the one that you love,” she says. So would revisiting past relationships be something Chabert would like to do if given the opportunity? Not likely. “I think I’ve learned what I’m supposed to have learned from my previous relationships. The past is better left in the past.”

Revisiting past relationships might not appeal to Ms. Chabert, but revisiting past TV shows is a different story. While Chabert is enjoying her work in film, she would consider returning to television if the right project were to come along. With all these recent TV show remakes, first 90210 and now Melrose Place, one can’t help but fantasize about a Party of Five resurrection. “Party of Six” perhaps? “I would be interested in doing it if everyone came back,” she laughs, amused by the idea. Chabert keeps in touch with her former castmates as best she can these days, mentioning that they will forever hold a special place in her heart, but it isn’t always easy amidst the fast-pace of the entertainment industry. “I haven’t spoken to Matthew in years, but I would love to get in touch with him again,” she says. “I watch him every Wednesday night on Lost – my favorite show.”

And this Broadway baby, who got her acting start playing Cosette in Les Miserables, still has a passion for musical theater. “I’ve been working on my voice and getting it back in shape so when the time comes I’m ready. Singing has always been a part of my life since I was a little kid. I’d love to be on stage again.” Who knows? Chabert may even get to combine her loves if the trend of adapting Broadway musicals into film continues, a dream she hopes will one day be a reality if given the opportunity.

“I always have to fight for the parts that I want the most, and I always have to prove to people that I can do it,” Chabert admits, adding that there is still so much she hopes to accomplish in her career. “I’d like to do something edgier, not for the sake of being dark, but to tap into a part of myself that I haven’t worked with before.” Certainly growing up as working actress is no small fete, and Chabert is nothing but grateful for the experience and the many years she was given to perfect her craft. Still, proving herself as an adult actress, and taking on more adult roles is an on-going process. “I’m just trying to be who I am now,” Chabert says. “I’m 26 years-old and not 12 anymore.”
 

With her family, who resides in her home state of Mississippi, keeping her grounded, Chabert continues to successfully circumvent the unfortunate pitfalls many former child stars endure. “Family is so important to me. Family keeps me grounded and reminds me what’s important in life,” she says. “As much as I love L.A., it’s easy to get consumed in the business.”

By Jillian Gordon

Photography: Bobby Quillard (www.quillardphoto.com)
Styling: April Steiner of Exclusive Artists
Makeup Artist: Mara Lavarre of Artists by Timothy Priano
Hair Stylist: Gio Campora of The Wall Group
Location: Villa Lounge, West Hollywood