The show, of course, was Melrose Place, and few programs have compared to the scintillating spectacle that was this 90s classic. That is, until now. In the grand scheme of everything old being new again, Melrose Place has made a much-anticipated comeback this Fall on The CW (Tuesdays, 9 p.m.). So what’s in store on the new MP? Cover girl Katie Cassidy, who plays Ella Simms (resident Melrose bad girl), brought us up to speed during our photo shoot at Hollywood’s Playhouse.

SNMag: What can you tell us about the character of Ella Simms?
KC: She’s the publicist/fashionista. She is very forward and blunt. She’s a power woman. She knows what she wants, and she will go to any length to get it. But she may burn some bridges along the way.

SNMag: We understand that Ella is bisexual. How did you approach the role and how will that impact future storylines?
KC: She is “try-sexual,” meaning she will try anything. She is so open and so free, you never what she is going to do. I think it comes from a place where she is desperately seeking love and acceptance from everyone around her. She doesn’t let anyone see the vulnerability that is there. She definitely puts her guard up and protects herself at all times.


SNMag: Did you have any reservations about playing that role?
KC: It definitely crossed my mind. I have to be ready to make out with women or have a threesome. I need to be ready for anything. It’s all part of the game though. Being an actor, a character might have an element or two that might be uncomfortable for you. But I’m not playing “Katie Cassidy,” I’m playing “Ella Simms” and that is a part of her. You have to be able to take on anything, and I was open to it. It sounds fun!

SNMag: Did you watch the original Melrose Place or did you have a Melrose marathon when the project came about?
KC: I have actually never seen the original. I wasn’t allowed to when I was younger. My parents wouldn’t let me watch it. I haven’t had time to catch up with it. I didn’t want to watch it until we really get into things so it doesn’t have an effect on my performance. Not that it would, because it’s new people. But, I got the job not seeing it, so I didn’t want to go watch it and have something change. But now that I have had some time to sink into the character, I feel more comfortable going back and watching it and I will.


SNMag: Some have said this will be the Gossip Girl of the West Coast. What do you make of that comparison?
KC: I think on a stylistic level it’s like the Westside Gossip Girl. It’s edgy, it’s cool, it’s dramatic, it’s young and fun and appeals to all different audiences. And Gossip Girl is really good at what they do, so I’m flattered to be compared to them. I think it’s a good show. I think our show is a really good show. It’s East Coast/West Coast so I think they are right about that.

SNMag: Do you foresee many of the previous Melrose Place cast members making cameos?
KC: Honestly, I have no idea. The producers don’t really tell us much. I’ll probably know when the rest of the world knows, when it’s official and happening.
SNMag: How has shooting been? Any funny on-set stories?
KC: It is a hard schedule. It’s a lot of hours. But, at the same time, I wouldn’t change it for a second. It’s exactly what I always wanted to do and I have the best job on the planet. I love it. I would never complain about any of it. As far as on set stories go, not really…I’m waiting for someone to fall in that pool. It’s very relaxed, everyone is sort of there to do their work and be done with it.


SNMag: How has it been working with Ashlee Simpson-Wentz?
KC: Oh, I love Ashlee! She is so, so sweet, she is great. She is a sweetheart, she gets her stuff done and goes home, and you know, she’s cool. I really like her, we’ve become buddies.
SNMag: You also have A Nightmare on Elm Street coming out next year. What can you tell us about the film?
KC: A Nightmare on Elm Street is going to be, I think, amazing visually, and the director (Samuel Bayer) is so amazing. When they approached me about the project, I was a little skeptical of doing another horror movie, but having Michael Bay, Sam Bayer, Jackie Earle Haley; when you are surrounded by really cool people like that, it felt right. After auditioning, I didn’t hear anything for like five days. I decided I needed to be really aggressive about it because they weren’t responding, and it was getting really frustrating. So I ended up texting Sam and being like, “I’m going to kick your fucking ass if you don’t give me this role.” And then the next day, I got it. Visually, he’s a genius when he shoots. I think it’s going to look amazing, and I can’t wait to see a cut.

SNMag: What is the process of making a horror film like?
KC: As an actor, it is our job to know how to get there on our own. The director will relay to you what he wants, and then it is our job to bring it to the table and hopefully far and beyond. For me, its definitely draining emotionally, but it’s like running a marathon, you’ve got to be ready for those two months of your life. At the end of the day I’m so tired. I just go home and sleep, wake up and do the same thing over and over. But ultimately, in the end, it’s well worth it.


SNMag: With the TV show are you going to continue making films too?
KC: Yeah, I’m hoping to do a hiatus movie in March. So I honestly hope not to have any time off for years. I love acting, and I love what I do, and I think I should take full advantage of what’s happening and going on around me. I enjoy every second of it. It’s like being on a high.

SNMag: Do you still plan to pursue a singing career?
KC: No. Singing was never really my thing. Maybe I’ll do a musical. Acting is really where my heart is. I went to this improv show – my girlfriend does improv and I went and watched her show. I was so inspired by them. I want to be able to go back and do classes. There are so many things I want to do. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but it’s all a matter of time.


SNMag: Did having a parent already in the spotlight [her father is singer David Cassidy] help or hinder your own career in the entertainment industry?
KC: It definitely got me in the door, but at the end of the day no one is going to hire you because you are a celebrity’s offspring. You have to be talented. It does get you more opportunities at first. I also got to see my dad and see his career. He has told me, “Don’t get caught up in it.” I feel like I can learn from mistakes that he says he’s made. I just want to focus on the work, and almost have tunnel vision and not see what’s going on as far as the publicity. It’s great, and I love it.

SNMag: Did your father ever discourage you from pursuing a career in entertainment?
KC: No, he just wanted me to wait until I was done with school. My senior year, I started acting professionally. He said if this is what you want to do and this is your dream then I encourage you to follow that.

SNMag: How do you spend your free time off set?
KC: I don’t have much, but I go to the gym a lot and exercise. I also spend a lot of time with my two best friends from growing up who are still here. We just hang out at home. We are kind of dorks, but we are fun that way. We hang out, we go to movies, we go shopping.

SNMag: When you aren’t working, what is your favorite way to spend a Saturday night?
KC: My ideal Saturday night is probably to go to dinner with some friends and then either rent a movie and go home or go out to a movie. I don’t do anything crazy. It’s too tiring. I had a life before any of this happened, and I got it all out of my system. On the weekend, I need to rest and relax.

By Jillian Gordon

Photos by Bobby Quillard
Photo Assistants: Andrew Goldman & Valentino Shepard
Styling by April Steiner of Exclusive Artists Management
Hair by Lea Journo of Lea Journo The Salon
Make-up by Spencer Barnes of Solo Artists
Location: Playhouse, Hollywood