There's quite a story behind your relationship with David Eckstein. How did you two meet?
About three months ago, I was set up with the shortstop for the Anaheim Angels, David Eckstein. My publicist set us up and we’ve been dating. We just hit it off. My favorite number is 22, and his number is 22. And come to find out, we’re from the same hometown. We have so many friends in common, and we literally just hit it off right away. I love baseball – I’m the biggest baseball fan.
He’s awesome. He actually picked out this outfit for me tonight. So not only can he play baseball, he has fashion sense, which is crazy (laughing).
But can he cook?
He can cook! And he cleans and he loves kids, and he can pick out great outfits.
Where’d you go on your first date?
Okay, this is going to sound even crazier. Ever since I was in 4th grade, my 4th grade teacher said - your golden birthday is like when you turn 22 on the 22nd – he said, “Your golden birthday is going to be special.” I was born on September 22, so he is #22 and he took me out on our first date on my 22nd birthday, on September 22nd. On my golden birthday we had our first date and he gave me seats to an Angels game, and then we went out to dinner afterwards.
Did you get shivers down your spine from all these bizarre connections?
I did. Friends have been telling me about him for about two years now. I’m just like, “How am I going to meet David Eckstein? They won the World Series.” I needed a date to an event and I said something to my publicist. My friends just said, “Well this is your opportunity to meet David Eckstein.” So I asked them about it and they set us up.
And speaking of friends, you’re here tonight to support your friend Mandy Moore, right?
Yes. I grew up with her. We used to sing and dance together. It’s kind of exciting. I’ve been following her career. I’m so happy for her.
Are you still singing and dancing?
You know, I do but not as much as Mandy, obviously. They’re thinking about possibly next year doing another musical episode of “That’s So Raven.” Whenever I get a chance, I’m constantly doing it.
What’s next for you?
I’m still continuing to do television, and film as it comes along. I’m currently in “Prey for Rock & Roll” with Gina Gershon, Drea de Matteo and Lori Petty. I play this annoying punk rocker. You’d never look at me and think ‘punk rocker’ but…
It’s always fun when you can dress up as something you’re not.
Oh yeah. They put dreads in my hair and I had to keep them in while we were filming. I had to live my everyday life looking like a punk rocker with dreads. It’s an interesting character study to see how people treat you differently. It was very obvious. A lot of people treated me very differently.
I remember Marc Blucas saying he kept his tattoos on during shooting.
I bet he experienced some of the same reactions I did, just how people kind of shy away. They’re scared of you.
"Chasing Liberty" has to do with breaking away from your parents and showing your independence. What was your biggest act of rebellion against your parents?
You know what? I couldn’t have done this without their support. They’ve been with me 100% the whole way. I talk to my mom about five times a day. I knew I had to come here on my own and do this, but I couldn’t have done it without them. They are behind me 100%.
MORE INTERVIEWS FROM "CHASING LIBERTY" PREMIERE:
Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode / Beatrice Rosen and Stark Sands / Mark Harmon, Caroline Goodall and Director Andy Cadiff
Additional "Chasing Liberty" Resources:
Press Junket Interviews: Mandy Moore / Matthew Goode / Jeremy Piven
"Chasing Liberty" Photos, Credits, and Trailer
