Published 11:18, September the 24th, 2008
Audrina wants to learn more about diabetes
'Hills' star will not be able to make it to benefit Thursday
INTERVIEW. Audrina Patridge was scheduled to take part in tonight’s Joslin Under the Stars benefit to defeat diabetes, but “The Hills” star had to cancel at the last minute to shoot some scenes in Spain for her hit MTV show. We spoke to Patridge about the event this summer, when her publicist Gladys Gonzalez hooked us up with an interview. We mention her publicist’s name only because of her unexpected influence over the interview. Although Patridge will not be able to attend, hopefully she’ll someday be able to “learn more about it.”
A few people that are close to me went to it the past few years and they really loved it, and my manager actually introduced me to it. I just think it’s great cause, you know, hanging out with all the kids. I think it’s something that is really important and hopefully it will lead to a cure.
So, it’s not that anybody close to you has diabetes?
No.
Do you do a lot of things like this?
I’m just being introduced to all these, so I’m not too familiar, but this is definitely one that I’m interested in and I’m going to be a part of it. There’s another one coming up around Thanksgiving, but I’m just kind of new to all this.
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
Just spending time with all the kids and being there for them, and just really learning more about diabetes. I really just want to keep it down to a few special charities that I can put all my time and effort into, and really being a part of each charity instead of doing a whole bunch.
Have you been to Boston before?
I went about four months ago. The people there were great. It was still kind-of cold and windy, but I loved everything about it: The bricks, and the buildings, and everything.
Is it easier to come here, as far as the paparazzi? They’re probably not as tipped off as to who you are as they are in LA.
Oh yeah, it’s much easier. I don’t have to worry about constantly being watched, or eating while someone is hiding in the bushes trying to take my picture.
Is that basically your day-to-day existence?
Yeah, but it’s something you have to expect, especially living here in Los Angeles.
At some level, it must be kind-of exciting. When it first started happening was there some element of “I’ve finally made it.”?
Yeah. When they stop taking pictures I need to start worrying. I’ve just kind of gotten used to it. A lot of the paparazzi guys, I recognize their faces because I see them all the time. It’s something I’ve accepted and it doesn’t really bother me.
Tell me about the movie, “Into the Blue 2.”
It is the first movie I did. I have a small part in it. We filmed in Oahu, Hawaii. I was there for a week. It was just so much fun The entire cast was super supportive. It was so different from reality TV, and I loved it.
With your role on “The Hills” as something that is relatively unscripted, was it strange to have to learn lines?
I had a script and I had to memorize all my lines and put character into that. You’re playing someone else. It was so much fun. I definitely want to do more. Everyone was so supportive. My boyfriend in the movie was Rand Holdren, and he really helped me and gave me pointers.
When does it come out?
In spring…
Gonzalez: We don’t have a release date yet. It will probably be 2009, but we’re not sure if it will be in second quarter or later.
OK, Audrina, you mentioned playing a character. And you’re known for playing yourself. It must be weird when you bump into actors who you know from playing parts, but they know you as yourself.
I think a lot of my fans and people, when they come up to me on the streets, they feel like they already know me, and they’ll just come up to me and start talking to me like they’re one of my friends. I’m like, where are you from? They’re from all over the world. It’s crazy.
Do you ever pretend you know them back?
No, I don’t pretend I know them back, but I always listen. I love people and I love socializing. I am always interested in what people have to say, and hearing things from their point of view.
How close to the real you is what is portrayed on the show?
Gonzalez: Pat, I prefer to keep the interview just kind of pertaining to the Joslin House as much as possible. Only because she’s got to do quite a bit of press surrounding the premiere in a couple weeks, and MTV has asked her to sort-of lay low right now.
OK, umm, Audrina, have you ever been on the other end of a charity?
Patridge: No. This is one of my first charities. I’m going to give back, and really dedicate myself to it, and hang out with the kids and go be a part of and everything...
Gonzalez: [whispering] and learn more about it
Patridge: Yeah, and learn more about it. I want to learn more about diabetes. You know, so many people have it. Hopefully they will come up with a cure.
Stars who will be out tonight:
While Audrina won't be in attendance tonight, several stars will, including Willie Garson, Stanford Blatch from "Sex and the City," “Bachelorette” participant Eric Papachristos, actor/comedian Jonathan Pessin, Ironman triathlete Jay Hewitt and his wife Miss United States 2005 Anna Hanks Hewitt
Joslin Under the Stars Dinner
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Cyclorama
539 Tremont St., Boston
MBTA: Orange Line to Back Bay
$400, 617-732-2513
www.Joslinunderthestars.org