Oliver James didn't always want to be a movie star. In fact, before landing the role of Ian in What a Girl Wants, this 22-year-old Brit aspired to be a race car driver! Looks like his plans are about to change...He's crossing The Pond and heading to Hollywood, which is excellent news for us American ladies!
Heathrow to Hollywood: You could bump into Oliver any day now. The native Londoner is packing up and moving to L.A. to pursue his acting career. "It's a pretty big upheaval," he says. "I've lived in one country all my life, and now all of a sudden, I'm just shifting and moving to the other side of the world. I'm a little nervous, but it will be nice to have my own pad and my freedom."
Brit Pop: More than just a pretty face, Oliver landed the part of musician Ian, thanks to his voice. He performs several covers in the film and even sings two songs on the What a Girl Wants soundtrack. "I've always been a singer, so when this opportunity came along, it seemed ideal," says Oliver. "I met the casting directors, and they liked me and asked me back to meet the director and the producer. I sang 'Under the Bridge' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and I think it sold her."
Speed Racer: If he weren't acting or singing, Oliver would be driving...really fast. "When I was younger my dream was to be a Formula One racecar driver," he says. "It's sort of like [the European version of] your Indy car. I've done it ever since I was young because my Dad races, as well. It's in the blood I guess."
About Amanda: Playing Amanda Bynes' love interest was a breeze for this hottie. He thought she was simply all that: "I couldn't believe that she's only 16. She's been working in front of cameras since she was six, and has so much knowledge and experience. I learned from her, and she's really fun."
True Romance: When we asked if he'd ever been in love, Oliver wasn't shy about spilling the deets. Awww. "I've been in love twice, and [the relationships] were very different," he says. "With my first love, everything was new, and it was special. Nothing could ever replace that. The love that I experienced after that was a different one, a more mature and complicated one."
What's Next: Although he hasn't signed on for another flick, Oliver promises that we haven't seen the last of him. "I've been looking at scripts and meeting with a lot of casting directors and producers. I'm not sure what's going to happen after this movie, but I'm open to suggestions."
From:// Alloy.com
Date:// April 2, 2003
Article By:// Josey Miller