Perhaps best known for her fearless stunts on the big screen, in real life, the 34-year-old Hollywood actress exudes an upbeat, down-to-earth, thoughtful aura. Not only does Michelle like reading philosophical books, she loves sky-diving and supports several eco-friendly charities including the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. On her Twitter profile, she calls herself a ‘Student of Life’ and that’s exactly how she comes across…
Tell us a little about where you live…
I live in Little Venice, it’s a chilled-out, Zen kind of place. You’ve got vegans, artists and writers. It’s a melting pot of people as opposed to Hollywood where there’s an air of desperation and it’s mostly full of takers. I don’t like that kind of energy. I realised that I had to move somewhere more healthy.
How ‘green’ are you?
I do my best. I recycle at home. I drive a Toyota Prius – it’s one of the cleanest cars in the States in terms of smog-forming emissions. I’m always learning about ways to become greener, I’m a continual student of life! I’m also big on boycotting unethical products too. I think everyone should educate themselves about conscious capitalism.
What do you look for in a partner?
Intelligence. I like someone who can challenge me mentally. I like successful yet humble people who are open-minded. I only like the pursuit of power when it’s to do something more noble or good. I also like fit men who take care of their bodies. I think your body is a reflection of who you are. A sense of humour and adventure is also attractive.
What turns you off?
People who are self-obsessed are a real turn-off. I don’t like being lied to either. Huge egos really put me off – you know the kind of people who think they are going to go somewhere better than everyone else when they die! That kind of inflated ego is just too much for me.
Do you prefer to date non-celebrities to Hollywood actors?
Yes generally I do, because I don’t like the drama that comes with dating actors. They tend to know how to manipulate people and give others what they want – it’s part of the charm factor and they use it to their advantage. Also, a lot of them are more worried about how many fans adore them rather than the message they are sending out. I don’t like that attitude. I’m just in this business to do my job.
Do you think people come into your life for a reason?
I think so. Some people stay in your life and others come and go, maybe so you can teach them a lesson or you learn something from them.
What are you like in a relationship?
Well I never try and control whoever I’m with. I believe people come and go and that we should appreciate the moments we have with them. So if you were to leave tomorrow, I’m not going to flip out! And that drives some people nuts. That whole passionate thing where people say they can’t live without each other – I just don’t really let myself get like that. The closest we will get is sharing a moment.
Do you think you’ll get married one day?
No, I don’t see myself getting married. I think partners come and go and I believe that life is very unpredictable. Who’s to say I will meet someone who I connect with and that we will constantly evolve together? People generally have different evolutionary patterns and I always see couples growing at different rates. I try my best to live in the moment.
