Katherine Moennig plays Shane on The L Word, the lesbian who hooks up with a different woman each night because she "doesn't do relationships." Months before the first episode aired, Moennig shared with us her perspective on her role, the series overall, and why she became an actress.

AfterEllen.com: How would you describe the story and tone of The L Word?
Katherine Moennig: Part of the beauty with the show is that there is so much going on. Every character is so different then the other that it gives a whole spectrum of personality, and as the story progresses it will only add to that. Also, what I love is that it doesn't put these women in boxes. The story line is a very honest and realistic view on life, and how they deal with it.

AE: How would you describe Shane, the character you play? How does she fit in with the rest of the characters?
KM: I'm still trying to describe Shane for myself but on the outside Shane is someone who is a very sexual being and extremely comfortable with that. People's opinions about her don't faze her and she lives the way she wants to and basically can get whoever she wants, and at the same time she also is very alone in the search for what she wants.

AE: How are you similar or dissimilar to Shane?
KM: I certainly think there are similarities between myself and Shane. There has to be. In every role you play you have to start with you, since you're the root. I can relate to a lot of what she is going through in the inside. And in the ways that I differ from her, I find that I learn more about myself.

AE: What do you think is/will be the biggest challenge faced by the cast/writers/directors of the series?
KM: I don't know what the challenge for everyone involved will be. Everyone is so beyond talented, and does such an amazing job that I don't question that. I think the biggest challenge will be the reaction of the public--good or bad--and how it's dealt with.

AE: It’s been reported that the cast all got along extremely well during the initial filming; was this your experience? Anyone in particular with whom you especially enjoyed working?
KM: It's scary how well we all got along. It was this family that was formed in matter of 6 weeks while filming the pilot.

AE: What was it like working with Rose Troche, who directed the pilot?
KM: Nothing is worse then working with a director who looks at filming like curing cancer, where everything is so serious and rigid. God forbid something goes wrong and the world will end!! Rose was the exact opposite of that. The genius of Rose is her sense of humor. I have never had a director that made me laugh as much as she did. Also she has such a passion for the story and the characters.

AE: How do you think The L Word is different from Queer as Folk?
KM: The only relation our show has to Queer as Folk is that they are both gay oriented stories on Showtime. It's easy to relate the two, but I think once people see our show the differences will be evident. One is about men and the other is about women. That sets the tone already.

AE: As you probably know, The L Word is the first television series with an all-lesbian cast; do you think this development reflects a lasting and/or positive change in Hollywood, or just an attempt to capitalize on the latest trend?
KM: I would hope it would be a positive change in Hollywood, and I think it will. Slowly but surely women are having a stronger and more substantial voice in film and TV, and I think the show will only help propel that. The credit goes to Ilene Chaiken for creating such a wonderful truthful story with such rich three-dimensional characters. And to be honest we're given a chance to help speak for a community that hasn't had much of a voice in the past. Why not capitalize on it? Hollywood and life in general are all about timing. This is a prime moment to air a show on this subject, so I think..why not? Strike while the iron is hot.

AE: Do you think The L Word is likely to be a success (financially and critically)?
KM: I envision the show to be financially and critically acclaimed. By continuing to open people's minds through alternate voices, there will hopefully be more compassion and openness to another way of thinking, and with that comes financial and critical acclaim. We do this in the hope that it will be successful in every way.

AE: Are you at all concerned that playing a lesbian character will negatively impact your career?
KM: I don't look at it as having a positive or negative impact. I see it as a chance to explore another part of myself and to learn something that's beyond positive. Everything is a stepping stone and that's how I see this. And if it is a risk and a little scary, then that's all the more reason to do it. Right now I'm focusing on giving this character a voice, and if I do that, I can't see that as being a negative thing. And just because I'm playing this role doesn't mean I can't do something else. That's the beauty of being an actor.

AE: Did you enjoy your experience playing Jake on the WB series Young Americans?
KM: I really enjoyed my experience playing Jake. It was exceptionally rewarding. It was my first job, my first time in front of a camera and I just became this sponge that absorbed as much as could. I learned a lot on that job and I was given an outlet to play someone who was very much like myself as a kid. It was like I came full circle.

AE: Are you currently working on any other TV or movie roles besides The L Word?
KM: Right now I'm filming an episode of Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit. Really great role. I'm very happy I got this job.

AE: What is your background (age, where you grew up, ethnicity, education etc.)?
KM: I grew up in Philly, went to a prep school for some reason, and then moved to New York when I was 18 to study.

AE: What inspired you to become an actress? Which actors/actresses do you admire most?
KM: My best friend growing up really put the bug in my ear about acting. We created this one hour-and-a-half improv play when we were 10 or 11 and performed it at the library. We just played off each other so well and had the best time doing it and the funniest part was, we wound up having packed houses, other people loved it too. So I thought, maybe I can graduate from the library and actually do this for a living. I couldn't imagine anything else that I would enjoy more. And as for the people that inspire me? When I watch someone and I really believe them and what their doing, that's inspiring.

AE: Besides acting, what are your other interests/hobbies?
KM: I really enjoy painting. It has this calming affect.

AE: What is your favorite book? Favorite movie?
KM: My favorite book would have to be this written documentary about the 70's music scene called "please kill me." The people involved in that lifestyle lived for the moment and did not give a shit about what people thought of them. I've read it a good 4 times. It has some very important lessons to learn that I'm constantly trying to teach myself. Favorite movie? it changes constantly. I'm obsessed with the Six Feet Under dvd right now.

AE: What has been your biggest challenge (personally or professionally)?
KM: My biggest challenge is trust, and really believing that trust, in letting things just happen personally and professionally and trust with myself. But I'm getting better at it.

AE: What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from working in Hollywood? Any advice for aspiring actresses?
KM: Honestly, I haven't been in Hollywood that long to really be immersed in it, but one thing I do know is not to lose yourself, stay true to you. Because in the end it's all a big game.