Lacey Chabert grew up in front of television cameras, most notably as Claudia Salinger on “Party of Five.” With a career of films, like the now cult-classic “Mean Girls,” television movies, and even voiceover work (she was the original Meg Griffin on “Family Guy” before Mila Kunis stepped in), Chabert can now be seen all grown up in the upcoming Hallmark Channel movie, “Elevator Girl.”

Just in time for Valentine’s, “Elevator Girl” tells the story of a free-spirited waitress, played by Chabert, who has a chance meeting with a young hotshot lawyer (Ryan Merriman) when they both find themselves stuck in an elevator. Sparks fly between the two but their differences soon become very apparent. But Chabert says she was attracted to the new romantic comedy which is all about how opposites attract.

CNS: What was it like working on your first Hallmark Channel movie, “Elevator Girl”?

LC: I was just really attracted to the story and the characters. Working with Ryan Merriman was really fun, and I think we have a lot in common since we both grew up in this business. I was excited to work with the director, Bradford May. He brought a lot of energy to the set and was really open to us making the characters our own. I thought the story was really relatable and something people would enjoy watching.

CNS: I got to watch some of “Elevator Girl” and it seemed like your most mature role yet. Did you think so too?

LC: Definitely. It was definitely a more grown-up character, but at the same time she’s also kind-of childlike in the way that she has little focus in life and doesn’t know what drives her other than just enjoying the moment. But then she meets Jonathan, who is overly driven, a lawyer, just the opposite of her. But they learn from each other and they meet each other in the middle.

CNS: Is that something you can relate to? Unlike your pal Jennifer Love Hewitt, who I can probably run down who she’s dated in the past five years, I can’t think of any of your relationships. Do you usually date outside the business?

LC: I’ve always kept that part of my life private because dating and relationships are hard enough without the judgment of the world. But I’ve never actually dated anyone famous. I’m not saying I would never date an actor because you can’t help who you fall in love with. But I’m in a relationship now and he’s really understanding because the life that I lead isn’t always the most convenient when jobs come up the way they do. It takes a very special person to be that patient and understanding.

CNS: “Mean Girls” is probably still one of the most quoted comedies amongst young people. Have you been able to see the impact that it’s had?

LC: When I got that part, I was so excited to work with Tina Fey and Mark Waters and I knew it would be great but I never had any idea that it would catch on as much as it did. People stop me at least a few times a week to quote lines from the movie or talk about it and it makes me so happy that people enjoyed it so much and find it so funny.

CNS: Your “Mean Girls” co-star, Jonathan Bennett, also appears with you in “Elevator Girl.” What was that like?

LC: We just did another film together too, “Slightly Single in L.A.,” and we’re talking about doing another project together. We’ve become really good friends. He’s like a brother to me. “Elevator Girl” was such a surprise that we got to work together again. I love him. He’s so funny and such a good friend.

CNS: That must be like finding out a friend has the same class as you on the first day of school.

LC: Yes! That’s exactly what it’s like (laughing). It’s so comforting.

CNS: Tell me about “Slightly Single in L.A.” It sounds like another great role.

LC: We just finished shooting that before Christmas. That was a fun role for me. I felt like that character was like the closest character that I’ve played to myself. The movie, from writer/director Christie Will who is so talented, is all about dating in L.A. and being in the business. It was a really fun role for me. I had a lot of fun filming it.

CNS: Did you not think when Taylor Swift won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards that she should have broken off a piece for Lady Gaga and a piece for Beyonce?

LC: No! That was her moment. She definitely deserved it.

CNS: What about a piece for Gretchen Wieners?

LC: (Laughing) Oh! Definitely. Yes. She would love that piece of plastic.

“Elevator Girl” starring Lacey Chabert premieres Saturday, February 13th at 9pm/8pm Central on Hallmark Channel.

From All Headline News