2000
A few things you might not know about
Scream 3/Friends star Courteney Cox Arquette:
In 1984, she shook her booty with the The Boss (in Bruce Springsteen's
"Dancing in the Dark" video). She was also the first person to say
"period" on national television (during a Tampax commercial), and she
originally auditioned for the part of Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) on Friends.
Of course, in addition to her Scream role as Gale Weathers, everyone knows Courteney as Monica Geller, Matthew Perry's fiercely competitive Thursday night girlfriend. Perry, however, isn't the first funnyman to lock lips with the sexy brunette. In 1994, she performed wild monkey love with Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Before that, she was Lauren Miller, girlfriend of Family Ties fella Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox), and before that, the real-life girlfriend of actor Michael Keaton.
Last year, Courteney maintained her "funny man thing" by marrying her extremely eccentric Scream co-star, David Arquette. drDrew.com spoke to Courteney, or CeCe as her "Friends" call her, about hooking up with David, kissing Matthew, and fending off the media.
drDrew.com: You and David met while
filming the first Scream film. When did things begin to click for the two of
you?
Courteney Cox Arquette: At Wes's
[Craven, Scream's director] house during a dinner party that took place before
we started filming. I heard he was a really sweet guy, but a little
troublemaker. For some reason when I saw him--and I'm never like this--I was
kind of cocky and I said something like, "I know who you are." I don't
know why, but I wanted to have some kind of banter with him. I was really taken
by him. He's a very original person. Then I got to know him and found that he's
probably the sweetest person in the whole world. He has the best heart. And any
troublemaking part of his personality is just out of fun and because he's kooky.
drDrew.com: Where were you when he
popped the question?
CCA: In Panama City, Florida in front
of my entire family. I think that takes a lot of guts. My brother was opening
this big patio store, and I was down there signing autographs and helping out.
It was a pretty intense night and I had just quit smoking the day before so
everything was bothering me. David was being really clingy, and I didn't realize
what was going on. It was such a big night and he was just holding on for dear
life. Then we walked down on the beach and everybody was there. We're not some
kind of a close-knit family where we walk on the beach together, but there they
were. Then he asked me.
drDrew.com: What are your thoughts on
the media's obsession with thin Hollywood actresses and their supposed anorexia?
CCA: I don't want to feel I'm
responsible for anorexia across the country. I have no control over what anyone
does in any capacity. If I like myself at this weight, then this is what I'm
going to be. I don't have an eating disorder. I remember People magazine
[writing] "Courteney Cox talks about her bulimia." I didn't even say a
word--they asked me a question and I was like, "I wouldn't throw up if you
paid me." It just seems to be a waste of time.
drDrew.com: The relationship Monica and
Chandler have on Friends is so realistic. Are you having fun with this new story
line?
CCA: It's so much fun for us. I have a
new love for the show since I've gotten into this relationship. Honestly, I was
a little bored the first four years. I had some fun things to do and some good
relationships, but Monica was developing and I felt like there was a lot of
straight man stuff. Now we have something really fun to play--two really
neurotic people trying to have a relationship. They're both afraid to commit, to
get married, or take these steps. I have a really good time playing with him
[Matthew Perry]. It's kind of like our relationship in real life--except we
don't kiss.
drDrew.com: Do you know if the cast is
coming back next season?
CCA: I know that we're all having a
great time and that we're all going to stick together, but we haven't started
any renegotiations or anything.
drDrew.com: You're very open about your
personal life, especially your relationship with David. Is there a downside to
that?
CCA: Could it be used against us if
something went wrong? Sure, but I don't think it will. I'm a very open person. I
know I open my mouth way too much, but I just do that. I've already said too
much in this interview. I'd have to monitor myself and I can't be bothered.
By Emily Ann, drDrew.com
©2001 Absolutely Arquette