Ashlee Simpson-Wentz Moves to "Melrose Place"

We party-chat with Ashlee about her role on the new CW drama series! In Pasadena, at the gorgeous Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, press and stars got together for an outdoor summer party and chat session. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz is looking slim and fit after becoming a mom to baby Bronx and decided it was time to hone her acting skills.

The now-redhead plays Violet, a mysterious, supposedly naive young thing living at the "Melrose Place" apartment complex in the re-boot of the series on the CW starting this Fall. We asked Ashley about her baby, her multi-layered character and her future acting and musical plans. Oh yes, and her tips for teens.

TeenTelevision: How is the baby?

Ashlee: He's a big boy. He's good. He's nice and healthy and a happy baby and you couldn't ask for more.

TeenTelevision: Do you bring him on set with you?

Ashlee: I do. Bronx is on a normal schedule now and sleeps through the night. He gets two naps a day so we schedule everything around him and when he can come to set with me. Luckily, I have great people around me to help me out and make sure it goes perfectly. The great thing about being a part of an ensemble cast, is there are some days when you aren't working and other weeks that are really hectic.

TeenTelevision: When you heard about this re-boot of the series, did you say, 'oh, I remember that' and want to do it?

Ashlee: I didn't watch the original 'Melrose Place'. I was too young. My friends who were two years older than me watched it but it wasn't popular in my grade so we didn't really watch it. But, I've watched it now. I went back and watched season 2 which, if you watch the new show, you can see why I watched it but I can't tell you why now.

TeenTelevision: Hummm, interesting. But, if you didn't watch the original, why the interest for you?

Ashlee: Well, when I heard about it, I thought 'oh, that's interesting' and I took the meeting and you don't really know what it's going to be about. But, when I sat down with the producers, their ideas are amazing. Each script kind of leaves you hanging. It's so much fun and they have fun ideas for my character (Violet). Right now, you're still trying to figure out Violet and we're on episode six.

TeenTelevision: She was very mysterious in the pilot episode.

Ashlee: She really is and it's fun for me because there are things that the other members on the show won't know on screen but the audience will know that's sneaky so it's fun to play.

TeenTelevision: Is it fair to say that Violet is more complicated than she appears on the surface and not as naive as she appears?

Ashlee: (laughs) I'll tell ya, she is not naive but I think there is a side of her that really wants love though and wants to be accepted and it's kind of sad for her.

TeenTelevision: Did you just go looking for a TV series part?

Ashlee: I didn't go looking for TV per se. It was pilot season and I was like 'what are the cool pilots out now?' I sat down with the producers of this show and were very impressed with the direction that they were going. It wasn't like what I would have thought. It's more gritty and a re-vamped version of the show. Every character is new and they have their own quirks. Everyone is covering up something or they are really raw and figuring out where they can fit in. Not everybody is what you think they are. I would say that Violet is probably the most not what she seems.

TeenTelevision: So they are not going to have your older sister come in and play Violet's sister?

Ashlee: (laughs) No, no. That would be so much fun but we're not going to mix up family and business so I think we're just good being sisters in real life.

TeenTelevision: How important is it for you to be seen as an actor now, rather than a music artist?

Ashlee: For me, anything that I do, it's important for me to do it right not only for me but for my cast members, the producers. It's important for me to take it seriously and do the best that I can and bring what I can to the table. I've really enjoyed doing that.

TeenTelevision: Can we expect to see any cameos from the original cast members?

Ashlee: Yeah. Right now we have Jane, Josie Bissette on. Today was our first day with her and it was great. It's great to have her back and it's always fun to see the reaction when (the original actors) see the set because it's amazing and it's re-vamped and very 2010.

TeenTelevision: What kind of roommate would you be?

Ashlee: Probably the roommate that steals your clothes (she laughs).

TeenTelevision: Have you ever lived with a big group of people like that?

Ashlee: I haven't.. Well, when I was eighteen, it was documented on television (on MTV's reality show 'The Ashlee Simpson Show'). I lived in an apartment and had a bunch of my friends live there and those girls that were on the show with me are still my best friends.

TeenTelevision: Are you working on any music now?

Ashlee: I'm not, we're on episode four moving on to episode five and it's going fast. When I get the chance, I'll get back to it but I have to wait to be inspired. If there were something musical about my character Violet then that would make sense but I just want to put my all into the acting at the moment.

TeenTelevision: Are you going to go looking for a movie project when the show takes a break?

Ashlee: Definitely, I'll look for that. I'd like to do something completely opposite from Violet. Maybe go with the blonde, short hair and do something funny. For me, it's about taking on the challenge and learning and growing in every area.

TeenTelevision: What would you like to tell potential teen fans of the show about Violet and why they should watch?

Ashlee: You'll be like 'oh, no! She didn't just do that!' For a while they are going to feel that way about Violet. She's learning her way around people. Everybody on the show is wonderful and funny. There's murder mystery. There are all these exciting things going on and it isn't just one dimension.

TeenTelevision: Do you have any advice for teens when they have one of those embarrassing moments?

Ashlee: You just have to take life for what it is. You only have one of them so just laugh at it and keep on going!