Catherine Bell

“It's changing a bit, but the thing in LA is everyone is either in the industry, or knows someone who is in the industry. So, they don't let on that they recognize you, that's what I've found out.”

“I started acting when I was about 18. I was a model for a couple of years before that.”

“I'm a firm believer in doing things that scare you.”

“The best part? Probably being able to portray such a respectable, ethical, intelligent, strong woman. That's still pretty rare in our business, unfortunately.”

“But, people are recognizing me more. Sometimes fans just approach me on the street and say how much they love the show. It's great to get that kind of feedback.”

“We're just into toys, whether it's motorcycles or race cars or computers. I've got the Palm Pilot right here with me, I've got the world's smallest phone. Maybe it's just because I'm still a big little kid and I just love toys, you know?”

“I love cold, rainy weather.”

“I get letters from kids, teenagers and young girls who just want to be Mac. I've had quite a few people actually say that they're going to become a Marine or a JAG lawyer because of me... the character. I think that's pretty cool!”

“I started when I was in college because I was shy and thought it would be a good way to break out of that.”

“I love to go bungee jumping, jump out of planes, ride motorbikes, do kickboxing. I love all that stuff.”

“The main prank that we play with props is for people's birthdays. The special effects people will put a little explosive in the cake so it blows up in their face - that's always fun to play on a guest star, or one of the trainees or someone who's new.”

“When all the girls were getting all made up and getting into all that girl stuff in junior high I was out playing softball or touch football with the guys.”

“I didn't figure out the makeup or cute hair or clothes until oh, maybe my junior year of high school.”

“I understand men much better than most women I know.”

“Almost every Marine I've met says I portray a Marine dead-on, which is really, really flattering.”

“I love England though; I've been back a few times and just love it. My favorite thing to do there is going to museums and all the castles. Oh, and my husband and I went mountain biking across England on our honeymoon!”

“I think it's great that she's not perfect and wasn't perfect. I think that's maybe why so many young girls and different people look up to Mac and respect her even more.”

“Sometimes you work all the way through to 5am, then get a few hours and you're back on set again.”

“When I do get time, I like to hike and I take lots of vitamins and powders to keep healthy.”

“People think I'm crazy and reckless but I'm absolutely not... I'm soooo safe and soooo careful and I won't do anything that feels like I could break something.”