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AOLiveMC20:  Everyone welcome actress Michael Michele, star of the upcoming movie ‘Ali’! Thanks for joining us, Michael.

Michael Michele:  Thank you, and happy holidays to all from my great city, New York City! And I must say that I am not the star, Will Smith is, but I am one of the wonderful supporting stars.

AOLiveMC20:  Here's our first question tonight, from member Freak4Nintendo2K:

Question:  Hey, I'm a big fan! How did you start acting? Who motivated you to where you are now?

Michael Michele:  I began like most struggling actors -- I hit the pavement in New York, meaning I walked the streets of New York and would meet with anyone that would meet with me -- and through determination stayed in there until I got my first "yes" for ‘New Jack City,’ which was my first pay in the business. As for motivating me, my parents were a great inspiration and motivators through their support and love. Self-motivation is always extremely important for anyone, so I was very determined and extremely self-motivated as well.

AOLiveMC20:  Our next question:

Question:  Considering how unusual your first name is for a woman, is there any special reason behind it?

Michael Michele:  My mother’s best friend. Her name was Michael Ann, and she and my mother were best friends as young girls. And when my mother became pregnant, she named me after Michael Ann.

Question:  Do you have any special plans for the holidays?

Michael Michele:  Normalcy would be the operative word. I hope to enjoy the holidays here in New York with family and friends and give thanks for all that I have -- you know, just to be grateful for my friends and family, as many will not have that during this season. And that will make it a special holiday for me.

AOLiveMC20:  Our next question:

Question:  Considering the number of ensemble shows you have done, would you like to have a starring role in your own TV show?

Michael Michele:  Well... I don't know, to be absolutely honest. I enjoy working with an ensemble. What is most important for me as an actor is that I am working with very talented actors, very creative people, and I think less about how large my part is and more about how I am growing as an actor. To have one’s own show doesn't necessarily mean that that is better than being a part of a great ensemble.

Question:  The characters you have played cover a variety of professions. Is there any particular profession you would like to portray next?

Michael Michele:  Another good question. Ha ha ha, these AOL chatters are good! Boy, hmm... I would love to portray someone with mental illness, possibly schizophrenia. As an actor, that would give me the opportunity to really dig deep inside of myself to use a lot of the tools that I have assembled for myself over the years.

AOLiveMC20:  Member Chadrant asks:

Question:  Do you foresee juggling between your television career and film career, or are you going to have to choose which one to actively pursue?

Michael Michele:  No, I will never make that type of choice, ever. I am an actor first; the mediums are less important to me. I will continue, hopefully, to be a part of great TV, because it is a medium that I enjoy; and also the feature film arena, because it too offers an actor the opportunity to explore in a different manner. Because we are not dealing with Nielsen boxes and ratings, there can sometimes be an opportunity for greater creativity in the film area.

AOLiveMC20:  Member Jicobo asks:

Question:  Michael, how was it to work with Will Smith, and was it your first time meeting him during filming of ‘Ali’?

Michael Michele:  Working with Will Smith was much like being invited to the greatest party on earth. That is how I would best describe what it was like. And yes, contrary to what he told me, I believe that is the first time I met him, although he swears that he had met me before. I even told Jada that I did not meet him before, but he swears that I did.

AOLiveMC20:  Many members have been wondering:

Question:  Do you believe in true love?

Michael Michele:  I wonder who those members are? I absolutely do! If one is willing to put out great love, then it is possible to receive it.

Question:  Tell us about working with the director, Michael Mann, who is famous for ‘Miami Vice.’

Michael Michele:  Wow! Someone has done their homework! Yes, he is great. He has done great TV, but also feature films. I have long been an admirer of Michael, and that admiration grew by leaps and bounds after having had the opportunity to work with him. He will be someone who will be in the history book, the filmography, long after we are gone.

AOLiveMC20:  AOL member BlowingUpTheSpot asks:

Question:  So I want to know, what is the greatest thing you feel you have ever done?

Michael Michele:  Wow! These questions are really quite deep! I should have great appreciation. Thank you very much. Boy, oh boy... I am a work in progress. I am truly a work in progress. I hope to sit on my front porch one day as an elderly woman and say that I have contributed to the lives of many young people. It is something I have done over the years, mentoring. I would say that is my greatest accomplishment thus far. At the end of my life, I can look back and say that is my greatest accomplishment. Of course, if I do have children of my own one day, which I hope to do, then that will surpass any other accomplishment.

AOLiveMC20:  Well, on to a less-deep question. Member YukonXL Man 211 asks:

Question:  Why did you leave the show ‘ER’?

Michael Michele:  There were several factors, the most important being that I was 3,000 miles away from everyone and everything that I know. I continued to live in New York City during the entire three years. I commuted back and forth between L.A. and New York weekly for three years, and I had convinced myself that I could do it, year in and year out. Secondly, I've done enough TV, particularly dramatic ensemble TV, to know when it is time to leave, and that time had come.

AOLiveMC20:  MarkusMan25 is wondering:

Question:  Do you think ‘Ali's’ gonna get a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars?

Michael Michele:  I would hope for three categories -- if not all three, then one of the three: Best Picture nomination; Best Director nomination; Best Actor nomination, Will Smith.

Question:  Did you get to meet Muhammad Ali during the filming of this movie? If so, what was that like?

Michael Michele:  Yes, I did meet Muhammad Ali; however, it was after we completed the movie, mainly due to the fact because I didn't do my part until the production moved to South Africa, and Ali did not travel to South Africa for the making of the movie. He was an extraordinary human being to meet. My initial reaction was that I was meeting a man of greatness and a man that was truly, truly, wonderfully blessed.

AOLiveMC20:  SyNcBaYbEe101 asks:

Question:  How does it feel to be taking part in such a great film about someone so great?

Michael Michele:  I am still trying to find all the words to articulate my feelings. I feel extraordinarily fortunate. I feel as though I will look back on my career in the future and feel so honored to have been a part of something so magnificent.

AOLiveMC20:  Member LaurasaysHI2u wonders:

Question:  What is going to happen to Chloe on ‘ER’ now that Dr. Benton is gone?

Michael Michele:  Dr. Finch is finito! My character left the ER to run her own pediatric urgent care unit.

Question:  If they did another ‘Homicide’ reunion movie, would you consider reprising your role as Detective Rene Sheppard?

Michael Michele:  You better believe it! LOL. I could be broke down and 80 years old, and if they asked me, I would! I loved playing Rene Sheppard. It was such a great role for a woman. I loved it.

Question:  Can you tell us about the upcoming film ‘Dark Blue’?

Michael Michele:  Another great movie, but a very different movie. It stars Kurt Russell -- in what I think will be one of his greatest characters -- Scott Speedman and myself, and it deals with the L.A. riots of ‘92. It is gritty, urban, and I am back in my cop mode. Ron Shelton directed this movie for MGM, and he is another great director.

AOLiveMC20:  Creolesweetie wonders:

Question:  What do you do to keep in shape?

Michael Michele:  I've been a runner for more than half my life, and I have been doing pilates for this past year.

AOLiveMC20:  Well, Michael, we have time for one more question tonight, from member Swimminslug04:

Question:  Hey, I’m a big ‘ER’ fan. Do you have a favorite episode?

Michael Michele:  My favorite episode was actually the live episode. That was before I came on board, but I thought that was quite an accomplishment for TV.

AOLiveMC20:  Thank you for joining us tonight, Michael. We all enjoyed having you. Have a nice holiday!

Michael Michele:  I am hoping that everyone in this world has a wonderful holiday season. I want to thank everyone who has taken an interest in my career and tell you that I will try to do my best with the opportunities I am given. Thank you very much!

AOLiveMC20:  Thank you, everyone, for joining us for tonight's chat with actress Michael Michele. We hope you join us again real soon! :)

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