By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
August 24, 2010
Born in Malaysia, Wendy Hoopes traveled around the world with her parents and grew up in Washington, D.C. After graduating from New York University, Hoopes — now 37 and living in Brooklyn, N.Y. — began her acting career, eventually landing roles on “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Criminal Minds.” But fanboys and fangirls will instantly recognize her voice as that of Jane Lane — the cool, hip friend of Daria in the MTV animated series of the same name. (Hoopes also voiced Daria’s sister, Quinn, as well as Daria’s mother Helen.) All five seasons of “Daria” are now available on DVD.
Q. What are your favorite vacation destinations?
A. One of my favorite vacation destinations is the Caribbean. I recently visited the Bahamas and fell in love. Some of the lesser-known islands are still fairly untouched and rugged and beautiful. I also adore Maine and I’m a big fan of Hawaii, too.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. I love the North Shore of Massachusetts. When I am in Southern California, I love visiting Big Sur.
Q. What is your favorite restaurant?
A. I am a foodie and I really like all different cuisines. I’m a huge fan of the Turkish Kitchen (www.turkishkitchen.com) in New York City. The food is always fresh and delicious.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Currently my Palm, something good to read and I like to travel with the right mix of clothes and toiletries so that I could take a hike or go to a five-star restaurant.
Q. What are your favorite cities?
A. I was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and I have extremely fond memories of Kuala Lumpur — tropical and clean, junglesque and rather idyllic. I am a big fan of New York City; Portland, Maine; Washington, D.C. — where I grew up; Paris; and I am quite fond of Los Angeles.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I research the climate and economy, and then I like to explore once I get there.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I would really like to get to Russia and explore more of the east in general. South America would be nice, too.
Q. What is your best vacation memory?
A. I had a stunning visit to Essaouira, Morocco. The ocean crashes onto gorgeous beaches and rocks and it is truly awe-inspiring. Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones used to visit this spot back in the day and you can see why. It was Ramadan when I was there and there was a full moon. I swear it filled the entire sky and it had this enormous ring around it. I never would have believed such a sight could exist if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. (It) took my breath away. Despite the amoebas I carried home with me from that trip, it was something special.
Q. How do you try to fit in when you’re a tourist?
A. When in Rome…
Q. Have you ever been guilty of being an “ugly American”?
A. I hope not, not to my knowledge, but I am covered in freckles so I do get glances (from people that indicate that they are thinking) “that person does not look like everyone else…”
© 2010 Jae-Ha Kim
Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
