Shaun Robinson isn't just a celebrity reporter -- she's becoming a bona fide celebrity herself. The Access Hollywood beauty will make a guest appearance Sunday evening (check local listings for time) on USA's Law & Order Criminal Intent.
Robinson chatted with us about the episode called ''Vanishing Acts,'' about a David Blaine-like illusionist who disappears from his own stunt. Robinson -- playing herself -- investigates.
What was the experience like?
``We were shooting in the actual cemetery where Harry Houdini is buried and it was so creepy. We started rehearsing during daylight and I was just fine. Then, when night fell and I walked back in and the fog machines were going, I was so freaked out. There were dozens of people around but I just kept having this strange feeling that I was going to see something (or someone) that would make me want to get the heck out of there.''
Sounds eerie.
``It was. We had been walking around during the day and looking in the mausoleums that dated back to the 1800s. One had a little chair inside that one would assume was used by family members to sit and visit with their loved ones who had been buried there. That chair had cobwebs all over it signaling that no one was left to visit the family.''
Do you prefer acting or your TV gig?
``Both are so much fun. But I'd like to play something other than an anchor/reporter -- I've got that part down!''
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever interviewed?
``I find Will Smith to be very interesting. The guy is super smart. To listen to him talk about his work ethic is a lesson in being great. I always learn something when I talk to him.''
Ever get star-struck?
'Not much anymore, but the one person who always gets me is Al Pacino. I had a sit-down interview with him once and I was so nervous. I tried to wipe a crumb off his mouth because I wanted him to look perfect for my interview. Only problem, it was a mole! He was a good sport. Al said, `Just call me mole man!' ''
Is your job as glamorous as it sounds?
``It is certainly fun to dress up for the red carpet and meet celebrities but it's a lot of work. The preparation that goes into each show and each interview is more than most people imagine. If you want to be good at this job, you really have to do your homework. When I am not working, I am so un-glamorous. I love to be in my sweats and no makeup -- not a speck. My mother has to tell me to put makeup on in case I'm caught by a photographer.''
-- Madeleine Marr
