In New Line’s dark comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous the lovely Denise Richards gets to play a brutally competitive teen beauty queen. "Such the stretch," you say? Don’t rush to judgment.Betty recently caught up with the sexy star to talk about the equally competitive world of Hollywood cattle calls, her own beauty secrets and much more. Here’s what she had to say...

BBB: In Drop Dead Gorgeous, it’s easy to laugh at the ridiculously brutal level of competition that's involved in beauty contests, but isn't that how it is in Hollywood too?

Denise: I haven't really encountered anyone like my character [Becky] in the movie, thank God! Realize, this film takes it as far as you can and deals with the viscous circle of competition and the stage moms and all of that...and it is very competitive in Hollywood, but I've been very lucky. I would drive myself crazy if I worried about every girl I was competing with. Plus I think it beats down on a girl's self-esteem always having to worry or trying to look like someone else. I just do my best!

BBB: How important is it for you to look beautiful?
Denise: Well, if you look at all the images in magazines, TV and film, it's very physical. What people don't realize is that this [pointing to herself] is two hours of hair and make-up. I don't look like this at home. I'm into wearing jeans, a T-shirt and no make-up! People don't realize that those magazines are airbrushed or that there's wonderful lighting in films that make us look good.

BBB: Speaking of looking good… is it weird having so many teenage girls as fans?
Denise: It's great to have fans from all different ages - they're the ones that go see the movies - and Drop Dead Gorgeous appeals to teenage girls, but it's also a smart comedy that adults can appreciate as well.

BBB: If you were in a real beauty pageant, what would your special talent be?
Denise: I knew you were going to ask that! Well if you see the movie you'll know it's not singing...hmm, maybe baton twirling or something.

BBB: Denise, what's the one beauty product you can't do without?
Denise: Burt's Bees' Apricot Baby Oil. I just love that stuff.

BBB: Hey I just realized that you’re the new Bond girl. How was that?

Denise: It was great – I loved it. I mean, when I was doing the movie [The World is Not Enough] I was terrified, because I was so excited to work on a film with so much history. But everyone was so encouraging and helpful. It was such a wonderful opportunity for me.

BBB: And I’m sure looking at Pierce Brosnan everyday wasn’t too bad either! Well thanks Denise for taking the time to chat. We'll see you on screen in Drop Dead Gorgeous and in the upcoming Bond thriller The World is Not Enough.
Denise: Thank you, Betty!