The 5-minute Interview: Maggie Q, Actress

'People tend to think I'm cold'

A former model, Honolulu-born Maggie Q, 28, started her acting career in Hong Kong cinema. After appearing alongside Jackie Chan in "Rush Hour 2" she went on to star in a series of blockbusters including "Mission: Impossible 3" and, most recently "Die Hard 4.0", out on DVD this month

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

At home with my seven dogs. They're all rescue animals. I'm simply an animal lover, so any animal that needs a home will find one with me.

A word I use far too often is...

Literally. Everything is literally this, or literally that.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Animal rights. It's something I'm hugely involved in. I feel animal rights is related to an all-encompassing respect for life.

The most surprising thing that happened to me...

Was making the decision to get rid of my worldly possessions, to throw out – or rather give away – most of my bags, shoes, accessories. I have too many things and they clutter my life so a few days ago I just thought, "I can't deal with all this!"

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm cold. When I'm with my family and friends I'm always laughing and happy but in public I don't show much emotion.

I am not a politician but...

If I was, I'd sort out health care in America.

I'm good at...

Loving. I love to love.

I'm very bad at...

Interviews.

In moments of weakness...

I count my blessings.

My philosophy is this...

Raising awareness and inspiring change: awareness of self is a huge thing and I think it can change people.

Toby Green