Here is the first image of one of the brand new characters in 2001 Maniacs: Beverly Hellbillys — China Rose. She is beautiful Kathryn Lee.

I had met Kathryn a while back and when Tim Sullivan called me and said he was looking for a hot, wild Asian girl to play China Rose, I immediately thought of Kathryn. Tim had just started writing this role in the very last draft, the idea being that the Maniacs had imported her from China for laundry and cleaning purposes. He wanted someone who was game for poking fun at racial stereotypes, and when they met, Tim knew that Kathryn had what it took-- a comedic sensibility coupled with a natural sexiness. It wasn't until the table read, however, when we all realized how just how amazing Kathryn was. Every time she opened her mouth and said her lines,we were all on the floor laughing! Tim ended up working with Kathryn to extend her part, and I gotta say, I think she is my new favorite character. She really got into her role, walking around set saying "Five Dollar, I make you Holler!" and "Whatever you want, I do for you, honeeey..." It was loads of fun! Kathryn is a great addition to the Maniacs family. She is just as messed up as the rest of us!!

Speaking of which, in retrospect, I must say this was the greatest shooting experience of my career. It's been a week and a half since we wrapped, and I miss everyone terribly. We all got together last night to celebrate new cast member Trevor Wright's birthday, and we all said the same thing -- as tough as it was, we still wished we were filming. The energy was fantastic and drama free with Tim cool and calm and in control. Fun was the operative word; and I know that energy is gonna come through in the finished product. Tim is cutting it all together as I write, holed up with Adam Robitel, who not only returns as Buckman's sheep-loving son, Lester, but is also serving as the film's editor. That's gotta be a first. 

The other day I received a present from Tim, a military-style dog tag with my name on it, the name of the character I played in the film, along with the shoot location and date. On every film he directs, Tim personally gifts each crew and cast member with such a dog tag, his way of saying thanks and acknowledging everyone's contribution as a member of the Maniacs Army. I have one from the first film as well, and I can't wait to get a third. Hint, hint, Tim!