Born Ashley Tyler Ciminella (Judd) on April 19, 1968, in Los Angeles, California this eighth generation Eastern Kentuckian first proved her acting abilities in her debut feature film role as Ruby Lee Gissing in Victor Nunez' internationally acclaimed "Ruby In Paradise." (1993) Since then, Ashley has continued to keep busy even to the point of recently marrying her prince of the race car circuit, Dario Franchitti, in December 2001. Judd’s list of film accomplishments include ”A Time To Kill,” “Kiss The Girls,” “Double Jeopardy,” “Where The Heart Is,” and both forthcoming movies ”Frida” with Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas and the highly-anticipated ”Catwoman” both for 2003 !

Congrats on your recent marriage, but why choose Skibo Castle ? ”Thank you, that’s sweet. We actually chose Skibo Castle because it’s a private club to which we belong and because Dario is Scottish. My husband organized everything so I really went where I was told to, I guess,” she giggles churlishly.

The ring looks beautiful ”Thank you again, but the setting is called a ‘cushion’ and it makes the stone look bigger than it actually is,” she modestly adds.

Being who you’ve now become in business, is there such a thing as privacy in your life anymore ? ”Well, let me tell you this way,” she smirks, bringing her hand to her face for a split second. ”If I’m in the toilet in an airport bathroom I don’t think it’s appropriate to slide a pad and pencil under the stall. If I’m in Spago and having a hysterical time with girlfriends, and if I’m with Gloria Steinem, I don’t think it’s appropriate to have a script pitched to me - to be told if I don’t do this my whole career will be wasted. There is a boundary between public and private that a lot of people just don’t get.”

With regard ‘High Crimes,’ it seems one of the major criticisms of the film is regarding the likelihood of a civilian serving on a military court-martial “Yeah, I keep hearing that but we had an impeccable adviser who was there and so everything you see in the courtroom scenes is legit,” she retorts adamantly.

Tell me more about the up-coming ‘Catwoman’ movie ! ”Well, in truth, after all the roles I’ve undertaken, now suddenly I am ready to try something more different. My inspiration as a superhero is that ‘Catwoman’ is a very ambivalent character. There is a lot of fun to be had with this movie, as well as a great acting experience," she smiles.

Finally, any words of wisdom to pass on ? “It’s so wrong to yearn so much, that you miss the joy of what you’re living. That’s definitely something I’ve learned and am willing to share.”

Interviewed By Melanie Leonard

To read our DVD Review of 'High Crimes' just click here and be whisked away !