www.elle.com, Pauline O’Connor
At a time when firefighters have captured our attention, Amy Carlson is snagging theirs, as one of New York’s Bravest on NBC’s Third Watch. The 32-year old actress – who cut her teeth on the soap Another World – is currently apartment-hunting in New Yorkwith her boyfriend, Syd Butler, the bassist for the band Les Savy Fav and founder of indie record label Frenchkiss.
Pauline: What’s on your wish list?
I’m Swedish, so I’m down with the car of my people. I’d love a black convertible Saab. And an original Miro.
Pauline: Is there a big difference in the pay scale between a soap opera and a prime-time TV show?
On a soap, if you’re doing really well, you get $1,800 to $2,500 per show. That’s a day. But on nighttime, you might get anywhere between $18,000 and $30,000 an episode, though it takes maybe five days to do one.
Pauline: What do you splurge on?
It’s so boring, but most of my money goes into investments.
Pauline: Not afraid of this market?
Nah, I believe abundance is here fo stay.
Pauline: Any stock tips?
By the time you hear about something, it’s over. I didn’t get that for a while. | come from a family of teachers – “Money? What’s that?” I had fo learn all on my own.
Pauline : Have your spending habits changed with your success?
I have an appreciation for nicer things – that stuff adds up.
Pauline: Regret any purchases?
I bought a really expensive dress because I couldn’t say no to the salesgirl. And of course it was one of those “all sales final” deals.
Pauline: What do you get at a bargain?
My boytriend has a record label, so I get CDs for free.
Pauline: Shrink or spa?
They’re the same thing, aren’t they? I spend so much on the shrink, I need a spa to forget about all the shrinking.