That is what this episode is about and what the episode is supposed to teach people.
As an actress, how important this role for you?
Jennifer: I think it was extremely important.
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It became a soulful journey through something that I could never have imagined.
After the first or second day, I thought, Wow, this is not even acting.
There are no words for it.
And, doing this made me fall in love with my job, all over again.
I dont think I will ever act the same way.
It was like something in my heart and my soul just connected on a different level.
I feel very thankful for the opportunity that I was given.
It really was so fun and just eye-opening for me.
How difficult was it to overcome the challenges of this role?
Jennifer: Well, I think it really started with everyones belief that I could pull it off.
It just went from there.
They sent the script, I loved it and I just decided to jump in, heart first.
How did you prepare?
What did you draw upon to get into this character?
Jennifer: There really was no preparation.
I was afraid to wrap my head around it, to be bluntly honest with you.
It was a scary place to go.
Im not usually an actor that does that.
I usually play characters who are nice, sweet, fun women.
I dont think I ever could have been prepared for this.
It was definitely scary.
I credit the cast and the crew, and Mariska and Helen specifically, because they really pushed me.
Youre going to have to go deeper.
It really does something for you, when you have to look at yourself covered in blood.
I dont know who this person is.
So, there was no preparation.
I wouldnt have known how to do that.
Ultimately, I think it did.
What was the physical transformation for this like to go through?
Jennifer: It was shocking.
But, personally, I learned such a vanity lesson, which was really important for me.
The universe sometimes gives you these weird gifts that youre not expecting, and this was one of them.
I was like, Oh, my gosh, how on earth am I going to do this?
But, this part couldnt have been done without it.
It was so great.
It was just awesome.
Did the women of the Joyful Heart Foundation give you insight on how to play this role?
Jennifer: They were on the set to watch after what is closest to their heart.
They did act as a huge support system for me, personally.
For me, they were also just angels.
Were there any lasting effects for you that came from doing this?
Jennifer: Oh, I would do anything for this cause in the future, absolutely.
As a woman, it was very difficult.
I started the morning in that emotional place, and I ended the day in that emotional place.
I couldnt imagine having to feel it for real.
As a person, that just taught me so much.
This cause is beyond important.
Its so important, and its so real and scary that its happening.
When you get to do something like this, thats where it all starts.
I felt like I started acting, my eight days on the show.
Now, I would like to continue so.
Is that something that youre looking to do more of?
Jennifer: Well, sure.
I think I just became a grown-up in life.
Ive just been doing this a really long time.
The ultimate dream in life is to be able to do what you love and learn something from it.
You have always been a role model for a lot of young women.
Did you ever expect for that to happen?
Jennifer: You know, I never really thought about being a role model.
I wasnt really prepared to be one, but its always something that Ive taken very seriously.
Do you think your character on the show is going to be a role model as well?
What are your thoughts on why there is not as much education on TV as there should be?
Jennifer: Its a fine line that you have to walk between entertaining and teaching.
What this episode does is make people aware of something.
We are speaking about relevant matters in the world.
Thats the brilliant thing about the business that were all really lucky to be a part of.
Thats just what this show is.
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s episode ofLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitairs on September 29th
