She's the beautiful, brooding star of USA's "La Femme Nikita," and we asked Peta Wilson some questions from UltimateTV and UltimateTV readers.

Q: Do you follow a particular acting method?
P: No, the best of all methods: Whatever's real works, whatever's not, discard. Tell the truth.

Q: What was your first acting job?
P: I played a tree in the school play; and then a troll the following year.

Q: Have you ever done any modeling?
P: Yes, I wasn't ever really that high profile. I made money and traveled.

Q: How do you stay in such great shape?
P: Yoga, eating healthy, high metabolism. I try to find outlets for my abundance of energy; laugh as much as possible.

Q: What do you think of the movie versions of "La Femme Nikita?" (The Hollywood version is called "Point of No Return")
P: Both are appealing and distinctive in their own way. The French version was superb.

Q: Did you study the two lead actresses, Bridget Fonda ("Point") and Annie Paillard? (The original French version) How did you approach the role differently?
P: No (she didn't study the leads), but I liked their work. (She approached the role) As if it had never been done before; I did the same work I do in prepping for a theatre piece...made it breathe.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
P: Performing and producing original and distinctive theatre and films; working with my friends; trying to add to the cultural equation in any way I can.

Q: What's the difference between U.S. and Australian audiences?
P: Big difference. Aussies don't idolize their celebrities in the same way as the U.S.

Q: (from reader Dave Pollard) What do you see as the foundation on which the show is built? It seems very much to be an updated version of "The Prisoner," but also draws heavily at "VR5" in its style and the slowly resolved mystery of the female protagonist's history.
P: If you say so. But I don't think there's any particular derivitive influence.

Q: (D. Pollard) What female leads have inspired you in crafting your character?
P: I looked within to craft my character, although I was inspired by strong female role models in my life. There are several actresses I admire: Marlene Dietrich, Catherine Deneuve, Sissy Spacek, Wendy Hughes, Anne Bancroft, Gena Rowlands, Liv Ulman, Lauren Bacall, Bette Davis, Meryl Streep.

Q: (D. Pollard)... and does the struggle of heavy dramas with female leads for audience ratings in the past concern you?
P: No, hopefully times are changing.

Q: This is a very serious program, especially for USA Network. Will the show keep the edge it has, or will it lighten up over time?
P: I don't believe they're mutually exclusive. It can lighten up from time to time without losing its edge. It's all about the writing.

Q: (from reader Joe) Do you have a boyfriend?
P: Do you?

Q: (from reader Kelly) Who's the biggest babe in the business? (Male)
P: You mean besides Roy DuPuis? (plays her mentor/trainer Michael)

Q: (from Camille) What magazines do you subscribe to?
P: Vogue -- USA, Australian, Italian, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar.

Q: What directors would you like to work with?
P: Roman Polanski, Terrnace Malik, Damian Harris, Sean Penn, Jamie Foley, Martin Scorcese, Angelica Huston.

Q: Do you cruise the Net? What sites do you usually visit?
P: I just got a computer; I'm sure I'll cruise it all.

Q: UltimateTV loves "The Avengers." Are you familiar with the show? Which of John Steeds female counterparts was your fave? Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), Tara King (Linda Thorson) or Purdey (Joanna Lumley).
P: I like them all for different reasons. I really like Modesty Blaise, the comic book heroine.

"La Femme Nikita" airs Mondays and Fridays at 10 p.m.(ET/PT) on USA.