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![We check in with the star of "24" about her acting career, the correct pronunciation of "Sprague" and the benefits of all-girls schooling. By <a href="http://sharpformen.com/author/jeremy-freed/">Jeremy Freed</a><p><strong>How much of your success do you owe to talent? Or is it more just luck and hard work?</strong></p>
<p>The thing about becoming a performer in any regard is that you’re really becoming a freelance worker. So whether it be computers or performing or writing or what have you, you get a job when your chemistry with that job is correct. And that can happen at any time. So the thing is you have to be prepared for it. So I would say that a lot of it is hard work. I don’t know how I feel about talking about whether or not I’m talented, but I would say you have to have a certain belief in yourself. And then, you know, tons and tons of hard work so that you are prepared when that lucky break comes along.</p>
<p><strong>Do you plan to return to the theatre?</strong></p>
<p>SG: Yes, definitely. All I’ve ever really wanted to do was a play. In New York I was getting very close to getting a play, but I kept losing the roles to TV actors who were on hiatus, or film actors. So I kind of realized I needed to go into those mediums to get back to theatre, and luckily I’ve been so busy since then that I haven’t really had a chance to give my time to a play, but I’m hoping now that I’m a bit more in charge of my time I can maybe do that sooner rather than later.</p>
<p><strong>So do you have more freedom now about what kinds of jobs you can turn down?</strong></p>
<p>SG: To a certain extent. The fact is that actors are always lucky to have a job. And any time you forget that you’re in a lot of trouble. No matter who you are. The first goal is just to work. And after you work, the goal is to be respected by your peers and respected by those you respect. And to do that you do have to have somewhat of a discerning eye about the work that you choose. But it’s all about the goal. If the goal is to be an A-list movie star then you take certain roles. If your goal is to be simply famous then you take certain roles. If your goal is to be a quality actor then you take certain roles, I mean it’s all very different. My goal was always just to be a working actor who is respected by my peers. And, you know, respect takes a lot. I think you’re always kind of earning it.</p>
<p><strong>What can you tell us about the New Season of <em>24</em>?</strong></p>
<p>I’m not really allowed to say anything. I can say that it was an incredible and awe-ing experience that I really don’t have words for. I can say that I’ve played others roles, from the very very bad girl to the very very good girl and I think Olivia [the daughter of the US President on the show] is going to be a very interesting transition in my career. It’ll be very different than anything anybody’s ever seen me do before. So…</p>
<p><strong>So is she a bad girl or a good girl?</strong></p>
<p>SG: I cannot answer that.</p>
<p><strong>Understood. I thought I’d try.</strong></p>
<p>SG: Sorry. They’re really really strict over there.</p>
Sharp Woman: Sprague Grayden](http://sharpformen.com/wp-content/gallery/sharp-woman-sprague-grayden-gallery/sharp-woman-sprague-grayden-gallery00375-04_4.jpg)