Natalie Morales stars as Lauren Cruz in USA Network's hit TV show White Collar. Natalie will also be starring in the Drew Barrymore film Going the Distance, and Wall Street 2 with Shia LaBeouf and Charlie Sheen. White Collar (which also stars Tim Dekay, Matthew Bomer, and Tiffani Thiessen) airs Friday nights at 10/9C.

TH: How did you get your start in Hollywood?

NM: Well, call me lady luck. I decided to move, and three of my closest friends decided to move with me. By the end of the year I think there were six of my friends living out there. Now it's nine. Hollywood's a tough place. I just got by with a little help from my friends. Eventually, you start getting work here and there, you fight for gigs and opportunities, and hope it gets you somewhere. I'd say my big break happened when I met my manager, who is now also a great friend of mine. I am so privileged to be working with someone who gets me and the direction I want my career to go in. He works really hard because he believes in me, and that's irreplaceable. Three months after we decided to work together, I booked CSI: Miami, and then it just sort of grew from there.

TH: Can you tell us about the process you underwent to get the role as Lauren in White Collar, and the expansion that your role has received since you were first cast?

NM: Well, I auditioned for the role of Lauren while I was shooting Going the Distance here in New York. Later there was a callback and a meeting with the producers and then I got it! I shot two episodes as a guest star and then they decided to make me a regular cast member. How awesome is that?

TH: How would you describe your character on the show, and do you identify with any parts of her personality?

NM: I think Lauren Cruz is a strong, intelligent, quick-witted woman. I also feel that she's worked hard to get to where she is and is somewhat guarded and protective. Oh, and the part I identify with? Definitely the sense of humor. I guess I'm pretty smart, although I wish I spoke seven languages and went to Cambridge... all those hot Brits!

TH: What have you enjoyed most about being part of White Collar's cast?

NM: Exactly that; being a part of the cast. These are some of the kindest, most talented people I have ever met. Honestly. We all sort of immediately clicked and we have a blast on set. It's also really amazing as an actor to be constantly inspired by your peers every day.

TH: Of all the stars that you've had the pleasure to work with, both on TV and in your upcoming films, who were you the most excited to work with?

NM: I'd say probably Drew Barrymore. And, boy did she live up to it. She's more down to earth than some of my friends. I had so much fun shooting that movie and she is beyond cool.

TH: I'm sure that people confuse you with The Today Show's Natalie Morales from time to time. Does that annoy you, and are you looking forward to the day when it's the other way around?

NM: Well, no. Ideally there would be no confusion and people would understand that it is possible for two separate people to exist with the same name. I am, however, looking forward to the day when I meet her. I'm sure that will be funny.

TH: We hear that you enjoy playing guitar, what kind of music are you into and which band would you most like to jam with?

NM: You heard correctly. I like a lot of bluesy rock. Although I have been playing a hell of a lot of Hall and Oates lately. How can you not like them? And that ‘stache? And I think my heart would explode if I ever had a chance to play with Pearl Jam.

TH: Being from Miami, what are some of the hot spots there that, in your mind, are "must sees" that people may not know about?

NM: Hmmm, I haven't really been living there in so long - so I'm not really sure. The only staple I can think of is Versailles, a Cuban restaurant in Little Havana; it's definitely the best Cuban food you'll find apart from my grandmother's kitchen.

TH: Which upcoming projects are you most excited about?

NM: I'm putting the final touches on my first screenplay. It's my baby and I'm so excited to actually make it happen. We'll see.

TH: We end all interviews with word association, so I say "wombat" and you say...

NM: Marsupial?