Smallville's stars
make a difference
Kristin Kreuk and Allison Mack give back
Ivy Jacobson
Issue date: 1/24/08
In real life, Kristin Kreuk (25) and Allison Mack (24), who play Lana Lang and Chloe Sullivan, respectively, seemingly have it all together. Even though they play superheroes on TV, they also support real-life causes that are already making differences.
Begining this year, they started a project called etholutions.com, along with director Nicki Clyne, where a series of no-holds barred questions are asked that are aimed at college students, and an opportunity to ask Kreuk or Mack any question you want is offered at the end.
"What we are trying to do is to help a potent force. Some of the greatest changes in the world are being made now, and we support college students in their growth to helping the community," Kreuk said. "Our survey is a really cool thing that lets us know of the direction that college students are taking right now, and we want to encourage everyone to take a little time to do it, because it really helps us know what college kids do with their time."
This is one of the first outreaches towards college students that any film stars have taken, which shows a different perspective towards actors, because anyone rarely sees college students as a group of people to lend a hand to.
"As we're talking to you now, we're doing arts and crafts on the floor. We really have no interest in US Weekly or dating the 'hottest guys,'" Mack said.
Working together on the show for so long has made the two close friends, and some of their habits have eventually rubbed off on each other.
"We love going to art and film galleries or exhibits. Kristin has also taught me to travel more, and I love taking a plane or a cruise somewhere. It's very refreshing, and I love taking in new perspectives," Mack said.
She also has an online blog, expressing her love of the arts and expressing herself in creative ways.
"It's just who I am, and I encourage others to express themselves as well," she said of her blog.
Kreuk also supports sustainability projects, such as the Aga Khan Foundation, which is a non-governmental agency that come up with unique solutions to solve social problems, mostly in Asia and Africa.
"It helps local communities without military support or aid. They fund really amazing projects," said Kreuk.
With filming the show, supporting the arts, and helping and creating charities and projects, it's still a wonder that they don't break out now and then, since Kreuk has been one of the longest-running faces on the Neutrogena commercials.
"I do have naturally good skin, and I rarely get zits," Kreuk laughs. "However, having clear skin doesn't mean anything. Even if you have flawless skin, photographers will still airbrush and airbrush until it is a perfectly smoothed image. They put us in specific lighting that helps our skin look good, and there is a smoke machine right in front of us that also helps with the cameras. So really, you can't ever win even if you do have perfect skin."
Image, however, seems to be the least of their worries for today's generation. Even though Kreuk and Mack have both been rated on Maxim's Hot 100 of 2005 List," and other numerous lists, Mack describes it as being "just strange."
"Girls need to look at and embrace themselves. See how you are different, and find the parts that are really beautiful, because there is a shortage of young women expressing themselves in the world today," Kreuk said.
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