Hilarie Burton Interview

Hilarie Burton got her first glimpse of the N.C. Azalea Festival while filming the pilot for 'One Tree Hill' in 2003. (Ms. Burton, who got her start as an MTV VJ, plays the punk-rock-loving, teen-music-club-running cheerleader Peyton on The WB television series.)

This year, she's ready for a closer look. She and co-star Barbara Alyn Woods are "Special Celebrity Guests" for the 2005 festival. (Look for them during the parade and, maybe, at other festival events).

During a break while filming at Laney High School recently, Ms. Burton sat down for a quick chat about being an Azalea Festival celebrity guest, living downtown, and the ghost that haunts her house.

How did you get to be a special guest at the Azalea Festival? Do you know what you're in for? I love festivals. In Virginia, we have them all the time. Last year (at the Azalea Fest) I missed the parade, so I'd like to do that this year. Our schedule keeps changing, so I'm not sure … But Hootie's coming to town – back in the eighth grade, Hootie was the thing. And the garden party. I love that stuff. I love wearing hats and dresses. Hopefully, I'll be able to do a lot of it.

Of all the 'One Tree Hill' cast members, you especially seem to have become a part of the community. I like living downtown. I'm 22 years old. This is a great college town … I love going to the improv comedy shows at City Stage: The Other Side and Changing Channels. I love those guys. They're good friends of mine. I like (local hard rock band) He is Legend. (Lead singer Schuyler Croom is) also a good friend, and I go see him perform. There are a lot of really talented people here.

So, is your ghost still at your house? (For those who don't know, Ms. Burton has said that a specter haunts her downtown home.) Totally. Last night I heard footsteps right next to my bed. And the other night, we were listening to metal and the iPod kept getting paused, even though it was locked. I guess the ghost doesn't like metal.

Are you married? (Ms. Burton is has been romantically linked with an 'OTH' crew member, but she won't confirm how serious it is.) I'm in love. I'll leave it at that.

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