'Men' Actress Talks Charlie Sheen, Show's End and New 'Romantically Challenged' Role

You've been a recurring character on 'Two and a Half Men.' The show is on really shaky ground and no one knows what's going to happen to it. What are you hoping happens with Charlie Sheen?
If the show does go on, they need Charlie. I don't think it can be the same show without him. I mean, it's about him and Alan. It's the most-watched comedy on TV and some people believe, "Leave while you're on top." And other people believe, "Well, you can get another two or three great seasons out of it." Obviously, there's a lot of personal stuff going on there. I always think your personal life is who you are. It's your core and your heart and it trumps any kind of role you might get. I don't know -- if it would be better for Charlie to work every day or if it would be better for Charlie to take a break from working every day -- whatever's better for him is what I wish.

A lot has been reported about Charlie. What was your experience like working with him?
In all honesty, it was great. It was extremely professional. It was really great.

What would the show even be called without him -- just 'One and a Half Men?'
'One and a Half Man.' We actually had our season seven wrap party last weekend and Angus [T. Jones] was there, the boy, and I went into crazy aunt mode -- "Look at you, you're so old now! Look at your haircut!" He was just like, "Yeah. Hey Kelly." He's a big one.

What was the feeling among the cast at the wrap party? Were there a lot of fingers crossed?
I was running around giving hugs to everybody because it was so exciting to see everybody again. It really was like a family reunion, watching the wrap reel and laughing out loud. I sat next to Jen Taylor, who plays Chelsea, and we've become friends, and at the end of the wrap reel, we just looked at each other and kinda sighed. Obviously that show has had a very special place in my heart.

Could there still be a future for you and Alan if the show does continue?

Alan... my hearts breaking. I don't know! Of course, in my mind, Alan will always be in my heart and I think they're a really good match for each other. I don't know what's going to happen with the show period, but who knows? Usually, I get a call that I'm gonna be on that show like a week before I'm on it, so, if I am, I'll let you know.

Maybe there could be a spin-off with the women of 'Two and a Half Men' -- you and Holland Taylor and Conchetta Farrell.
Let's do it! It would be funny.The theme song could be 'T**s and A**' from 'A Chorus Line.'

If the show were to end, how do you think it should go out?
Good question... I think we should end with a big gay musical number. (Laughs.)

You could bring in Neil Patrick Harris.
Yes! Charlie could be playing the piano, Alan and I could be, like, in head-to-toe sequins. Angus could be on guitar. That would be fantastic. There would be offers from Broadway, they'd want a tour. We'd have to deal with those offers coming in.

So how are you getting ready for the premiere of 'Romantically Challenged' Monday night?
To sum it up in one word: butterflies. It's exciting and I hope people like it. I know my family will be watching. I hope other people will like it too, and they'll feel a spark. I'm having my close friends and family over on Monday night and we'll be watching in my living room. My grandma sent me heart-shaped cupcake molds so I'm going to make little heart cupcakes that say, 'Romantically Challenged.' And we'll have pizza. That's my diet.

'Challenged' is being called a sort of 'Friends'-With-Divorcees. Is that an accurate portrayal?
Well, of course, because I'm in the show I think it's a unique show all on it's own (laughs), but I guess people are that way about their own kids, too. It's about a group of, dare I say, friends who are really genuinely trying to help each other through life, through romance and all four of us want to find, I don't know whether you call it "The One" or "The One That Suits Us." It's about the hardships of dating. I mean, dating is not an easy thing, especially in today's world, it's becoming smaller yet most people aren't just dating the people that they know or their friends. Sometimes you have to go online and it's even a different world, I think, than it was five years ago.

You and Alyssa Milano play sisters. How did you bond off-set to get the sisterly dynamic down?
Well, I was at a post office when she first called and said, "Hey it's your TV sis!" We just really got along great from there. She's an awesome girl and we laugh together and she taught me Twitter! She e-mailed me and said, "I got you verified," which just means, I am who I say I am. And then she very generously tweeted to her followers, "Hey follow my little sister on the show." The next day, I had like a thousand followers! I was like, "Oh my, now I gotta find something to tweet about!" Other than, "I really like show tunes."

We have to ask you if you were a 'Who's the Boss' fan?
Of course I was! I grew up on 'Growing Pains' and 'Who's the Boss' and 'The Facts of Life' and God, that looked like fun. Look at that, a family! Alyssa was just adorable, and I totally remember that episode where she, I think it was like the first episode, where Angela takes her and puts her in the little grey dress and she came down the stairs... she was so cute.

Your character on 'Romantically Challenged,' Lisa, is sort of like the Samantha Jones of the group. She says she equates a threesome with second base. What are her romantic challenges?
Well, she's not exactly a good girl when it comes to being promiscuous. She is a kindergarten teacher, however, I have been around the block a few times, at least I say that I have. In the series, you don't actually see me on a date, so I think it would be interesting -- knock on wood, cross my fingers -- if we get more episodes and they do show me on a date, what I would actually be on a date. As of now, I'm kind of the sexpert, so to speak, telling everyone, "Trust me, I've been there." I like to dish out advice.

If she did get to go on a date, what would her dream date be like?
Well that's interesting, because I talk about how I like bad boys ... she could look at three nice guys and then pick an idiot. So her dream date would probably end up being awful. I think that she's terrified of being in a real relationship and that's why she always chooses the guys that cheat or are married.

The four main characters on the show are, in fact, "romantically challenged." How do you guys define "romantically challenged"?
It's funny, when people ask what the name of the show is, and we say, "Oh, it's 'Romantically Challenged,'" they usually smile and they laugh and say, "Oh, okay, story of my life!" I think that we're all a little bit romantically challenged. Like, with acting, for me, I don't think I'll ever get to a point where I say, "Oh I've got it all figured out. I know how to act perfectly." It's the same for romances. I don't think we will ever 100 percent get love. It's difficult. I'm married myself for five years now and we're still trying to figure it out! Our characters on the show are romantically challenged, but (laughs) we're all a little bit romantically challenged for real too.

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