THE SMOKING NUN

Most men may admire Jennifer Love Hewitt for her healthy bosom, but I've always been drawn to that beautiful smile—which shines through both her grin and eyes. One would imagine from her public persona that she's approachable, sweet, friendly... which is exactly what I found when I had the opportunity to interview Hewitt by phone in February 1999, when she released "How Do I Deal," a kick-ass rock/pop single from the "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" soundtrack, co-produced by David Foster.

The song reached No. 36 at top 40 radio (and No. 8 in Australia). In my AirWaves column, I wrote, "Hewitt's vocals are more than competent, replete with urging and emotion and scoring high notes with ease."

Who knew she actually got into show business to be a singer—and had previously recorded three albums—before acting "came along and I found another way to express myself," she told me.

During the interview, she was on the set of "Party of Five," and because of taping, "Love" (as I discovered her inner circle calls her) had to phone me back three separate times during the evening. She was apologetic, sincere and an absolute doll.

I also reviewed two follow-up singles, "BareNaked" in 2002, and "Can I Go Now," in 2003, both produced by rocker Meredith Brooks. Despite my best push, neither charted.

Of course, since, Hewitt—who turned 32 on Monday—starred in "Ghost Whisperer" from 2005-2010, and most recently, the lovely tear-jerker "The Lost Valentine" with cutie Sean Faris and Betty White, which was the most-watched Hallmark movie in four years.See the video for "How Do I Deal" here!