The Sizzlin' Sixteen '99
Michael Vartan

by Tom Johnson

The great thing about Michael Vartan isn't his volcanic handsomeness. It's his refreshing refusal to take it too seriously.

"I'm used to [the attention] because I've been hearing it from my mom since I was a kid," he says, laughing. "In everyday life, the subject doesn't come up."

Vartan, who first broke through in 1997's The Myth of Fingerprints, might not think much of his chiseled good looks, but plenty of others soon will. In March, he gets his first starring role, opposite Drew Barrymore in the romantic comedy Never Been Kissed.

And later this year, he'll be seen in the independent feature It Had To Be You, with another red-hot beauty, Natasha Henstridge.

"The big difference between Drew and Natasha is that Natasha is taller," Vartan deadpans. "No, really, they're very sweet and fun. I had the best time working with them."

Also on the way in '99 for the 30-year-old Paris-born actor is the college comedy-thriller The Curve, with Scream's Matthew Lillard. In addition, he's working on a comedy series for ABC called The Guide, which may appear on the fall schedule.

"I'm not at liberty to talk about the plot," Vartan whispers. "I've got a shackle around my ankle that monitors every word I say. But I am the star, so ABC's really in trouble!"

© E! Online 1999

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