This week, 20 Questions profiles actress, Bo Derek, who is here this week to discuss the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

You were recently appointed the U.S. Secretary of State’s Special Envoy for the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking. Explain. 
“It’s a $10 million to $20 million problem of illegal trafficking. It’s a danger to animals. We’re talking elephant, rhinos, tigers and shark.”

What kind of travel will this entail?
“I’m doing the West Coast in the U.S. in October, eventually Asia and wherever else it might lead.”

Did you have pets growing up?
“I had dogs growing up. I’ve had a dozen dogs at once.”

And now?
“I have two dogs, German Shepherds, Ayk and Asko. I also have two horses.” 

Have you worked with Congress on this issue?
“No. My role is with the State Department, and that would be international public awareness.”

You have a line of pet shampoos, conditioners and pomades for dogs. Do you use them on your dogs?
“Of course.”

Please explain the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act…
“We have three slaughterhouses that are foreign owned. It’s just to prevent our American horses from being killed for consumption overseas. There’s a vote on Sept. 6 in the [House] Rules Committee and then a full House vote on the 7th.”

Which lawmakers have you dealt with most?
“[Reps.] John Sweeney (R-N.Y.), Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.). Jack Spratt (D-S.C.). Over the past three years I have spoken with every member. Of course that’s an exaggeration but that’s what it feels like.”

Are they receptive?
“Yes, most of them. It’s a small contingent that’s fighting it, but they are powerful and difficult.”

You are a Kennedy Center board member, appointed by President Bush. Are you a Bush supporter?
“Yes, I voted for him and I support him.”

Have you always been Republican?
“No. I was originally Democrat. I’m a registered independent actually, but I support the president.”

You are playing a role in Fox’s new MyNetworkTV and in Fashion House, a drama about the fashion industry. Is fashion important to you?
“Not extremely, but in my work it’s definitely part of it. On this show I probably had more than 150 wardrobe changes. It was insane.”

Which designers do you wear?
Various. Bill Blass is one of my favorites. I love beautiful handwork, construction and design.”

Do you live part-time in Washington, D.C.?
“No, I just spend quite a bit of time here. I live on a ranch in Santa Ynez, California.”

Do you still get comments about your role in the Oscar-nominated film “10?”
“All the time. It was such a breakthrough role and you tend to be known for your first role anyway.”

Is this nice or tedious?
“It’s fine. It was a very positive event in my life.”

Favorite indulgence:
“My two horses.”

Favorite place to stay in D.C.
“With a girlfriend in Georgetown.”

Favorite D.C. restaurant:
“Café Milano of course. I love Morton’s. La Chaumiere, I love.”

You have been romantically linked to [California Republican] Rep. David Dreier. When did you date him and do you keep in touch?
I keep in touch. We didn’t date. It was on CNN for a week that I was dating Ted Turner and that never happened either. David Dreier is a good friend. And you have to look at your source [that reported it]. Hustler Magazine said we were dating.”

To recommend a political personality for 20 Questions, call Betsy Rothstein at (202)628-8516 or email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it