Vegging Out With Vanessa Ferlito

You've seen Vanessa Ferlito as forensic investigator Aiden Burn on CSI: NY, and she's also stolen scenes in The Sopranos, 24, Man of the House, and Spider-Man 2. We got the chance to have a relaxing chat with this “next big thing”—as the New York Daily News called the Brooklyn native—about vegetarianism, dogs, and her next big movie.

What prompted you to go vegetarian?
My makeup artist, Kara, is a strict vegan …. I was very intrigued by her whole lifestyle. There was something so pure and clean about her, and I wanted to possess that same energy, so without hesitation, I became a vegetarian. At first, it was for health reasons, my own selfish reasons, and that made it hard for me to fully embrace this new way of living. … Kara [gave me] this documentary called Earthlings. That film has changed my life forever. … I could never live with myself knowing about the horrific treatment that innocent animals endure and then [eat meat]. It all became so clear to me …. [Going vegetarian] was my pleasure.

What is your favorite vegetarian dish?
Chickpeas and spaghetti together. My mom makes it the best.

What are some of your favorite places to get a good vegetarian meal in New York or elsewhere?
Angelica's Kitchen, Candle Café (Manhattan), and The Greens (Brooklyn). I love Real Food Daily and Newsroom in L.A.

Do you have any animal companions at home? If so, what are their names and how did they become part of your family?
Unfortunately, not at the moment. I had two pit bulls, and they both died of old age. My boy Stax died last year, so I wanted to give it some time. I would like another [animal companion] very soon.

What issue involving animals is dearest to your heart, like circuses, dog and cat overpopulation, animal testing, or fur, and why?
All of them. [Cruelty to animals] makes me ill. At the end of the day, all of these issues are connected. It all boils down to greed, the people doing the dirty work down to the people who support it. I feel sorry for these people who are so small-minded and who need things like fur to make them feel like a million bucks when all they need is love for self and respect for life … that is priceless and in turn makes you rich in mind, heart, and soul.

Have you ever witnessed any animal abuse, either firsthand or on video, that you felt compelled to stop?
Many years ago, my friend showed me a dogfighting tape. … I couldn't stomach what I was seeing, but I also didn't have the courage to tell them to shut it off …. At the time, I didn't realize the severity of it and what a big business it was, I just knew in my heart it was wrong. … I was just a kid, [but] if it was now, who knows what kind of trouble my mouth would get me in.

What would you say to people who wear fur and don't care that animals are the victims of this fashion “trend”?
I'd tell them that they are supporters of murder and torture. Some trend, huh? There's nothing sexy about wearing dead carcasses on your back.

Tell us something about yourself that your fans would be surprised to know.
There is not a day that goes by that I am not thinking about all the suffering and sadness and pain that animals are forced to endure. My heart is broken, my eyes and heart are wide open and forever changed. … [T]he least I can do … is to feel. I owe it to the animals and to myself to be insightful and educated as to what is really going on around the world, and if it has anything to do with slaughter, then I want nothing to do with it.

What is your message to your fans about having compassion and getting active to help animals?
Just to check it out. I'm not saying to change your lives overnight, but just to be aware and educate yourselves. Don't close your eyes to [animal suffering] just because your fur coat cost $20,000 or because you love your mom's stew, it's so much bigger than food or material things. It's about love, compassion, and karma … it will come back to all who try to turn their heads [away from] what is going on. At least look [at how animals are abused], then you can decide what is most important to you.

What is on the horizon for you career-wise?
I have a movie coming out in the spring called Shadowboxer. I play opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. and Helen Mirren. I'm going to [come back for] a guest appearance on CSI: NY. After that I have two films lined up.

Get Vanessa's Va-Va-Voom

Try vegetarian! It's as easy as slapping a veggie burger on the grill, nuking a bean burrito, or emptying a jar of marinara sauce over some pasta. Feeling creative? Try a new recipe or two. If you need to be reminded why you should flush flesh, that's OK-—we're happy to show you.