By LOUIS B. HOBSON --

WASHINGTON -- Cameron Diaz has learned a great deal about stardom from her co-stars Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, Julia Roberts and Matt Dillon.

"Jim is the kind of performer who thrives on the adulation of fans. Keanu, on the other hand, is terrified and embarrassed by it," says Diaz.

"Jim loved it when hundreds of young fans lined up to see him come to the set. Keanu dreaded having to walk out of his trailer because of the screaming teenage girls who'd be waiting to get a glimpse of him."

Diaz notes with regret that "celebrity has put Julia into a horrible hothouse situation. She is like an exotic plant that is only allowed to exist inside a protected shell.

"There was incredible security on the set of My Best Friend's Wedding (which Diaz is now filming). The (supermarket publications) were always trying to sneak their photographers onto the set and Julia was terrified of stalkers. She can't go out in public. That's no life."

While she was filming Feeling Minnesota, Diaz had a brief affair with Vincent D'Onofrio.

"Vincent is the best acting coach I've ever had. He gave me confidence and taught me about approaching a character from the inside."

Diaz says beau Dillon has the best of all worlds: "He is gracious with his fans, but he knows how to keep them at arms' length. He's had to deal with being stared at all his adult life so he knows how not to encourage people to approach him. That's what he's teaching me."


More Artists