Maria Bello has nothing to hide
It’s tough for Maria Bello on the dating scene.
The newly single actress — she split with musician fiancé Bryn Mooser last year — doesn’t have the air of mystery that many women do.
“I don’t really date,” admits Bello from her home in Venice, Calif. “What I always think when I’m speaking to a man is that they’ve already seen me naked. Or if they haven’t, they can Google me and see me naked.”
Indeed, Bello has appeared in graphic sex scenes in a number of roles, albeit respectable ones, including as a Vegas waitress in The Cooler, and a suffering wife in A History of Violence.
Not that she’s actively looking.
“I’ve never had a traditional relationship,” says the 42-year-old Pennsylvania native. “I’ve never been married. Though I’ve been close, I’ve never quite pulled the plug!”
Add to that — Bello’s plate is pretty full. She’s currently promoting The Yellow Handkerchief, out Friday. It’s a road trip movie about an ex con (William Hurt) trying to get back to his lost love (Bello). Along the way he meets up with two teens — one being Twilight’s Kristen Stewart (the film was shot in 2008 — pre vampire furor).
“It’s a very quiet movie that you don’t really see much of these days,” explains Bello. “It’s about wounded souls . . . and trusting the universe that the right thing will be revealed.”
Talk about doing the right thing. Bello has also been spending a lot of time helping out in earthquake-ravaged Port-au-Prince.
“The situation there is truly devastating; people are suffering,” says Bello, who is opening a women’s clinic there. “But to see the aid workers there going for 22 hours a day on just power bars is also uplifting and incredible.”
At least she’ll get some comic relief later this year when press rounds start for the Adam Sandler high school reunion comedy, Grown Ups. In her first comedy, Bello plays Kevin James’ wife.
“Adam approached me, which was surprising, because I don’t think I’m that funny,” Bello says. “It was everyday hilarity. These guys just have a way of riffing off each other.”
Despite her stunning looks and impressive résumé, the Golden Globe nominee doesn’t feel famous.
“I have a very low-key life; I’m not a terribly public person,” says Bello, who has a 9-year-old son. “I don’t consider myself a celebrity.”