Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006 | 7:23 a.m.
Actress Tippi Hedren is for the birds.
And the lions and the tigers and the elephants and all other creatures.
Hedren will be honored with the Conservationist of the Year Award at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum's 14th annual Dinosaur Ball, to be held Saturday at the Hyatt Regency at Lake Las Vegas.
The event, which includes dinner, dancing and auctions, is a fundraiser for the museum. For information about the event, contact the museum at 384-3466.
She is best known by film fans for her first two starring roles - in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963) and "Marnie" (1964). She is perhaps better known now for her activism on behalf of animals.
She lives at Shambala, an animal preserve she and her organization, The Roar Foundation, created on 80 acres in the Mojave Desert about 40 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Q: Do you ever get tired of being asked questions about "The Birds?"
I don't. I feel that it is such an honor to be involved with a film that is a classic. I was very fortunate. It opened so many doors.
Do you ever go back to Bodega Bay, Calif., where "The Birds" was shot?
Yes, quite often. I stay at the Inn at the Tides, and I dine at the wharf.
Why?
I love the area and the people.
Are you afraid of birds?
I know I should have nightmares; it would make better reading. But no. I don't. We have a huge flock of ravens where I live, at the Shambala Game Preserve.
How did you become an animal activist?
I was born with a love for animals. I've always wanted to know more about them.
Before I became involved with animals I was an activist on other levels - my mother was very much involved with the Lutheran church, working with missionaries. I did a lot of charitable work - finding food for the hungry, helping out areas that were hit with hurricanes, earthquakes, drought.
Your first two major motion pictures were with one of the greatest directors of all time, Alfred Hitchcock. What is your opinion of him?
Actually, I have a two-fold opinion. I had a wonderful career experience with Hitchcock. I did the two films with him. But he was a very controlling person, and I'm not one to be controlled. So I demanded to be let out of my contract, but he refused. He kept paying me $600 a week, even though I wasn't working.
I was hot after "Marnie" came out - later on I heard about all the different producers and directors who had wanted me for their films, but I was still under contract. He said if I didn't work for him he would ruin my career, and he almost did.
Was he that possessive?
I think so. Obsession can be a strange and powerful emotion to have. It's rather tragic.
Your co-star in "Marnie" was Sean Connery. What was he like, and are you still in contact with him?
He was just fabulous, a consummate actor with a great sense of humor. He was practicing his golf swing all the time - a rather profound golfer. We just honored him on June 8 at the American Film Institute. They asked me to speak about him, which was great fun. It was one of the most wonderful evenings.
You made more than 40 films after breaking with Hitchcock. Are you still acting?
I just did the premier episode of "The 4400" (USA Network). It was a very interesting role. The plot of the series is awesome. It's about 4,400 people who have been abducted by aliens - some 60 years ago, some 20. They don't recall being gone, and they come back to Earth in a light and land in a marsh in the Seattle area.
And I have a recurring role in the series "Fashion House."
Any films?
I did "Rodeo Girl" with Rachel Hunter. I play a woman so terrible she gets shot in the back.
Do you do any events for "The Birds "?
I've been on tour with Turner Classic Movies. It's always amazing to me. "The Birds" has a life of its own. No matter where we go, the theater is standing room only. We show the film, and after the film there is a question and answer period.
What are the most common questions?
What was Alfred Hitchcock like, and do I have a fear of birds?
Do you come to Vegas often?
I frequent Las Vegas. Siegfried and Roy are my friends. We have the same veterinarian.
Do you have any regrets?
I could pull out a few, but I can't dwell on those things. I could wish for a different situation with Hitchcock. I loved working with him. He was just an amazing teacher for me.
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