In the new December issue of Cosmopolitan, busy actor Chris Pine is named “Cosmo Guy”. Despite his crazy schedule, which includes FIVE new movies premiering in 2014, the Hollywood hunk took the time to dish on everything from Lindsay Lohan’s comeback possibility to the best dating advice his mom doled out.
On being cast as an action star in so many films, Cosmo asks Chris: Are you an adrenaline junkie? “I get a lot of my kicks doing these films. I do stuff for my job that I did playing make-believe as a boy in my backyard. But I’m not a dummy—if I sense something could permanently injure me, I step away and let the professionals do it.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given about dating? “My mom always told me to take my elbows off the table, so that if I ever had dinner with a queen, I would know how to eat properly. But she also taught me basic things about being a gentleman, like opening car doors. Especially in Los Angeles, I think people lose those small gestures that harken back to a different time but are still mutually appreciated by men and women. Those little things are just nice.”
Do you think online dating has ruined chivalry? “No, I have a couple of buddies who use Tinder. Whatever eases the process is great, since it can be awkward and uncomfortable meeting someone. It’s the same jumping-off point—”Oh, she’s cute” or “He’s cute”—and then you start talking. Ultimately, it comes down to the connection you have with that person once she’s in the room.”
You worked with Lindsay Lohan on Just My Luck. Any words of advice? “She’s had a rough go of it. I’m sure the trials and tribulations that she’s been through have taught her plenty. Our business loves comeback stories. From Drew Barrymore to Robert Downey Jr., there’s a long list of people who have faced their troubles, wildly overcome them, and succeeded. If anyone can do that, it’s Lindsay.”
Photos by Getty and Marianna Massey/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures International