Girl Crush Spotlight: Summer Glau

Her Inspiration

“When I first came to L.A., I had an idea of what I wanted to do.” Initially, Glau “really wanted to be a period film actress.” Her favorite leading lady? “Rita Hayworth.”

Her New Role

Glau’s latest project is NBC’s new superhero drama, The Cape, in which she’ll play secretive investigator Orwell. “I gravitate toward roles that empower women in the story. I love that [Orwell is] empowered,” Glau says. “She’s hard to define. Even for me as the actress, there are still so many unanswered questions. I’ve played a lot of powerful girl characters, but I feel like Orwell is on the brink of becoming a woman."

On Getting Older

Becoming a woman is one thing, but aging itself isn’t exactly celebrated by most Hollywood actresses. “I’m not apologizing for my age,” Glau says. “I really try to appreciate [my age]. Sometimes my heart beats a little faster when I think of all the things I still want to do. [But] something that’s nice about growing up is people will listen to you more.”

Her Changing Style

With age, of course, comes wisdom. “I think it’s probably true for most girls: As you get older, you start to know who you are and you get more confident about what works for you and what doesn’t,” Glau says. “I feel more comfortable communicating what’s right for me. I feel more confident about knowing myself.”

Balancing Work & Life

When it comes to balancing a hectic schedule, “the first essential is definitely getting enough water,” Glau says. “Sleep is the second thing. I’ve gotten more and more protective of my sleep as I get older. I just make myself get it in.”

Essential Beauty Product

Glau puts the focus on skin care by using Epicuren products. “They use it for me on [the set of The Cape] as well. That whole line keeps my skin hydrated and fresh.”

Her 2011 Goals

As for New Year’s resolutions, Glau has a couple: “I am going to read more books instead of just scripts. My second is to take my vitamins.”

WATCH NOW: A Sneak Peek of NBC's The Cape

(Glo publisher BermanBraun also produces the NBC series The Cape.)