ELLE January Cover: Katherine Heigl

Public Matters

Arriving at the shoot with her mother, Heigl wore platform Fendi wedges with black jeans, a tank top and a sequined jacket.

On her public perception: "I've never really been America's sweetheart... I had 'em for a second thinking maybe I was. And then I opened my mouth, and it was very clear I wasn't. There's so much of my mother's caustic, sarcastic, irreverent take on things. But I also love and embrace it."

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Drama Queen

Inspired by the glam girls of the 1970s, Joe Zee fashioned Heigl after a sexy Studio 54 Jerry Hall.

On dealing with the demands of Hollywood: "I overdramatize. And I think everything is at stake—my life, my career, my family—if this movie doesn't do well."

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Sovereign State

For the shoot, Heigl relaxed as if in a post-party pose and sipped wine to get into character.

On seeking approval: "I'm just that a--hole who really wants everyone to like me, and it's a ridiculous goal and it's an impossible goal. But I think if I just keep pushing forward and showing myself through and through, they will see me again for what I really am and not what has been sort of spun about me."

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Shine On

Going for a modern edge while dining out in Hollywood, Heigl wears an evening-appropriate sparkling jacket with an angular cut that complements her short bob.

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City Slickers

When she's not working in New York or Los Angeles, Heigl and her husband, Josh Kelley, take refuge at their home outside Park City, Utah.

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Sunny Side Up

Despite challenges with public perception, Heigl keeps her wardrobe positively bright with a citrus-colored top while attending a meeting in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Lace Case

Looking elegant, Heigl goes for a black lace dress, which gets punched up with a big cat bag.

Motherly Love

In 2009, Heigl and her husband adopted daughter Naleigh from South Korea, the same birthplace of Heigl's sister.

Star Power

Heigl looked very much the part of old Hollywood screen siren as she accepted her 2007 Primetime Emmy Award in a white Zac Posen dress.