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Alison Janney, Fiance Enjoy Summer Romance

By Chris Gardner
Hollywood Reporter

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "It is hot in Tennessee," Allison Janney says in a slow, Southern drawl, perfected for a little independent film called "Our Very Own" but dampened by the 100-plus degree temperatures.

The Emmy-winning "West Wing" actress doesn't sound at all irritated by the heat or the work, and maybe it's because she's in love with her co-star. Janney got engaged in early May to actor Richard Jenik, and the two are spending part of their summer vacation working together for the first time on film.

"This is especially great," she says by phone from the set. "It's our dear friend's movie, Cameron Watson, and it's about his time growing up here in Shelbyville. (All of us on the project) are all very good friends, and it's a dream come true. The fact that Richard and I are working together for the first time, and we got to do a scene together that wasn't written in the original script but the director let us put in so we could do something together. It was great experience, and I hope we have many more. I think it's so rare when couples get to work on projects together."

"And stay a couple," Jenik finishes, as they both laugh.

It's clear they plan on staying together and hopefully, as Janney says, continue to work together. The two met through a mutual friend about six years ago and have been dating for the past 18 months. Up next for Janney and Jenik is a trip to visit their respective parents, training their new dog, Chauncey, and planning the upcoming nuptials.

"My 'West Wing' schedule leaves open basically Christmas and next hiatus, so we're trying to figure it out unless we go to Vegas and do it on the sly," Janney says.

Just like Britney Spears. "Hopefully ours will last a little longer," Jenik remarks.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter