IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Jessica Simpson on new film, romance rumors

“Today” show host Matt Lauer talks with the singer/actress about her role in “Employee of the Month,” and her reported dating life.
/ Source: TODAY

“Today” show host Matt Lauer sat down with Jessica Simpson, star of the new movie, “Employee of the Month,” Wednesday on “Today.” Here's the transcript:

Matt Lauer: If we could give an award for guest of the summer, it may have to go to Jessica Simpson, who gave us a great concert performance last month, despite some very serious vocal problems. Now Jessica's back in the spotlight. This time she's starring in the upcoming movie called “Employee of the Month.”

Jessica, welcome back. Good to see you.

Jessica Simpson: Thank you.

Lauer: How you feeling?

Simpson: I can actually talk like a normal human being.

Lauer: That was, for you, I can only imagine what that morning was like.

Simpson: Yeah, it was really hard. I was really nervous. And you know, my fans helped me out, but oh, when I listened back, I was like, ‘Whoa.’

Lauer: It sounded fine. I have to be honest with you. I watched that morning from kind of a different perspective. And what I was thinking when I was watching you is how much pressure is on this young lady, not just that morning, but in life in general. You came here, you have a big group of people around you. You know, you're responsible for the music, you're responsible for the acting, you're responsible in many ways for the brand. And that's a lot to rest on the shoulders of a young lady. How do you cope with that and how are you coping with that?

Simpson: I love it. It's the way I live. I know of no other way of living. So I ... it's really just a part of who I am.

Lauer: But it doesn't ever get to you that there are so many people depending on you to be kind of at the top of your game?

Simpson: No, I like that. That makes me better at the top of my game. It puts me to the top of the game. So I, you know, I love taking care of everybody around me and making sure that everybody's happy.

Lauer: Kind of a nurturing sense in you, a little mothering sense?

Simpson: Just a little bit. Just a little bit.

Lauer: Talk to me about ...

Simpson: I like to be nurtured too, though.

Lauer: Good give and take is always healthy.

Simpson: Yeah.

Lauer: Tell me about the movie, “Employee of the Month.” I mean, basically, you're hired as a cashier, and it's kind of a Costco-type place, right?

Simpson: Yes.

Lauer: The super club, right.

Simpson: The super club.

Lauer: And immediately, it becomes clear or well known that you are one of these people who only dates the guy who wins the coveted title of employee of the month.

Simpson: Yeah.

Lauer: Now, I'm looking at you, Jessica. I don't think you're the type that's going to be dating one of the guys at Costco.

Simpson: Hey, you never know. You never know.

Lauer: Come on! If you were to be hired in the Costco or a super club, where would you look for the date? Would you look in the auto mechanics department or in produce or in meat? Where would you look?

Simpson: You know, I have never really thought about that. Maybe produce.

Lauer: You like the produce guys?

Simpson: That sounds good.

Lauer: One of the guys who vies for your attention in the movie is kind of the reigning employee of the month.

Simpson: Mm-hmm.

Lauer: And then there's this classic slacker.

Simpson: Yeah.

Lauer: You're going to date a slacker?

Simpson: Well, I do go on a couple of dates with the slacker.

Lauer: You like the dynamic of this movie? You like the storyline?

Simpson: I do. You know, it's just a funny movie. It's a good hour and a half of just laughter. And it's, you know, a good escapism from whatever you're going through.

Lauer: You reveal something very personal in the movie, you know. It was shocking to me and a lot of your fans. So let me show that clip, all right?

Simpson: Oh-oh.

[Clip of “Employee of the Month”]

Lauer: You know, when you were here doing the concert, I noticed you do have huge ears.

Simpson: I know, they're just huge.

Lauer: Yeah, just unbelievable.

Simpson: That's why I'm showing them off.

Lauer: Imagine what they can do with prosthetics. You made this movie at a time in your life that was not the easiest time.

Simpson: Yeah. I was going through a really rough time.

Lauer: You had just come through the break-up with Nick.

Simpson: Mm-hmm.

Lauer: How was making a movie, making a comedy in particular like this, how did it help you?

Simpson: It was really nice to be around the entire cast. Everybody, they all kind of lifted me up and over the cares of the world at the moment. And you know, we were always laughing, and you know, I was always getting, you know ... everybody was always making sure that I was OK, because I was the only girl on set, pretty much.

Lauer: So the guys were cracking jokes all day just to make you feel better?

Simpson: Yeah. Yeah, so it was a great, you know, just a great atmosphere, a great ...

Lauer: It's a classic guy ploy, you know. That's the way they're trying to get a date with you, so they're trying to make you laugh. When you went through that period, Jessica, you read a lot. I don't know if you do read the tabloids, but there was a lot in there about you. What made you maddest?

Simpson: I was — you know, tabloids are what they are and you can't really control them.

Lauer: But it's your personal life.

Simpson: But it is your personal life and you know, now I try to keep my private life my private life. But ...

Lauer: Was there one thing you read, though, you said, ‘Damn it, that's just not true, and people should know that’?

Simpson: Well, during — well, during the process of making “Employee of the Month,” I think I dated every single one of the guys, whether it be a guy from the crew or, you know, one of my co-stars or whatnot.

Lauer: All right. You bring me to my next question. Set the record straight there. You have been connected in a dating sense with Dane Cook, Johnny Knoxville, Matt Lauer — John May—oh, did I say that out loud?

Simpson: Have we?

Lauer: Did I say that out ...

Simpson: I don't know, but if we walk out hand in hand, maybe we can make it happen.

Lauer: John Mayer, the rumors came up again yesterday. What's happening?

Simpson: Did they?

Lauer: Will you please tell me what's happening? I'm desperate to know.

Simpson: Oh, all I have to say is that I'm going to keep my private life my private life.

Lauer: All right. Are you opening a restaurant?

Simpson: I am, actually, a barbecue restaurant.

Lauer: And your dad? Daisy Dukes?

Simpson: Well, that's not really the name of it yet.

Lauer: No?

Simpson: No.

Lauer: All right. And by the way, I think you and your cast, the whole cast, are coming back here tomorrow ...

Simpson: Tomorrow, yes.

Lauer: ... to not only promote “Employee of the Month” but to give out the coveted broadcaster of the week award?

Simpson: Yes, yes. We've been judging.

Lauer: To a member of our staff here, our on-air staff?

Simpson: Yeah. All you have to do is wink at me.

Lauer: Oh, by then, rumors of you and me will be everywhere 'cause I'm spreading them. Jessica Simpson, it's good to have you back.

Simpson: Thank you so much.

Lauer: And good to have you in full voice this morning.

Simpson: Yeah, I know, right?

Lauer: And we'll see you and your co-workers tomorrow.

Simpson: Thank you.

Lauer: All right. And “Employee of the Month” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday.