THE ROBERTSON TREATMENT: Beyonce Knowles In 'Goldmember' by Marvin Neil

(Jul. 30, 2002) Beyonce Knowles is hot. Better yet, Knowles is on fire and we haven't even started talking about her career yet. The front-woman for pop super-group, Destiny's Child has found her way to the big screen starring opposite Mike Myers in the newest installment of the Austin Powers franchise, Goldmember.

The songstress takes on the role of Ms. Foxy Cleopatra, tough-talkin', but-kickin', name-takin' and crime-fightin' like the lead in your favorite 70's flick, all while displaying that smile that has not only garnered her a spot as one of L'Oreal's spokes-models, but a spot in the hearts of music fans the world over.

Knowles's story is common knowledge now. We all know that she's from Houston, and that she's led Destiny's Child into being one of the most successful females groups of all time. But odds are you didn't know that a platinum selling, Grammy Award winning, world- touring vocalist could be a nervous wreck on a movie set.

"My first couple of days on the set, I was so nervous. They use a lot of language on the set of a movie that, unless you' ve made a movie before, you wouldn't know. So I was afraid to mess up," said Knowles. "It really is a whole different experience from making an album. It's like starting all over."

It seems that for Knowles, starting from the beginning might not be so bad. Practically turning everything she touches into platinum in the music world, Her movie career is already showing signs of being just as charmed and preparation was the key, a lifetime of preparation.

"I've always been a fan of the 70's. The clothes, the hair, the lingo and the music. I'm just an old soul," said Knowles. "I was blessed to get a call for this role because I've been ready." And from the hip-huggers and platforms to the "yeah suga', she' s got it down. "She just had such a charisma and attitude about her that reflects so well on screen," said director Jay Roach. "I remember Mike (Myers) and I watching Carmen and thinking we've gotta call her to audition and she came in and just blew us away. And to think she's only 20 years old?

This young inferno shows no signs of slowing down either. Her next project is a romantic comedy "The Fighting Temptations" co-starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and is slated to be finished in the next couple of months. She will then begin work on her solo album, just as the other two members of Destiny's child have, hoping to be done by Christmas. However, in no way is this the sign of a break-up of the group, as is often reported and never substantiated.

"We just want to spread our wings individually for a minute. Once all of our solo albums have dropped, we'll be back in the studio together. They're my sisters and we'll always be together."

In just five short years Beyonce Knowles has gone from young newcomer to seasoned veteran back to young newcomer and she plans to succeed in this game as well. "I love music. I am a singer. But I have developed a fondness for acting and I'd like to grow as an actress. I want to see how deep I can go." So do we Suga, so do we. - Marvin Neil

-Best Bets- Theatre: The illustrious Diahann Carroll has signed to star opposite Phylicia Rashad in the Broadway hit "Blue" when it arrives at the Pasadena Playhouse on August 30. Written by Charles Randolph-Wright and featuring music by former Labelle member Nona Hendrix, "Blue" has enjoyed successful runs in both New York and Washington DC. For tickets, call 626-356-PLAY

-Best Bets II- Music: Darius Rucker "Back to Then" - This long-anticipated solo debut from Rucker is a welcome surprise from the South Carolina native who is best known as the folksy lead singer of the pop/alternative band Hootie and the Blowfish. Featuring a careful balance of original compositions, duets and a couple of strong remakes, Rucker's debut delivers on the promise that's only been hinted on his earlier recordings.

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