By Sharron Gardner
Julie Stoffer is back in Provo, and she''s headed for the big screen.
The former BYU student, widely known for her role on MTV''s 'The Real World,' is making a cameo appearance in 'Singles Ward,' a comedy about dating and single life in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The film''s producer, David Hunter, said they chose Stoffer because 'she was a person who stuck out in Mormons'' minds.'
'I think people will be interested because it''s her first time back in Utah, and she got kicked out of BYU and we just thought, you know, it''ll be interesting to have her on board, see what she does,' Hunter said.
Stoffer plays a temptress in the film, trying to seduce the film''s leading single man.
Since 'The Real World,' Stoffer has been living in Huntington Beach, Calif. She said she doesn''t think she''s a celebrity but does get the occasional 'there goes the Mormon Chick.'
'I tried not to make my religion a real critical part of the show. But how could it not be? I''m Mormon, it''s a big part of my life,' she said.
Stoffer said she has no awkward feelings about being back in Utah. 'I love being here. I was on camera when all the controversy was going on. I found out about being kicked out of school from a reporter,' she said.
Still, Stoffer said she has no regrets.
'I would do it all over again, ten fold. I had such a fun experience. I don''t love the way the show was edited, but I have no control over that,' she said.
However, some BYU students said they think it''s in poor taste for Stoffer to receive more acclaim.
'I don''t really see there being a need to reward her. I think she behaved very poorly. I''m absolutely embarrassed,' said senior Sarah Stratford from Trumbull, Conn., majoring in recreational youth management.
For now, Stoffer said she''s focusing on her film work, and her fellow cast and crew-mates are supportive of her.
'I can''t say anything because I don''t want to be hypocritical,' said producer David Hunter.
Other famous members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints making face in the film include former NBA great, Danny Ainge, TV/Film star Gordon Jump from 'WKRP In Cincinatti,' and baseball star, Wally Joyner.
The film is due out in January 2002 and will be released regionally and then nationally on video.