THE GOODBYE GIRL

Was it tempting to stay longer and leave after a banner year?

There's never a right time. One more year becomes two more. If I'd re-upped for another year it would have been... I'm proud that I didn't get sucked back in. [Laughs]

What will you be doing next?

Philanthropy has always been a major part of my life. I recently formed the Sherry Lansing Foundation, which will concentrate on health and education--cancer research in particular. Plus two new things. In the last election, California approved $3 billion for stem-cell research, and I've been appointed a citizen advocate on the oversight committee. And Jimmy Carter, who's always been an idol of mine, asked me to be on the board of the Carter Center.

What will you miss most about this part of your life?

[Very long pause]