JUDY GREER

The Descendants, 13 Going on 30, Arrested Development and Kidding star, 44, is back on the big screen opposite John Cena in Playing With Fire (Nov. 8). She plays scientist Amy Hicks in the comedy about firefighters who meet their match when they answer a call to rescue a group of rambunctious kids.

What’s funny about grown men caring for kids? I think it’s funny to watch men who claim they know everything realize that they don’t know anything. It’s very easy and quick for kids to show you that.

Tell us about Amy. She’s a strong female. When we meet her, she’s only gone on two and a half dates with John Cena. She’s chosen to not really partake in society and to live on her own. She’s smart and not willing to be taken advantage of; she’s a romantic at heart, and she’s also lonely.

What would we be surprised to learn about

John Cena? He’s learning Mandarin and piano. When we were on set, if we would walk by his trailer, you would hear him in there playing the piano. He’s self-taught. He taught himself about wine and about architecture.

When did you know you were funny? When I first started acting professionally, I kept getting auditions to be the comic relief, the silly best friend and the funny sidekick. So, I was like, “Oh, I guess I’m funny. I guess I’m the funny person.” What was Greer’s reaction when John Cena took his shirt off? Plus: Learn how to make her favorite cocktail! Go to PARADE.COM/GREER