David Crotty/PatrickMcMullan.com/Sipa USA /AP
Ashlan Gorse made a name for herself on the red carpet, reporting for E! News Now. This past September, the North Carolina native, 33, tied the knot with Philippe Cousteau Jr. She has since left the realm of celebrity journalism to help her husband with EarthEcho International, an environmental-education organization. Also in the works for the pair is a television program centering on travel and animals. As for a wetsuit replacing red-carpet finery, Gorse, er, Mrs. Cousteau, says it couldn’t be a better fit.
Q: You went cage diving off Isla Guadalupe. How was it?
A: When I turned 30, I decided to go great white shark diving. Luckily for me, I was dating Philippe. Who else could you so easily go shark diving with? I have to say, other than my wedding, it was the most amazing experience I’ve had. And I couldn’t stop laughing.
Q: Laughing? That’s an unusual reaction.
A: Philippe thought so too, and kept signaling, “Are you OK?” I was giggling because I didn’t think there would be so many: Seven great whites were checking us out. Seeing them in the water was a complete out-of-body experience.
Q: Were you scared?
A: I really wasn’t. I got out and sat on top of the cage. You know how you can sense when animals are aggressive? I didn’t have that sense at all. We were out there for four full days. I never once felt threatened.
Q: What’s it like to be a new diver?
A: I still do a thumbs-up instead of the OK symbol. Philippe is like, is there a problem? It’s a habit that won’t die. I also clap a lot underwater to say that I like something. That makes Philippe laugh.
Q: So how has life changed now that you’re a Cousteau?
A: It’s amazing to see the connection and pride people feel for the family. When I go through the TSA line or the checkout line in the grocery store, people’s faces light up [when they see my identification]. They want to share their stories about Jacques-Yves and Philippe’s father — that’s just so special.
Q: Young people seem to love celebrity endorsements. Say diving could benefit from a plug. Who should it be from?
A: Somebody fun … Selena Gomez, right? She’s cool — a California beach girl. Or I might say Kate Upton. She can come scuba diving with me anytime!
