March 1, 2003

1. A few months ago, I wrote in to ask about healthcare on the set of QAF. In your response you said "We've got nearby hospitals for emergencies and a doctor for other stuff. I had to use him at the start of last season - but thats a story for another time." Just wondering if you would be willing to share your story with the Sco-Lo masses.

Well, its not a pretty story. Essentially after shooting just one day of Season 2 at the end of last August I had a few days off and came down with a terrible case of  something. Whether it was the nastiest stomach flu ever or food poisoning from an Indian restaurant Peter Paige and I had dinner at, Ill never be sure. Alls I knows is I woke up on my second off day feeling as if I had drunk a keg full of beer (without any of the fun). My room was spinning and I was light headed and dizzy to such a degree that I could only crawl from my bed to the bathroom to, well  become a human Salad Shooter. I did nothing but crawl back-and-forth for much of that and the next day because I was completely unable to stand. When I would try I would fall over from complete lack of balance. I couldnt eat anything and just barely kept water down. After 2 days of this, with little improvement and a day of shooting fast approaching I went to our show doctor, Dr. Waxman. Whatever it was that had hit me had so completely dehydrated me that my equilibrium was totally shot. I got put on the nastiest tasting electrolyte replacement stuff as well as Gatorade and that was all I could keep down for about 4 days. I was so constantly dizzy and unable to keep my balance that I had to be helped around the set like a 90-year-old drunk and as queasy as Lizas husband on their wedding night. If you watch the first episode of Season 2 (on the DVD coming out Feb. 25th!) youll note things like Michelle Clunie holding on to my elbow (and holding me up) wherever we walked at the wedding of Lindsays sister as well as Sharon Gless almost bowling me over outside the courthouse as somehow I was supposed to stop her from charging at Chris Hobbs when I could barely stand up. I finally had my first solid food about a week after the damned thing hit me and was still a little unstable even into shooting episode 2 of the season.

2. A bit of a silly question, maybe... But what exactly does an "Audience warmup" person do on the Jenny Jones show? I'm praying it's not stretching and yoga.

Trust me, yoga would be far too complicated for the audience of the Jenny Jones show  Twister would be too complicated for the audience of The Jenny Jones Show. The audience warm-up person at the J.J.S. had to explain to the audience the basic rules of the studio such as, dont read along with Jennys prompter, dont jump up and start screaming and running towards the stage, make sure your fly is zipped when you stand up to ask a question and dont pee on your seat. Other than that it is all about getting them pumped up to be vocal and energized so theyll ask good questions and then entertain them until Jenny finished getting her hair done. I would run a talent show and give away prizes, things like that. Jenny was very sweet to me (as was the producer Ed Glavin) and as surreal as it was it was also a lot of fun  for a while.

3. I have had many friends who have attended Interlochen in the past and everyone has a crazy story, from Cicero's Pizza to Bigfoot sightings. What's one of yours?

Man, I gotta say there was a lot I hated about Interlochen, Internment Camp for the Arts. I mean, come on, a summer camp where you have to wear blue corduroy pants (knickers for the girls) and different colored socks to represent your age group. Plus it was SO competitive. Every week in orchestra or band they had these challenges. If you were 1st Chair in the French Horn section (out of, say 4) then you could be challenged by any of the other hornists in your section and bumped out of the 1st chair position. You would each get a chance to play the 1st Chairs part in whatever piece was being performed in that weeks concert before a judge. If you (as 1st Chair) slipped up at all in that performance then you were knocked down to whatever chair your challenger used to occupy, hit with a tympani mallet and forced to carry stones back-and-forth in the hot sun in order to build a wall for the Warden. Okay, so I exaggerate slightly. But, come on. It was summer. We were kids. Sheesh who needs that kind of pressure?

4. If you had to choose between losing your eyesight or your hearing, which would you pick and why?

Wow. Pretty maudlin question. I mean its hard enough not to get depressed in the grey and frigid grasp of winter. Now this? Thanks a lot. Well, Id have to say hearing at this point. I am a very visual person and have become more stimulated by images as time has gone by. Also, as an actor I learn a lot about people by watching them. Plus if I lost my hearing Id never have to listen to Chumbawumba again.

5. A QAF food question: What is that "white stuff" that everyone in the diner seems to be eating constantly? And what is it with all the bacon "Em" eats? I laugh everytime I see him with a slice in his hand!

Not 100% sure what white stuff youre referring to. On our show you have to be VERY specific with a question like that. If its in a bowl with fruit its usually yogurt. You need to remember that whatever we choose to eat in a diner scene has to be eaten over and over and over again with every take. Our fabulous food stylist Johanna Weinstein does her best to come up with dishes that we wont get too sick of and that wont cause our boyish figgers to expand too much. As far as Emmetts bacon (its turkey, by the way) its just the perfect food for him to eat. I mean he gets to wave it around flamboyantly and stick it in his mouth. Two of his favorite activities.

6. I know you get asked "What's it like to work with Gale Harold...Hal Sparks...Peter Paige...etc?" all the time and you must be tired of it. I'd like to know what it was like to work with some of the single episode actors on the show, such as Darrin "Roger" Baker, Matthew G. "Zack O'Toole" Taylor, Bobby "Dale Wexler" Johnston and the actors who played Luke and Eddie (whose names escape me, sadly). Can you share any stories about working with them?

Darrin was great to work with, very generous, talented and brave. He loved playing Roger so much that he came up with a scenario for the characters return. He told the producers that he would go away and work out with a trainer for months, get in amazing shape and then re-appear at the end of the season as a trim and buff Roger who would, in turn, reject Ted. He is a wonderful singer (with his own CD) and most recently was starring in the musical Hello, Muddah. Hello, Faddah. up here in Toronto. Matt Taylor is enormous. Maybe not quite in the way that Zack OToole is but he is a giant. It was hard not to laugh every scene Ive had with him as he captured that arrogant porn star so well. Hes a very nice guy and a former cop to boot. Bobby Johnston is the human embodiment of He-Man, Master of the Universe but with a great heart and spirit. He helped make me comfortable down in the dungeon and was intent and serious about accurately capturing what was seductive about the S&M culture. He worked a lot with our advisor for the episode to make sure he got it right. Jason Knight was terrific to work with as well and I was a little sad that Luke had to disappear quite so quickly. Our first scene together was the bedroom scene and his genuine, warm personality helped us bond quickly enough to make shooting those scenes far less awkward than they otherwise might have been. And finally, young Darren Keay who played Teds overly helpful and perceptive assistant Eddie (named by Dan & Ron after my best buddy Eddie Jemison) was  well, what you see on screen: eager, fun and guileless. He made a wonderful impression on many and I wouldnt be surprised to see him return sometime soon.

7. I'm curious to know from an actor's perspective how you feel about fans, your privacy, and whether actors are able to reasonably expect the same amount of privacy as people who are not in the public eye, since a lot of celebrities seem extremely perturbed any time they are approached by the public. How do you feel about being approached when you're "off duty," and do you feel that regular (ie, non-harassing or stalking) fan behavior or requests infringes on your privacy and/or ability to lead a normal life?

Well, I can only give you the perspective if an actor known only for a cult-hit television show but Funny I should be answering this question right now. The following happened just after I started that first sentence: Im sitting in the Toronto airport waiting for a flight to Chicago and Ive just been approached by a young man Ill call Tyler (not his real name; a very nice guy with very nice things to say about the show. ALWAYS happy to hear it but just as one would when talking to a stranger, one needs to recognize when the conversation is over and you need to say goodbye. Tyler proceeded to sit down and tell me ALL about his life and so here I am now, half an hour later boarded on the plane and finally able to get back to what I was doing when he begged my pardon for interrupting me. This is a pretty good example of what not to do. Just think how you would feel. For myself, I never mind someone stopping me to say hello, or how much they like the show or my work or tell me Im not SO bad looking or even ask a few questions. The hard part of being known because of a television show is that because you come into peoples homes once a week they feel like they KNOW you; and because I genuinely enjoy meeting people and want them to feel comfortable there seems to be a bit of a compulsion, like Tylers to tell me  ummm  more than I really need to know. In general I would say you need to recognize that if you are interrupting someones life to say hello (i.e. While theyre eating, reading, writing, sleeping or talking with someone else) you should say what you feel you need to say and then move on. If youre meeting them at a party or a more social occasion where the purpose is to spend time chatting then, by all means, chat away! My #1 pet peeve is when fans apologize for saying nice things. Im so sorry, I know you must hear this a lot, etc. Trust me its wonderful to have someone come up and affirm that what you do matters to someone. So you dont ever need to apologize for being a fan as far as Im concerned. I dont think Ill ever get tired of it.

8. Even though I was often disappointed in the direction Ted's character was taken in season 2 (I felt there were far too many storylines that were used to humiliate him), I can at least appreciate that some steps were taken to give him more independence and confidence (such as jerk@work). While my hope is that season 3 is going to be one with lots of character growth for Ted (and the others), I'm curious to know what you feel is the best place to leave Ted's character at the very end of the series. Is transforming Ted into a fully happy, confident man the logical (and appropriate) end for him, or should he always stay somewhat insecure and unsure of himself, since so many people feel that vulnerability is what ultimately makes Ted who he is?

At the end of the series Id like to see Ted with everything he wants: managing an opera company in a warm climate with a loving partner at his side and all his friends nearby. But only after hes learned to love himself a bit more. His vulnerability will always be there because he wears his heart on his sleeve, but that doesnt mean he cant learn that to be vulnerable and taken advantage of arent necessarily the same thing. Okay, so the warm climate is my own projection but its only cause I love the guy so!

9. Even though I'd really love to communicate to a performer that they've really moved or inspired me, I feel like SUCH a tool that I generally avoid saying anything because I'm afraid I'll come across as cheesy or annoying. How do you feel when someone does approach you about your work? Do you enjoy getting the positive feedback, or does it freak you out a little that strangers are coming up to you and commenting on how well you do your job?

See question 7.

10. I love all of the people I've managed to meet through my liking of QAF, but sometimes I feel silly spending this much time in the "fandom" of a show, discussing it, writing about, debating the characterizations, etc. Do you think we're all silly for caring so much about something that's fictional? And are there any shows (or movies, bands, etc.) that inspire a similar response from you?

Yes, you are ALL freaks! But I love you for it. I used to get an Elvis Costello fanzine called Beyond Belief that is now out of print. And theres this movie called Porn that seems to have A LOT of web sites dedicated to it. I try to get to as many as I can, but its a full time job believe me.

January 3, 2003

1. Zucchini bread, or banana bread?

Tough one. Different tastes for different times. All in all Id have to go with Banana Bread (nut-free).

2. When you were cast for Queer as Folk, you obviously knew you would be a part of something very different that would hopefully enlighten and educate others that there are many facets outside "sexual orientation" that help define a person. After two seasons, do you notice any difference in society as a whole and their acceptance of the "gay" culture?

First off, I really didnt know just how ground breaking QAF would be. That has been a wonderful gift on top of just having the good fortune to play a character like Ted. After two seasons I have definitely noticed a change. Beyond the simple fact that its one of the few projects I have been lucky enough to work on that people actually thank you for doing, I have noticed a definite increase in the number of straight guys who watch the show (often with wives or girlfriends but not always). They almost always start by telling me that the show made them a little uncomfortable at first but once they got past he shock and got involved with these characters they got as addicted to it as everyone else. That tells me were making some headway in eliminating some ignorance and hopefully the phobias that go along with it. Were not going to be able to completely change society, but if we can enlighten even a few minds then weve accomplished more than just being a fun piece of entertainment which is a pretty good accomplishment in itself.

3. Can you tell me what restaurant is being used for the exterior of the Liberty Diner (since the xxx Diner has moved)?

Well, our fabulous art department has turned a plain old street corner on the east side of Toronto with an empty storefront into an almost exact duplication of the corner of Queen & Crawford where the old XXX Diner was. Im afraid Im not at liberty (no pun intended) to reveal the exact location.

4. As far as you know, will you be doing a promotional DVD signing again for season 2? I met you in Chicago and would love to see you again!

They have not given us any exact info. on the Season 2 DVD/launch of Season 3 tour. I would love to come back to Chicago again, but I have a feeling they may try to send us to cities that didnt have the pleasure of our company last year. Hopefully the exact locations and schedule will be released soon. Im hoping to get to Chicago in a non-professional capacity sometime soon though as my dear friend Jill just got engaged to a guy I havent even met yet! That situation MUST be remedied.

5. Which particular recording of Verdi's La Traviata does Ted listen to in the episodes with Blake?

Ummm  the one with the  ummm  guy and the  lady who sings real loud like. Im sorry I really dont know. Man are you guys turning all Trekkie on me? Am I going to show up at some convention in a few years and see all these Queeries dressed up in sweater vests asking me what is the exact address of Teds condominium?

6. As someone whose memory is pretty bad, I'm always in awe of folks in your profession who memorize (and act, of course) for a living. About how long does it take you to memorize one show's script, and do you have someone read the lines just ahead of you while you're memorizing yours?

Ah, the age old how do you memorize all those lines question. A favorite post-show discussions in theaters across the globe. Its different for everyone in terms of how much time and effort it takes them. For me it becomes easier once the words have lived in my mouth for a while. In theater I usually dont start memorizing until after weve blocked through an entire scene so I can connect some movement with the words and weve run through the lines enough that they become second nature. For television I dont have that luxury. I generally memorize only the scenes Im doing the next day sometime during the day or night before. Depending on the wordiness of the scene it can take me up to an hour per scene to work on it, make the choices I need to make the scene work and then memorize. I find it helpful to do this right before I go to sleep because in that period right before you doze off (an intense period of creativity in the brain) Im able to visualize the scene along with running the words and come up with those little extras that can make a scene more alive.

7. Hi Scott! Just a silly question I couldn't resist: Everytime I watch you locker room scene with "Em," where he's considering "seeing the light," I laugh at you sniffing your gym clothes while sitting on a bench talking with him. My hubby does the same thing and tells me it's a "man" thing. Which I assume is why you put it in. Am I correct?

Yeah, you are exactly right. Im glad you noticed that. I like to look for those little touches. Its also my tribute to Alan Alda. He was always sniffing his food and stuff in M*A*S*H. I thought it was such a great character touch and one I felt particularly appropriate for Teds anal side (pun, again, not intended). Every now and then youll see me doing the same thing with food at parties, the Diner, etc.

8. When should we start looking for season three promos on Showtime and in advertising venues? Did the cast do promotional photo shoots for season three and if so, are they all group shots or were single character and couple photos also taken?

Since the Season 2 DVD comes out at the end of Feb. and Season 3 begins first Sunday in March I would expect the advertising blitz to begin sometime in early February. Not 100% sure as were not always in the loop on this stuff. We shot some terrific stuff for the campaign this year, single, couples and group shots. From what I understand the main piece of ad artwork (that features all of us) looks spectacular.

November 1, 2002

1. I hope QAF goes beyond season 4 but what do you see yourself doing if and when QAF goes off the air?

Im hoping to make the transition into films (indies, etc.) during the next couple of hiatuses. Ideally post-QAF Id love to be doing 2 or 3 films a year and a play. That would make me very happy. For me to work in TV again it would have to be a show that would equal or better my experience on QAF and thats a tall order.

2. Now that you've been back on the set of QAF for a month how do feel season 3 is shaping up? Anything funny happen to on the set since you got back?

It feels great to be back at work. Everyone is in wonderful spirits. The combination of a nice long break and a shorter season has really energized us all. Even though we were gone from these characters for 6 months it was amazing how quickly we slipped back into their skins. Almost as if we never left. I think people are going to really like season 3. Besides all the wonderful new hair-dos were sporting, Im very pleased with the journey Teds going to take this year. I cant really reveal any of the funny things that have happened on the set without giving away any plot points and  well  you wouldnt want me to do THAT would you?

3. You answered one of the questions in the December Q&A with a Tom Waits song, are you a Waits fan? We are an obscure little community of admirers and it's always cool to find another member.

I first saw Tom Waits perform in the summer of 1986 while I was in Chicago forming The Anathong Theatre Company. He was working on a musical called Franks Wild Years that was being produced by Steppenwolf at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago. The show was weird and amazing. But it was the songs and Toms voice that hooked me and Ive been addicted ever since. Hes a definite favorite of mine, from his older Bluesy self to his modern Brecht/Weill  ian self.

4. I've noticed that your forum does not have spoilers. How do you feel about the spoilers posted on the internet, and more importantly, how do you feel about the possibility of "insiders" leaking information?

Mostly Im flattered that people are THAT addicted to the show that they just cant wait to find out whats going to happen to these. As long as people have a choice to find out or not I have no problem with it personally. Its a little creepy that people would go to the lengths of disguising themselves as dildos and vibrators to get on our set and spy. I would much rather people find out by watching the show, because it kind of spoils it (hence the name I suppose) to know ahead of time. I mean wheres the suspense and drama in watching something if you knew the chick in Crying Game was a dude or that Darth Vader  was Lukes father or that Michael is going to have his foreskin re-attached this season on QAF  ooooops.

5. How do you think the long hiatus between season 2 and 3 will affect QAF?

Hopefully it will only build up the anticipation (as it did for The Sopranos this past season). Its really up to Showtime to build up to the premiere in just the right way.

6. Can you tell us more about your experience on the Pyramid? I thought you were great!

Thanks. I had such a terrific time. You know, you watch those shows and think to yourself (Im never going to hop up and down like a moron if I win). Well  I cant tell you how exciting it was. When that clock is ticking down and the person across from you is SO close to winning a whole heap o money but theyre just not getting it and all of a sudden, with just a second or two to go BOOM! They get it. Well, my knees got all wiggly both times that happened. The contestants were all dreams, the staff of the show amazing and, as Ive said, Donny Osmond IS the nicest guy in the universe. It was a total pleasure and I hope to get to play again some day.

7. I have read about how many takes of each scene are required. Why *so* many? It sounds excessive, if what I have read is accurate. And when crying is involved, does the actor/actress have to muster up tears for all of those numerous takes?

Well all those takes are required because every scene has to be covered from a myriad of angles and sized. The more people in the scene, the more shots. Youve got to get a master, which is a wide shot encompassing the whole scene and everyone in it. Then you move in for coverage on each of the characters; medium shots of pairs or small groups and then close ups of each character. For each of these shots you need to have two or three options just in case. The editors need all these choices to find the best performance, angle, lighting etc. to best tell the story. Plus, in TV, after the editor makes a pass at an edit, then it goes to the director, then to the producers and then the network can give notes as well. Each person may want a different type of shot than the person before. So there has to be as many options as possible.

As far as emotional scenes, theres a favorite phrase for actors: save it for the close up. Personally I find that hard to do sometimes and especially if the other actor needs your full emotional commitment. It can get pretty draining. So the work is to modulate it so that by the time your close-up does come you havent dried up.

8. In season three, with fewer episodes, does that mean you are spending more time on each episode? Is more money being spent on each episode?

Were still shooting episodes in seven days, but we do have a bunch of Safety days to use now in case an episode needs an eighth day. Thats a nice luxury. The budget of the show has gone up quite a bit this year and thats part of the reason were only doing 14 episodes.

9. To what extent, if any, are scenes filmed in the order in which they are seen on screen?

Theyre hardly ever shot in order. The only way they are is if there are a bunch of scenes in one location. For example if there are three scenes in Teds condo in one episode we will shoot them all in one day and in order. Other than that its all over the place depending on location and cast availability. It does seem with me that we always manage to shoot my sex scenes with someone before we shoot any of the dialogue scenes. I try not to be paranoid about it.

10. I loved the story you told about James Marsters in the previous Q&A. Do you have any stories about other now-famous actors you worked with in your theatre days?

Well two that are doing quite well are Paula Cale and Hope Davis. Paula and I worked on a production of Merchant of Venice together when she first graduated from DePaul University. We ran around in tights making each other giggle quite a bit. Soon after we also worked together on Picasso At The Lapin Agile and even roomed together for a while before she moved to LA, did a year-long stint on Murphy Brown and has been starring as the wacky Joanie on NBCs hit Providence for the last 4 or 5 years. I am very proud of my little Pookie! Yes I AM!!

Hope was part of the theatre company I came out to Chicago to help start called The Anathong Ensemble. She directed our first production of Arthur Millers The Creation of the World and Other Business and then played Nanny in the production of Baby with the Bathwater that I directed. When the company broke up (soon after I rejoined it after finishing my senior year at Conn. College) we all branched off on our own. Hope hit it big in the Chicago theatre scene by landing the role Madonna had originally played in David Mamets play Speed the Plow directed by Joel Schumacher and also starring CSIs Billy Peterson. She got cast in Schumachers film Flatliners and soon moved to NYC where she took the theatre scene there by storm. Her first big independent film Daytrippers is amazing and it started her down the road towards a great career. From Next Stop Wonderland (Damn, Hopies good in that one!) up to the current About Schmidt playing Jack Nicholsons daughter she constantly proves my first impression of her: Meryl Streeps secret love child.

October 4, 2002

1. You mentioned believing in Fate - have you ever been to a psychic?

I once had my cards read by a woman who was the official psychic for The Jenny Jones Show when I was working there. I guess some of the stuff kinda came through for me. She told me Id be moving to a place near water (and I do live in LA and Toronto is right on Lake Ontario) and she told me a man with salt-and-pepper hair would be offering me a big contract (Dan Lipman one of our execs. Has salt and peppery hair.) Still waiting on some of the other stuff though. Dont want to reveal it just in case.

2. If you could interview one historical figure, who would it be?

Any one of our Founding Fathers so I could ask them to clarify what the hell they ACTUALLY meant by the right to bear arms so I could shut the NRA up once and for all.

3. You look great with a goatee. Do you think Ted might experiment with facial hair now that he doesn't have to maintain a corporate image?

Er, ah well thanks **blushing**. When I first reported for work up here in Toronto back in 2000 I had a goatee and the first thing our producers said to me was Youre gonna shave that, right? I think they very much like Ted having a clean-cut look and it does kind of suit his personality more.

4. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Usually my cat is yelling at me to get up so I have to apologize to her for being such a slug-a-bed.

5. How did you, Peter and Hal get started with those Rendez-View appearances?

Those were arranged by our publicists as a way to build up our panel show resums. When you want to do the big boys shows (Letterman, etc.) your publicist needs to be able to show them that you can string two words together and be somewhat entertaining in an interview situation. Hence doing things like RendezView.

6. Any word yet on the DVD's for season 2? Are you going to do any commentary/extra's for them?

No word yet on what the extras will be in the DVD for Season 2. But I know theyre trying to make it even more chock-full than Season 1.

7. From your last Q&A: "No, not like psychotic ex-girlfriends (that's MY territory)..." Care to elaborate?

Umm, not really. Id prefer to stay alive. Lets just say bad winters and hitting the glass ceiling career-wise were only TWO of the reasons I moved away from Chicago.

8. If you could have the opportunity to switch characters on Queer as Folk, which character would you most like to play?

Debbie

9. How did Chalupa get her name?

I was doing a play called Greater Tuna in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin when I found Chalupa. She was a little deserted barn kitten of about 6-weeks wandering around the woods. She was tough to catch, but when I finally did she just collapsed in my hand purring. She had a big cut on one of her back legs, ears black with mites and fleas hopping all over her. There was a line in the play where one character describes a UFO as looking like a gigantic hovering chalupa without the guacamole. A chalupa was a little spicy burrito served in a boat from what I understood and it seemed like a good name for this spicy little critter.

10. What do you like to do in your spare time in Toronto? Which other cast members do you hang out with outside of work? Do you get recognized often in public and if so, what do people say to you?

Any more questions? Whew. I like to go see movies and plays. I like to eat out at all the wonderful restaurants up here. I do a lot of wandering around various neighborhoods, shopping, etc. It's just so great to be able to WALK places again. I hang out with whoevers free, really - a lot of time with Peter but also the rest of the gang at different times. Also, Dean Armstrong (when hes up here), crew members our producers. Really whoever can stand to be around me.

11. What do you like best about living part time in Toronto?

Living PART TIME in Toronto. Kidding, kidding. I like being up here for Fall. Having grown up in New England I really missed Fall in Chicago and LA.

12. Checking your site tonight, I found out that back in the Chicago days you did Les Incorruptible, with James Marsters as Robespierre. I am a huge fan of both you and James, can you tell me something about that experience and working with James? Any funny anecdotes about it?

James is a wonderful actor and had a hell of a load to carry in this play. It was 6 hours long (6 acts performed over two performances) and he was on stage for most of it. I LOVED working with him and hope to do it again.

I got to play James' best friend, Camille Desmoulins, who he later(in the 5th act) feels has betrayed him and the Revolution so Robespierre has Camille beheaded. Nice guy. Because I was dead for the last act, the director had me come back as another character in the final act. I played a commoner who comes to arrest Robespierre and lead him to the guillotine. In the struggle of his arrest Robespierre is to be shot by a gun right under his jaw. We did the play in a small theatre (the now turned into a parking lot Hull House Theatre) in which the audience was very close. Too close to use blanks that would give the jolt and effect that we wanted for the moment. SO another actor hung out in the attic, peering down at the stage with a starter pistol. He was the one who made the actual shot. It was loud and jarring, but this way no one could be harmed. One night as we got to this climatic moment, I held the gun under James chin said whatever menacing words I had to say and mimed pulling the trigger as always. Only this time I heard a faint click, click coming from above the stage letting me know that the starters pistol was misfiring. The audience has waited close to 6 hours to see Robespierre die and if I dont shoot him  well, everyone is going to be mighty disappointed. I looked James in the eye and with the silent communication that comes between actors who have worked closely with each other let him know what I was about to do. Very quickly and VERY loudly I yelled: BANG! and James dropped to the floor. Ah, the magic of theater.

13. When filming a QAF scene, do the actors not involved watch too?

When we can. Depends on scheduling, etc. If youre in the next scene up you might get to set early and watch the last few takes of the previous scene for example. We all try and show up for Michelle and Theas love scenes, though. Hee.

14. Having watched the QAF eps several times, I have begun to notice the "little" things you actors do that really add to a scene. I've noticed one of yours, in particular, in the scene where you, Em and Michael are in the apt. getting ready to go out to dinner (and Michael gets the phone call re Ben's hospitalization): You said, paraphrasing, "Let's go get some dinner...celebrate!! Between the words "dinner" and "celebrate," you snap your fingers excitedly (which I loved because poor Ted has had very few reasons to get excited). Did you add the finger snapping or was that scripted? How about other "little" scene additions, which seem to add so much?

Thats all actor stuff usually. The writers give us the words and the settings, but generally we come up with all the stuff that makes them have a life. The finger snap stuff was just something I did cause Ted was feeling so damned happy and was trying to spread the love.

15. Excluding Ted, who is your favourite character on QAF?

There are other characters than Ted?

August 2, 2002

1. Tell us a funny story about Tim, pretty please? (Or embarrassing, embarrassing is good....)

Well, I dont really like to drag my good friends through the... well, okay. When Tim and I were at the O'Neill Theatre Center attending the National Theatre Institute in the fall of 198buh-duh-buh-dum Tim was having a problem with demons. No, not like psychotic ex-girlfriends (that's MY territory) but actual demons. The grounds of the O'Neill are haunted. I myself was "ghosted" there. Tim lived in a shed-like structure on the grounds of the O'Neill and I lived in a quaint little farmhouse with a room on the first floor just off the front porch. Seems there was a tiny hole in the screen of the window in Tim's room and, according to Tim, demons were coming in in the middle of the night and terrorizing him. One night at around 3:15 AM, Tim woke with a start and an overwhelming sense of danger and a voice in his head telling him to "Get out. NOW!" So he ran over to the Farmhouse. Now, coincidently, I had awoke around the same time BROILING, 'cause the radiators in the house were set to "Fricassee". So, I had to get up and crack open the window by the foot of my bed and put my pillow down at that end so I could breathe and stop sweating. It's usually hard for me to get back to sleep after I've been awakened in the middle of the night. Now here comes Tim tearing over to the Farmhouse tap-tap-tapping on my window trying to wake me and not my roommate. He's expecting to have to tap for a little while, instead after just one round of tapping, I open the curtain, poke my head out of the window, wide-awake and say "Whats up?" as if, in his mind, I'd been waiting for him all along. This, of course only freaks him out more and he goes running off into the night convinced that I am possessed by the demon.

I may be making up the end of the story. It was a long time ago. But running away screaming is always my favorite comedy ending to a situation.

2. What are your three all time favorite movies? Anything current that is a "must see" to you?

Well, as I've said I have such trouble with "favorites" lists, as there are different favorites for different occasions, moods, lunar cycles, etc. But I'll give you some that star three of my favorite actors:

Jimmy Stewart: "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" and "MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON"

Jack Lemmon: "SOME LIKE IT HOT" and "DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES"

Peter Sellars: "BEING THERE", "LOLITA" and "DR. STRANGELOVE"

As far as whats out now, "Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN" is the big winner and I really liked "THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE."

3. Are you politically active?

What is this? Some kind of McCarthy era inquisition? I mean, I vote, I have my opinions... what do you want from me? wont name names if that's what you're getting at. I only attended "those meetings" to meet girls. Give me a break <>

4. What do you miss most from the old days? You know, when none of us here was acquainted with you in a naked way?

I miss having people look me in the eye when the meet me instead of looking at my crotch like they do now.

5. If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

The superpowers that Scott Baio had in "ZAPPED!" If you even need to ask why, go rent the movie. God, it was SO COOL!!!!!

6. Say you've just won a MacArthur Genius Grant for the John Wilkes Booth play. hat would you do with the money?

Well, first I'd use some of it to legally have the title, "Super Genius" added to the end of my name (much like Wile E. Coyote did). Then I'd give whatever was left over to whatever candidate ends up facing "Double-Yuh" in the next election. It is, after all, the responsibility of geniuses everywhere to battle morons wherever they may be. Does that answer your question, #3?

7. What one thing, more than anything else, do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

To give my future family a stable and happy life.

8. What, exactly, did you have to do for your audition? Read from the script? Since you were cast first, did they have you read with actors being considered for the other roles?

Yeah, I had one audition just for the extraordinary, original casting directors for QAF, Linda Lowy and John Brace, in Linda's tiny office. I read 2 scenes from the pilot, the one with "Michael" in Babylon where he tells "Ted" to find someone more like - you know - himself and the scene in the street where "Ted" tells "Michael" that the chance of a guy named "Blake" actually liking a guy named "Ted" is in the .05 percentile. They had a little camera on me and John sat to the side of the camera reading "Michaels" lines. Pretty standard stuff. Well, they thought I was a pretty good loser so they had me come back a day or so later and this time joining Linda and John in the teeny office, crammed together on a little sofa were Dan Lipman, Ron Cowen and Tony Jonas. I did the same scenes for them. They thought I was a really good loser so a week or so later they had me come back to test for the Showtime execs. This involves negotiating your "deal" ahead of time and signing the 6-year contract (and nudity waivers) just before you go in the room to audition (so you know JUST how much you stand to lose if you blow the audition). A nerve-wracking experience. But it was 8 AM and I was too tired to let any of it really affect me. Besides, I had just met Peter Paige sitting out in the hall and we were already joking around with each other. So I went into what is essentially a conference room with a big table in it. The Showtime executives along with Dan and Ron and Tony sat at one end of the table and standing way at the other end of the table I did the same two scenes. Well they thought I was the BIGGEST loser in Hollywood so I got the part. That was that. Everyone else went through at least one more round of casting before they landed the roles I guess. So listen up, kids, if you're going to be a loser, be the BEST loser you can be.

9. With a plethora of various staff/actors/extras on location, I'm just curious if Showtime also staffs medical personnel in case of any injuries or if this is all handled by local hospitals/clinics in the Toronto area.

Are you looking for work, Doc? We've got nearby hospitals for emergencies and a doctor for other stuff. I had to use him at the start of last season - but thats a story for another time.

10. When do you start filming season three?

September 26th is our start date at this point.

11. If you could choose one old movie to re-make and star in, what would it be?

Any of Adam Sandler's movies. Since he's been so disrespectful as to piss all over the classic Gary Cooper flick "MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN" I'd like to return the favor... Oh, wait pissing on pieces of sh#t wouldn't really make much of a statement now would it. Hmmm. Well, let me think it over then.

12. What's the best advice ever given to you?

My mom said to me just a few years ago when I was stressing over a feeling I had that I was "put here for a purpose" and I wasnt fulfilling my potential: "Maybe you're here for no greater purpose than to affect the lives of the people who you affect every day. That's more than enough. Just keep doing that." That calmed me down.

July 5, 2002

1. Are you ticklish? Where?

Nowhere. I mean it. Hee. Quit it! Im not ticklish, Im telling y-- hee hee hee hahahaha. Stop! Haw haw haw. NO MEANS NO snort ha ha haha ha haha haha hahahahahahahaha Im NOT tickli-- heeeheeeheeeeheeheeeeheeeheeheeeee--oooops. I tinkled.

2. Being that you and Peter are (or seem to be) so close in "real life", was it awkward to kiss in the finale? Do you like the whole "Emmett and Ted as Lovers" storyline?

I also had to kiss one of my best friends, Dawn Maxey, in the workshop of BEDTIME STORIES that I did this summer. The weirdness in both instances comes only in thinking about it ahead of time. Once you're there doing it and you're both "the characters" it doesn't feel awkward at all. It's also kind of a fun thing to know that two of your dearest friends are REALLY good kissers.

Both Peter and I, unbeknownst to each other, had pitched Dan and Ron story lines involving Ted and Emmett "gettin it on" at the end of last season. As I recall my version was more of a drunken falling into bed with each other that then had to be dealt with "the morning after." Ron very much wanted to explore it with more depth. The notion of friends becoming lovers and the wonders and dangers that are inherent in that intrigued him. I think he is right. Where it's all going I dont know. But it's absolutely a situation rife with dramatic (and comic) possibilities.

3. How do you stay focused, fresh, and challenged after doing the same character for what will be going on three seasons?

I change my boxers at LEAST twice a week. Seriously, you need help from the writers. Without good, challenging story lines it gets tough. Beyond that, every scene gives challenges to find the reality and ground it in that. Even when it's comic it's important to me that it be believable and not get cartoonish. Sometimes that can be a huge challenge. When it gets too forced it tips the scales of reality and becomes less funny . Perfect example: the gym scene in the last episode of Season 2. It's just a little TOO goofy for me. So every day, as trite as it sounds, brings new challenges.

4. I recently read in USA Today that Showtime has renewed QAF for 2 more seasons, but for only 16 episodes each. Was any explanation given as to why the number of episodes we'll in Season 3 and 4 dropped from the number shown in Seasons 1 & 2?

Well, I'm just a gun for hire so I'm not 100% sure of the network's reasons. It may be because of the escalating costs that a show takes on once it becomes a hit. It may also be because they're being kind to those of us involved in making the show. The 8 or 9 months that it has taken to do a 22 and then a 20 episode season is unusually grueling and it makes it near impossible for the cast to find outside projects to do besides QAF. I think in the end it will help the seasons be more focused.

5. I read somewhere that the cast of QAF has an opportunity to make suggestions about their characters direction. Were you given that opportunity at the end of Season 2?

Not yet. But Dan and Ron have been on vacation (FINALLY!) so that may be why.

6. What one horribly-bad-for-you thing would you eat if you didn't have to think about being naked on tv?

A entire Chicago stuffed spinach Pizza.

7. Your webmaster thinks you're crazy for growing facial hair in the hot summer (Annie says: I think all men are crazy for doing that, not just Scott). Do you do it because you're on hiatus and you want a change, or because you prefer having a beard/goatee and you can only grow one when you're not doing QAF?

Frankly I've always hated shaving and I think I look better with a goatee. So whenever I've known I have a break from jobs or auditions I've grown one. After a month or so, I usually get bored with it and either shave it off for a while or start another one. It's like gardening with your face.

8. Which would you rather be in the middle of: a blizzard, a hurricane, or an earthquake?

Did I do something terrible to you? Why are you wishing me to be in the middle of any of those things? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?

9. Is there any chance of fans getting to read an HTMLized version of your J.W. Booth play on your website someday? If not, can you give some details, such as the title, how long it is, how many characters, etc?

Perhaps. Although as a non-published, non-produced work-in-progress I'm a little wary to put it out there. The title of the play is: "Wilkes". It features a cast of 5 actors; one who plays Booth and 4 others who, as actual actors that Booth worked with (including his brother Edwin) portray all the other characters in his life story. The play is in three acts (as plays were in J.W.B.'s time). At this point in time, the first act takes place from Booth's childhood through his finding success as an actor and matinee idol. The second act, which is written almost like a play Booth might have performed (with soliloquies in iambic pentameter, etc.) covers his reasons for and failed execution of kidnapping Lincoln. The third act starts with a "you are there in the audience" reenactment of the assassination and ends with Booth's death in a tobacco barn. Throughout the play Booth tries to rewrite this ending to give him the hero's death he feels he deserves. While a very tragic tale on so many levels, the play is full of humor (of course), especially the almost farcical kidnapping and in the end it is really about fate and destiny.

June 1, 2002

1. What do you do to calm yourself when you are nervous?

Imagine myself in your underwear.

2. Name one thing (funny, intellectual, profound) that people don't know about Ted. About Scott?

"Ted's" middle name is "Wolfgang", Scott's middle name is Agf734gf3fqvf. Damn! Sorry my keyboard is sticking a little and i 2rfbnifufh. Shoot. Sorry.

3. I just found out you have an iPod, too! What's the most unexpected song on yours? You know - the one no one would guess you'd have on it.

"Never Gonna Dance Again (Guilty Feet)" by Wham! Come on! It's got an awesome sax solo on it and ... okay I'm deleting it.

4. If you could pick any character for Ted to hook up with, who would it be?

Nicholas Nickelby

5. What's the one thing that no one has asked you but you are dying to tell?

I've been waiting for someone to ask me this one! The question I SOOOO want to be asked is: How big is 2efkbr lewirghv9p? Gosh darnit! Freakin' keyboard. Anyway, the answer is "bigger than you'd think."

6. What has been your funniest QAF experience?

The fact that people send me questions that I'm supposed to answer seriously once a month. Everyone knows I HATE HOMEWORK! Especially in the summer. And yet the questions keep coming. Ha! You guys!

7. When you watch another actor/actresses' performance, I imagine, as a professional, you have more sophisticated criteria for what constitutes a good performance. What qualities do you look for when you are watching a performance?

I don't want to see them acting. I want to be transported and see only the character not the actor. Honesty, clarity and interesting choices is what does that.

8. How do you feel about the opposition of the gay community to Queer As Folk? There is actually an organization in existence called Queers Against Queer As Folk (QAQAF). What do you have to say to the people who feel that QAF does not accurately present gay life at all, and that QAF is turning into a show for straight women, written by straight women?

Listen, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I've always been drawn to projects that people WILL have an opinion about. If people just didn't care one way or another we wouldn't be doing our jobs right. Our show, as has been repeatedly said, does not mean to portray every gay person's experience. THE SOPRANOS met with some of the same kinds of criticism from Italian-American groups saying that the show portrayed Italian-Americans in a negative light. THE SOPRANOS is about members of the Mafia who happen to BE Italian-Americans but it is NOT ABOUT Italian-Americans. Would you seriously want to see them always all cute and cuddly? BORING! QAF is about a group of guys that troll around clubs and bars looking for "love" who happen to BE gay but it is NOT ABOUT homosexuality. It's showing the "gay life" lived by these 6 gay guys (2 lesbians, 2 moms and an uncle) who live in a gay neighborhood and participate in an active nightlife at the various bars and clubs near them. From the little I've seen and/or overheard in the "Gay Ghetto" of Toronto that we often shoot in as well as the parts of West Hollywood that most closely resemble "Liberty Avenue", the world of QAF is quite accurate. It DOES exist. Those with contrary opinions about the show cannot deny that. I understand that, as QAF is the first drama to show multi-dimensional gay characters, there are those that wish it to portray a completely positive picture of these characters and the life they live. Unfortunately there is no way to please everyone in the community. If it tried to be all things to all people it would get far more "tedious" than some accuse it of already being. (Isn't it interesting that those who accuse the show of that never seem to miss an episode. Hmmm?) But this is a "drama" first and foremost, not a documentary. The primary element of drama is conflict. If these characters were living a happy life EVERY episode or were sweet and cuddly to each other every episode I don't believe for a second that people would be as addicted to it as they are. People are fascinating because they're flawed. Life (and television) would get mighty boring otherwise.

As to the show being written for straight women by straight women, well ... if you're telling me our writing staff is made up completely of women then, with the exception of Karen Walton they are the UGLIEST women I have EVER seen!

9. What was it about John Wilkes Booth that inspired you to write a play?

How little people really know about him - - rather than the crazy B-rate actor we are lead to believe, he was one of the most popular, highest paid matinee idols of his time and he genuinely believed he was doing the best thing for his country - - and how he seemed (to me at least) fated to do what he did. "Destiny" and "Fate" fascinate me. The theatricality of his story intrigued me as well. Living in the age of the "suicide bomber" as we do, it's interesting to realize that the same zealous love for country (or religion) and the willingness (albeit wrong-headed) to sacrifice all for it has been around throughout history. Booth's story is a purely American one yet it continues to echo throughout the world.

10. I was wondering if the cast gets a video copy of each episode from the show or if they want to see the episodes, do they have to tune in on Sunday or Monday nights?

We do get copies before they air usually (although at the time of this writing you all have seen episode 217 and I have not! Bastards!). I did sneak down to a bar called "Revolver" in West Hollywood in disguise last Spring to watch episode 115 ("Ted" in leather) with our producers and a huge crowd of people. That was amazing!

11. You mention in your end-of-Season 2 blog that you will miss Chalupa along with your Toronto family. Does Chalupa (the cat in the photo gallery?) reside with a friend of yours or did you leave that plush-lucious grey critter to fend for herself on the mean streets of Toronto? My own feline friend and I are just curious and concerned. And why do none of the characters on the show have pets? I guess it must be difficult enough just wrangling the humans on the set, let alone small beasties, but you'd think that the Ted character might be a happier guy with a cuddly friend underfoot to keep him from being so self-absorbed.

I do have a friend looking after Chalupa while I'm away from Toronto and I miss her terribly. Chalupa wouldn't last a second on the streets of Toronto. In the first place the other cats would make fun of the fact that she doesn't go "Meoo, eh?" Kidding, kidding! As far as characters on the show having a pet, I don't know what you're talking about. Two of the characters DO have a pet. His name is "Gus."

12. I was thrilled to find out that my favorite actor, you, played french horn. Why did you stop playing it?

Well I used to love playing in orchestras, quartets and quintets, etc. I also loved playing alone (especially a good Mozart Horn Concerto or a riff from "If You Leave Me Now" by Chicago) but I was petrified of recitals. They made me more nervous than anything. Even thinking about me in your underwear couldn't relax me. The thing with the horn is that the least little tremble of your lip makes you sound like crap. So when I got to college and just didn't have time to keep up with it, my embouchure (which had given me a huge, sexy muscle in the middle of my lip ... no pun intended) disappeared and with it my ability to make my horn "sing". It would take quite a lot of work to get it back. I'm trying.

13. Guilty pleasures: Movie? Book? Music? Food? Hobby? Toy? Web site?

I'm a Jewish son. What isn't "guilty" with me?

14. Are you aware of QAF fanfiction? Have you read any of it? Would you ever read any, especially if it was Ted fanfiction? If you have read any, what did you think and what do you think of the concept in general?

I am aware of it. No, I have not read any of it. I'm afraid to read any of it, honestly. But I think it's great that the characters we've helped create are stirring the creative souls of people enough that they feel the desire to write their own "adventures" for them. I just need to stay focused solely on what our own writers are coming up with for the character -- it's what I need to do in order for me to do my job well on the show. But I would love it if you want to write that "Ted" has a 132bdfy8o1cbb DTUbbbeo1go167. Arrrgh! Damn keyboard!

May 3, 2002

1. Are you worried about being typecast into only gay roles?

While its a concern in regards to projects that are presented to you, I really feel that you can only be typecast if you let yourself be typecast. Look at the wonderful job Johnny Depp did of breaking away from his 21 Jump Street role.

2. Did you ever think that you would do this type of show?

Truthfully, no. Every indication was that I would end up doing a sit-com. Thats where everyone seemed to feel I would find the most success. So to be involved in a show that is so groundbreaking as well as an opportunity for me to show a better indication of my range as an actor than being purely comic is beyond my dreams. I am very lucky, indeed.

3. I was wondering (and this is going back) what you thought of the whole Blake storyline on QAF? Do you think that Ted has recovered from that heartbreak, and if not, is it affecting his behavior in season two?

I loved the Ted/Blake storyline. His feeling that if he could just fix Blake (no drug pun intended) he would be the perfect partner was a side of Ted that I could relate to quite strongly. Its a pattern Ive repeated often in my own life. Those types of relationships are always doomed. The relationship also showed how much opera has warped Teds sense of reality a bit - - also a very real experience for so many people. Its no wonder to me that so many viewers responded so strongly to that storyline.

As to how it affects Ted in season 2, of course its affecting his behavior. We are all our own history. Everything that has come before affects our current behavior. So while it may not be specifically addressed this season, it has been very much a part of how Ive decided Ted will respond to certain events.

4. So...since "The Advocate" saddled you with a wife...want one? Just kidding! In all seriousness, as a former Journalism student, I was horrified by the misrepresentation in that article and the fact that, yes, you were basically put on the same block as the Eric McCormacks and Kerr Smiths of the world. Do you find it frustrating to deal with this subversive forced homophobia in both the media and the industry itself? In other words, do you think we'll ever get to a place where no one gives a damn who sleeps with who?

It has certainly been a learning experience for me. It does seem inherently homophobic, doesnt it? But it also shows how our society views sex as something kind of dangerous and all defining. I mean, no one asks James Gandolfini if hes ever actually garroted another man. My hope (and perhaps it is a nave one) is that QAF will help show people that these questions dont really matter - - people are queer in general, thats what makes us such a fascinating species to watch.

5. As a student of improv myself, I would love to know if improvisational theatre has had an impact on you and how you approach your characters...especially, of course, Ted, given the situations he finds himself in on QAF.

I love using improv with characters, but improv theatre scares the hell out of me. Many of my dear friends are alumni of Second City or Improv Olympic and I sit and marvel at what they do. I even did some last summer as a dare to myself and it STILL scares the hell out of me. Its an odd thing. Once I know a character well enough I can go on and on with ad libs, etc. if need be (and have been known to much to the dismay of directors and stage managers everywhere). I am a chronic mutterer after my lines are done. But the process of instantly creating a full 3-dimensional character who, generally, has to say really funny things terrifies me.

6. What is your favorite dessert?

Crme Brulee.

7. What is your favorite season of the year?

Close tie between Spring and Fall. I love the transitional nature of both. Fall was so wonderful growing up in New England and brings with it a wonderful melancholy, while Spring is all about rebirth, new possibilities and girls in little summer dresses.

8. Scott, you are both a good actor and a classy guy, and those are just two of the reasons why many people would and have traveled large distances and waited in even longer lines to meet you. (How's that for a run-on?) My question is, for whom would you travel anywhere and wait anytime?

Wow. Thank you for those compliments. The way you say it I guess I would travel anywhere and wait on line for me too! Im HOT! Most of the people I would wait on line for are no longer with us (Jimmy Stewart, Jack Lemmon and Peter Sellers). Ive waited (and gotten) Elvis Costellos autograph. So whos left? Hmmmm  Uma? No . Sarah Polley? Maybe. Actually I like getting instantly inspired by seeing an actor give a magnificent performance in a show and waiting to tell them so right after the show. Kinda skirting the question I know, but Im tired and dont have a definitive answer so cut me some slack, okay? Sheesh.

9. There was some flack over your comments about the Showtime forum in your blog. Do you feel that you might have made a PR mistake by insulting such a large community of the show's fans?

No. I expressed my opinion that is all. I will admit that I was surprised at the limited negative response. As ALWAYS seems to be the case in these types of he hurt our feelings kind of situations my comments were either taken out of context or only heard of second-hand. Lets look at what I ACTUALLY said, shall we: (I had been writing about watching the CBS special on 9/11 and how deeply it affected me) My emotions were rising. Then I made a mistake. I was curious to see what the response was to "Ted's" story-line in Episode 9 of QAF. I decided to check out the Showtime message boards. Now I should say that I had stopped reading them last year when I found them to be more of a distraction than an aid in my work (just like reading reviews) so it's been a while. What the hell has happened over there? So much bile and dissent spewing forth. It really upset me. So much hate. Even if it's only from a simple-minded few, the decision by so many to return hate with still more hate saddened me. Coming so close on the heels of reliving the 9/11 experience I began to have a "what will become of humanity" moment. Have we learned nothing?

I stand by my words. I never said EVERYONE at the Showtime site was guilty. If I was not specific enough as to the culprit(s) it was only done to avoid inciting any further fires or empower any arguments that were unworthy of discussion, in my opinion. That night may have been an unusually ugly one, but it is what I experienced nonetheless. If anyone can prove that was NOT my experience and that I am making things up then I will gladly retract what I wrote. Its sad to me that people missed the point of what I was trying to say. I was writing about something much larger than a message board. I was writing about human civility and a sense of community. There were those who understood that and those who helped to prove my point for me.

10. What are your plans for the summer hiatus? Do you want to stay in L.A. or would you be willing to travel to do a play or a movie?

I would happily travel for the right project, be it film or theatre. Just got back to LA a week ago and I am still settling in. Ill probably start looking in earnest for the right project to spend part of my hiatus on in the next week or so. Until then  ahhhhh, warmth and sunshine **drooling**

11. Many people feel the second season doesn't have the depth and emotional impact that the first season had and the comparison of Ted's storylines (Blake in the first season versus the porn website in the second season) brings home that point rather succinctly. Do you have a preference for the more dramatic storylines that season one gave Ted or the more comedic storylines in season two?

Ted and Emmett were both originally conceived as the comic relief characters on the show. When our producers and writers discovered that Peter and I could do so much more they did what they could to give us more dramatic scenes to play. The problem they faced was that by placing Ted in a multi-episode relationship with Blake, for example, it kept the character out of comic situations for too long. Its very important to Dan and Ron that the show have a strong balance between the comic and the dramatic. It was a mixed blessing to get so much wonderful, meaty dramatic stuff to do last season, because it left me hungering for more but the dynamics are such that those opportunities need to be limited this season. Theyre still there, just spread out more sparingly.

12. Ted, if you will pardon my language, has become a grade A asshole this season. Is his recent attitude towards Emmett and Michael going to be addressed? Will we see the sweetness of old Ted again?

Well, Im sorry you feel that Ted is being an asshole. I dont really see it that way. Hes finally learning to become his Own Man and of course hes going to stumble along the way. Hes never really been empowered before and it can be a difficult thing to learn to deal with. Thats only natural. I think he is VERY protective of his friends and slow to allow new people to enter into the circle, again a very human and natural thing I think. Might make him seem a bit of a prick, but hes the same old loveable curmudgeon hes always been at heart.

13. Many fans were appalled at Ted's reaction to Ben being HIV+, especially the gossipy way he told Brian, Justin, and Emmett, and wondered if you had problems with saying some of those lines. Do you ever feel uncomfortable or have moral disagreements with some of the things the writers make Ted say or do? How do you deal with those issues?

Ted expressed an opinion that is very true to his character, I think. You have to remember how deep his feelings for Michael go. As I said in the previous answer, he is very protective of his friends, Michael perhaps more than anyone. He doesnt want to see him hurt physically or emotionally. Now while that risk is inherent in almost every relationship people enter into, getting involved with anyone who has a sexually transmittable disease (especially one that has killed so many) only increases that risk. So whether or not I may agree with Teds point of view, I believe it was an honest and true one for the character. He is a bit of a pessimist after all and tends to be a catastrophist as well. Was it dangerous to have Ted and Debbie express concerns about this relationship? Perhaps, but its a very honest reaction that a lot of people have. If this show is going to be an honest portrayal of a part of the gay community, it needs to show the ugly side as well. And lets not forget this is a drama. The key to drama is tension. If all these characters did was support each other ALL the time and be all happy and fuzzy ALL the time it would be pretty f#$king boring.

There have certainly been times when Ive felt uncomfortable with situations Ted has been placed in. When that happens I go to Ron and Dan and express my concerns. They listen patiently, smack me on the side of the head and say: Quit youre cryin and get out there and DANCE! Actually there was an episode last season where Brian asks Ted to start hanging out with him (after Michaels 30th B-day disaster) and Ted starts getting lucky with all of Brians cast-offs and sluts around a bit. It felt to me like this scenario flew in the face of the operatic One True Love sense of romance that I had endowed Ted with. Plus, my own romantic sensibilities are very similar so I, as an actor was not comfortable. I had a long conversation with Ron about this and he really opened my eyes to how things were in the world that QAF was portraying, that fulfilling ones sexual desires and needs didnt necessarily preclude one from wanting to be monogamous and, as he put it so eloquently, He cant be a schlub ALL the time! It was a turning point for me in the development of the character. Its the wonderful thing about a collaborative effort like we have on QAF.

14. I read on your forum about your trip to North Carolina, hosting a fundraiser and doing a talk at a university. How do you get signed up for these things? Do you get paid for your appearances? Do you like doing things like that or is it just part of the job?

Generally people either approach my personal publicist or the Showtime publicist who covers QAF and pitch an idea. In the case of the NC event, I was approached by Mitchell Gold while attending a fund raiser in NYC. My cousins work for his wonderful furniture company so he had a personal connection. Most events I dont get paid for, because generally they are fundraisers or charity events and so my contribution is my appearance rather than a donation (cause I aint THAT rich, people!). The events that I choose to go to are work but still fun and fulfilling because its a thrill to be in a position to help organizations you believe in. Plus, its just so damned flattering. So while it is part of the job, as you say, its one I feel very fortunate to be able to do.

March 1, 2002

1. Boxers or briefs?

Boxers

2. If you could throw a flaming bag of poo on anybody's door, whose would it be?

Charlton Heston

3. Which is worse: running naked or bicycling naked?

Depends if the bicycle has a seat or not.

4. How long do you have to be dating a woman before she's allowed to fart in your presence?

A noisy one that makes me laugh: 2nd date. S.B.D.'s - 6 months

5. Which is the coolest event in March and why: baseball spring training, March Madness, or St. Patrick's Day?

April Fool's Day

6. Brian's "Roll over" is just the height of romance and class. Share some of your own special pillow-talk with the class.

Stand on that chair. Put this on. Now twirl.

7. When you're sick, do you become a big whiny baby demanding juice and chicken soup from anyone who will listen or do you suck it up and deal like a martyr?

Big martyr when alone ... BIG baby if someone's there.

8. What is the Matrix?

A special edition of fruity Trix cereal put out in May featuring fuscia marshmallow flowers.

9. You've been cast on "The Real World" - which stereotype are you: the sassy lesbian, the naive virgin, the hick ignoramus, the drunken slut, the pretty boy jock, the semi-closeted gay man, or the domineering bitch?

Sassy lesbian ALL THE WAY!

10. What's your computer wallpaper?

A photo I took of the moment I first discovered my secret beach in Kuau'i.

11. Come on, admit it. "I've been naked on TV" is your favorite pick-up line, isn't it?

Yeah. Unfortunately the response usually is: "Yeah, I know. I've seen it. Bye."

12. Britney Spears: dirty, dirty whore or guilty pleasure?

You kidding? Both! And I'll ask you not to speak of the 3rd Mrs. Lowell in those terms anymore.

13. You're drunk and somehow get talked into singing karaoke. What song do you sing?

Rhinestone Cowboy

14. What is your favorite color?

Whatever I'm wearing and someone says "That looks good on you."

15. Do you sleep snuggled under lots of blankets, curled in a ball or do you sprawl all out and kick the covers off in the middle of the night?

1 leg sticking out of the covers sometimes, otherwise curled, spooning myself ... unless ...

16. You're locked in a room with Dr. Laura, one of the NSYNC boys, and Dubya, and you only have two gags. Who gets to yammer on until you're rescued?

(this answer is rated MA) Fortunately Dubya would be "gagging" Dr. Laura on his own (they're SUCH a cute couple) so I'd use my 2 fabric gags on the remaining unoccupied mouths.

17. If QAF's writers ever pass along a script that has Ted and Emmett getting it on, promise you'll quit. Please?

Ummmmm ...

18. Which would you rather smooch: someone with beer breath, someone with cigarette breath, or someone with garlic and onion breath?

Beer breath actually turns me on a little.

19. If you're looking at your clock when it hits 11:11, do you make a wish?

No, but I do say "Rabbit. Rabbit" at midnight or first thing in the morning on the 1st of every month. Like today.

20. Does size matter?

Not to me.

February 2, 2002

1. Do you get pressure from the "bosses" to keep your weight down?

Are you saying Im FAT?!?!?!? Actually the only way they pressure me is by keeping me in a state of sheer terror by never letting me know exactly when Im going to be naked in front of millions of people (counting future generations of QAF viewers). Thats enough to make me watch what I eat. If anything I have to keep my vanity in check and stop myself from hiring a trainer and working out like a fiend. Buff is not a word I ever want associated with Ted.

2. Dish about our staid, "bore"-derline trendy, yet super friendly city of Toronto. You like, you love, you crawl under the covers in the winter?

My, my. Do we have issues with Toronto? Hmm? I like ol Toronto quite a bit. As Ive said many times, it reminds me a lot of Chicago. Its a great walking city (something I miss living in LA). The area I live in this year is just chock-full of great restaurants and shops all around the corner from my apartment. Also, movie theatres, live theatres and cool music venues everywhere. I love how neighborhoods completely change personality every couple of blocks; from upscale to bohemian, to University, to Little Italy, Chinatown, etc. Now, I did leave Chicago to escape the winters (among other reasons) so the irony that after moving out to sunny LA Ive been shipped back to such a chilly place is not lost on me. However, as the oft-quoted Peter Paige always puts it: If Toronto was in Mexico, Id move there in a heartbeat. I will probably start nesting a little more now that the wind and snow have turned quite cold  unless someone has a couple of courtside seats to a Raptors game for me. Thats a SURE way to get me out of the house!

3. So, what's your favorite song?

I have a really tough time picking favorites. But Ill give you two of my top of the pops. (Whats So Funny Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding  a song written by the great Nick Lowe as a sarcastic mockery of young, angst-filled social activists that Elvis Costello brilliantly turned around into a heartfelt, angry and sincere plea. Also, This Must Be the Place (Nave Melody), by the Talking Heads. Speaks to me of that sense of home and completion that only a true love can give you.

4. Does the media badger the cast with sexual orientation questions? If so, what is your reaction to not just the media, but society's obsession with sexuality?

They definitely were obsessed with it last year. See my blog of 1/31/02 for more on this topic.

5. My question is in regards to your theatre work. I see from your bio that you have done quite a bit of theatre, and I was wondering if you've heard of and considered doing some at the Stratford festival here in Ontario during your hiatus? I have gone there nearly every summer since I was a child, and I find it to be very deserving of its fine reputation. Have you considered, or can I plant the idea of you pursuing some work there?

I have been well aware of the Stratford Festival since my early days of working in Chicago and have always wanted to work there. If the right project comes along and theyre in such desperate straits that they would actually hire me you can be assured that Ill be there with my tights washed and ready.

6. How did your family and friends react to your decision to audition for the role of Ted on Queer As Folk ?

Well, I never really talk about auditions with people so as not to jinx anything. So no one really knew about the role until after I was cast. My family and friends have been amazingly supportive from the start. When I described Ted to my friends who know the many sides of me best they would all respond: Oh, perfect!

7. You are truly an amazing actor. Who did you study with?

Wow. Thanks for the compliment. The man I consider my mentor is an actor named Morris Carnovsky. He was a member of The Group Theatre back in the 30s; originating roles in many of Clifford Odets plays and working along side of Lee Strassberg, Stella Adler, Harold Clurman and (Morriss eventual wife) Phoebe Brand to create some of the most vibrant theatre seen in our country and in the process revolutionizing American acting techniques. (To read more about The Group I recommend a book called Real Life Drama by Wendy Smith) Unfortunately Morris was one of many that Elia Kazan, another Group member, later ratted out to the HUAC. He was blacklisted through the 50s and into the 60s. Eventually John Houseman lured him out of seclusion and Morris re-invented himself as one of the finest Shakespearean actors in the States. He became Americas pre-eminent King Lear and Shylock (re-interpreting him in a renowned production with Katherine Hepburn). Eventually he also found great happiness in teaching. The lessons he taught me remain the most important. Though he was in his late 80s by th etime I started studying with him (off and on for 3 years) his wisdom, skills, talent and joy were in no way dulled by age. Morris passed away in 1992 at the age of 94. I carry his obituary in my wallet as a talisman.

I also credit Linda Herr, my college professor at Connecticut College, for teaching me (along with many technical skills and a love for theatre history) to never take myself too seriously. Other than that Ive learned by doing over the past 15 years.

8. Have you ever gotten any negative attention, from friends or anti-gay groups, about your role in QAF or about QAF in general?

I guess Im lucky in that Ive had nothing but positive feed-back from those whose opinions matter to me. I gave up reading reviews many years ago (because even good ones make you self-conscious and are therefore disruptive) so I remain blissfully unaware of any negative comments. However, Ive spoken in the past of being 97% certain that I was not asked to be a part of new editions of a commercial campaign I had been involved with due to my role on QAF.

9. You mentioned hoping QAF would be recognized at the level of the Soprano's, (I feel it is and beyond), but do you think the awards institutions i.e.; Emmys will ever be open-minded and/or bold enough to recognize the obvious talent involved with this show from costumes, music, writing,acting, etc. We all can applaud seeing hatred, torture, scheming and murder, but will we also award loving and caring relationships even with the same sex?

You put it very well. The one thing Ive been disheartened about over the past year is how completely ignored QAF is by the awards shows (save for GLAAD). Is it homophobia or some vendetta against Showtime? When I try to answer the question I get quite angry so I try not to focus on it. It truly is most important that our fans are SUCH FANS! But, come on! Will & Grace gets nominated for a best costume Emmy and we dont? Even if you want to ignore the acting and writing, our show looks better than anything out there. It seems like theyre afraid of legitimizing our show with their attention. The mystery is: Why?

10. What is it about Ted that makes you play him so well? Is Ted the character you auditioned for or was there another?

Ted is the only role I auditioned for and the only role I wanted to play. I understand Teds psyche, love his big heart and dry humor. Ive been where he is and am very sympathetic of his plight. Its just one of those magical creative connections where so much of my own life experiences enable me to play him in a way that no one else could. Its not necessarily the best way, just unique to my vision.

11. Has anyone made the observation that you resemble George Clooney - a MUCH better looking George Clooney?

All right, now youre going overboard. The suggestion of a mere resemblance is flattery enough! As a matter of fact I was working on a show with an actress named Rose Abdoo back in 1994 and she brought in a TvGuide with a picture of this fella named George who was in this new show called ER. Oh, my GAWD! she screamed I had to show you this. Its your brother! He looks exactly like you. I didnt see the resemblance then, but after years of people saying the same thing to me  I still dont see it. But Thanks! I hope to work with him someday soon. Maybe hell see the resemblance.

12. Are you a UConn Husky fan by chance?

Well, I went to Conn. College not UCONN, so I am a Conn. College Camel fan  yes, the Camels! But I do enjoy when the Huskies are winning as well.

13. What is the weirdest/scariest thing you have gotten from a fan? How do you react when fans can't seem to separate your character from you?

A small statue of a bishop whose head has been replaced by a fishs.

Im actually flattered when people constantly feel the need to let me know that Im not unattractive and offer me therapy for my low self-esteem. The fact that they believe so strongly that Ted exists in me means that the writers and I have done our jobs of making him a 3-dimensional character. I sometimes dont want to disappoint them by letting them know that I think I am the hottest piece of man-meat out there and that I have the ability to nail any piece of tail that I want whenever I want!

14. If you could be on any TV show currently running other than QAF, what would it be and what character would you like to play? I always thought that if Toby Ziegler on THE WEST WING had a younger brother, you would be perfect for the part.

Yeah, Id love to work on The West Wing. I would have loved to play Jeremy on the now defunct Sports Night (so I could smooch on Sabrina Lloyd among many other reasons) or a teacher on Freaks & Geeks. Wouldnt mind playing a Fredo-like character on The Sopranos. Honestly though, Ted is the most interesting character to me on TV right now.

15. Do you know why QAF uses production numbers for the episodes rather than giving them titles like most tv shows do? Do you think that will ever change?

Im not 100% sure why. Probably because the episodes are too complicated to sum up in a title. We do make up our own titles for in house use, however. Winnie Jong, our script supervisor and continuity chick, picks her favorite line from an episode and makes that the title. For example the episode in Season 1 where Justins mom takes him to see a shrink was titled: I Like Dick, after his famous response to the therapists questioning how he feels.

January 4, 2002

1. If you could be fantasy writer for a day, what story line would you write for Ted?

I had suggested a few story-line ideas to our producers at the end of last season for Season 2. One or two they actually liked, but this one may have been a little far-fetched: Given that Ted has a penchant for pretty young boys (like Blake) I thought it would be interesting to have him fall for a hairless hottie who seems reluctant to go any further sexually than making out. But they have a lot in common and this guy seems to really care for ol Ted. As they grow closer on a personal level, Ted becomes more frustrated sexually. Finally the truth is revealed that his new love is actually a female cross-dresser. Poor, Ted  his perfect man is a girl. I kind of based it on a transsexual man Im aware of who, after his surgery, ended up falling in love with a lesbian. He had become she but was still attracted to women.

2. I'm sure you've gotten Kevin Spacey before, but anyone ever tell you that you bear a resemblance to Steve, the host of "Blue's Clues?"

In fact, we can make it a trivia contest, in an episode of Season 2 that we shot a few weeks ago I was wearing a shirt that makes me look EXACTLY like Steve. I was going around the set asking, Wheres Blue? See if you can spot the scene.

3. You have the best stammer in television today...perhaps the best since Porky Pig himself! I'm thinking of episode 15 in particular, wherein Dale Wexler vexes poor Ted so severely. Question: do you rehearse all of that pre-verbal stuttering, or is your stammer improvised on the spot?

I usually know where a stammer will go and then just let it flow as we shoot. But there are times such as that dungeon scene, where the action dictates it. I always try to be open to serendipity.

4. How's the iPod working out for you so far?

I still love it and take it with me everywhere. With over 870 songs on it, its like having a radio station that only plays songs I like and doesnt interrupt them with chatter and commercials. Cant wait to take it on vacation with me! Are you from Apple by any chance?

5. How tall are you?

Im 5 10 but I like to carry myself much shorter so as not to intimidate anyone.

6. It would be interesting to read a little about what it's like for Scott to be living in Toronto... does he miss LA or does he get caught up in the insular QAF world such that it doesn't matter?

I do miss LA and all my friends there and my life. Honestly work is so all consuming for me up here that I tend to feel a little disconnected from the world in general. Its a bizarre way to live. Do I live in Toronto or LA now? Wheres my home? It gets confusing and leaves one feeling a little rootless.

7. In the LA Times article (November, 1999) 'No Tea and Sympathy for Them' by, Kristin Hohenadel, Russell T Davies mentioned (paraphrased) "a lot of men love the idea of playing a killer...but [shy] away from playing a gay man." It's an interesting societal commentary. Do you foresee this changing at some point in the future? Do you hope Queer as Folk may play a part in that change?

Its hard to have a real clear perspective on this topic up here in the wonderfully protective bubble of our set. But Ill try. An audience members ability to believe an actor actually IS whatever character theyre portraying is paramount to the success of a play or film or television program. If their perception is clouded by their opinion about the actor as a person outside the role, their ability to believe in the character is jeopardized. I know a lot of people who cant watch the film Manhattan anymore because of their opinion about Woody Allens relationship with Sun Yi. Likewise, there are certain actors I know to be complete cads and dogs in real life, so I just dont buy them as the sweet, romantic, guy-next-doors that they play in films. This is what those who hope to make money off an actors performance worry about: the audiences perception.

Given that this is the rationale (however misguided) behind studios fears to hire actors that the audience might perceive as gay to play straight roles, it is understandable that many actors would be worried that playing a gay character might hint at a sexual orientation that could limit their ability to be cast as a hetero romantic character and their career. I guess its just an assumption that if you play a killer the audience is fully aware that you actually arent one in real life or youd be in prison. A persons sexuality is another matter; especially to American men. Believe me I know first hand the difficulty people have separating reality and fantasy if youve done your job well as an actor.

Its interesting that close to 50% of QAFs audience in the States is straight. But the majority of that 50% is female. Its a wonderful thing to me that so many women have the hots for Gale and Hal even though they are playing VERY sexually active gay characters. But what really gives me hope is how many women lust for Peter and Randy knowing that they are gay in real life. I am sure their many female fans would jump at the chance to see them smooching girls on film. Unfortunately women still do not have the clout as audience members as the men do in the studios eyes. So, we need to eliminate the ignorance that makes so many American men homophobic. Do I hope QAF will do that? Yes. My hope is that wives who already love the show will get their husbands to watch and maybe theyll be brave enough to tell their friends and family to watch. I also hope that the show gives those still in the closet the courage to come out and tell those they love the truth. Soon it would be rare for someone not to know and care about a gay, bisexual or transgender person. Little by little maybe theyll be able to see that all this fear is stupid and unimportant. Only then, when the majority of people in our country dont have an opinion about a persons sexual orientation will actors stop shying away from playing gay characters.

8. What is the one thing you hoped Queer As Folk would achieve, that you have never admitted in any other interview? And similarly, what was your worst fear?

Secretly I hoped QAF would achieve the same success, respect quality and acceptance that The Sopranos has. My worst fear was that no one would watch or care about it enough to love or hate it.

9. My question is what would be your role of a lifetime. Is there any character you'd love to portray or actor/director you'd love to work with?

The role of a lifetime would be the title character in; Everyone Loves Chachi: The Scott Baio Story. Truly, choosing a role of a lifetime scares me because I hope to be working for a very long time and I hope every role will be challenging and enjoyed. I would love to go back and play the role of Lucifer in Arthur Millers play The Creation of the World and Other Business and obviously (as Ive written a play about him), John Wilkes Booth (before I get too old). As for current directors, I would love to work with Wes Anderson, Steven Soderbergh and Woody Allen among many.

10. You mentioned on "Open Mike" that your sister is gay, something you haven't revealed in interviews before. Did you know she was gay before you took the role on "Queer As Folk" and how has playing Ted affected your relationship with her?

My sister came out after her freshman year of college back in the early 80s. She is a brilliant lighting designer living in the Boston area. My doing the show has brought her a lot of joy and its nice for me to see on a very personal level how positive an effect the show is having on the gay community.

11. Do you think Ted will ever get together with Michael or has that storyline been dropped for good?

I dont know if theyll ever get together, but its definitely something I still pepper into how Ted reacts to certain things between Michael and himself.

12. What's the most frivolous thing you've bought for yourself since you landed the role of Ted?

53 Sony HD-ready TV. Ive had very little time to actually watch it!

13. Your blog is my favorite part of your site and I think you are a really good writer. Have you ever considered a career as a writer?

Are you suggesting I should get out of acting and look for other work???? I dont think of writing as another career per se, but definitely another creative outlet for me.

November 1, 2001

1. Who is your favorite Chicago actor?

A: Really tough one to answer as I had the chance to work with and see so many excellent actors while I was in Chicago. I can narrow it down to two, however who always amazed me. Marc Vann and Jeff Perry. I was lucky enough to work with Marc and am even luckier still to call him a friend. He is a more focused and less naughty Malkovich meets Billy Bob. On stage or screen he manages to make every role he does interesting. Jeff Perry is another stunning and versatile actor. His choices are always challenging and right. I came close to working with Jeff Perry when I took over the role of Picasso in "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" at Steppenwolf (he was the original "Einstein.") Unfortunately he had already left the run (fortunately the always excellent Jim Ortleib replaced him). Oh, well. Maybe someday. His wife Linda Lowy did the original casting for QAF so maybe she'll hook us up in something.

2. Will Ted be seeing Dale Wexler again this season?

A: Not that I know of. Bobby did a great job in that role, though. Looked like "He-Man: Master of the Universe" in that barely-there leather thing he was wearing.

3. Are you a fan of Philip Roth?

A: Sure am. Just finished reading THE HUMAN STAIN. Found out while in LA that Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman are going to be in the film of it. I also am a fan of John Irving.

4. If you weren't playing Ted, which character on QAF would you most want to be?

A: Truly Ted is the only guy I relate to. But maybe I wouldn't mind being Baby Gus and suckling and wetting my pants whenever I wanted.

5. What would you have done if you didn't act?

A: Well, I never really had a backup plan, but if things don't work out I wouldn't mind being a Casting Director. I think it's one of the most creative behind-the-scenes positions. And I'm not just saying that to suck up.

6. My favorite episode of Queer as Folk is:

A: So far, Michael's 30th B-day party. Episode 11 of Season 1.

7. Do you use/eat the products that you endorse in the commercials?

A: Only if they give them to me for free.

8. I am totally intent on being an actress. John Lennon's aunt said that when he was young he would always say that he was going to be famous. What was your secret? I have been telling people that I am going to be famous, but it doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere... Any advice?

A: Truly I never focused on fame. I only know that I'm happiest and most satisfied when I'm doing good work. Once I knew I wanted to be an actor and what that really meant all I ever wanted was to work in good quality productions whenever I could. Try focusing on that and learning and growing as an actor and THEN see what comes your way.

9. One of the things we hear over and over again about Queer as Folk is "the characters are so well-written that we forget that they're gay." The writers/producers of the US series have also commented that ultimately, it would be nice if one of the show's broader messages was: "[we]'re queer as folk...it's not a big deal." And yet at the same time, the show *is* unique because it intentionally focuses on the lives and loves of GAY characters. Do you find there to be any kind of conflict inherent in this? That on the one hand the point is to emphasis commonality, and yet at the same time something is certainly being said about uniqueness?

A: Great question and very well put. It is quite a conundrum, isn't it? I think ultimately what Dan & Ron (our writers/producers/creators) want is for people to accept these gay characters (and ultimately gay men and women in general) as unique people who have every much a right to BE unique as anyone else and celebrated for that as much as anyone else. Not sure if that clarifies the point for you or not but that's how I see it.

10. I've noticed that you and some of the other cast members wear a silver or Platinum ring. Is there a meaning behind it?

A: Ummm...we like expensive gifts? No, actually Dan Lipman, Ron Cowen and Sheila Hockins our wonderful producers gave each of us a silver engraved ring for the Holidays last year and we wear them as often as we can to symbolize our commitment to each other and to the show. Plus they make us all look like hotties, don't they?

October 1, 2001

I have: hair in weird places

I see: a bad moon rising

I hate: bullies

I miss: being able to eat WHATEVER the hell I want

I wonder: wonder, who, ba hoo hoo hoo. Who wrote the book of love?

I find: it strange that anyone would care about my responses to this.

I want: you... great Elvis Costello song

I regret: that I wasn't "gettin' it on" in highschool.

I need: to get a hobby.

I wish: a wanguage spoken by peopwe who wive in Iwewand.

I fear: guns

I love: loving and being loved

I smell: COOKIES!!! MMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

I crave: passion

I feel: funny "down there."

When was the last time you...

Talked to an ex: Today. It's hard for me not to. There's sooooo many of them.

Kissed someone: You mean frenching? That's DISGUSTING! Ohhhh with a person. Today.

Cried: Today. I saw a tribute to the victims of 9/11/01.

Danced: Tonight. (a rare occurrence) Oy, am I sore.

Smiled: Every day.

Bought something: Today again. Boy Am I winning at this game or what?

Last...

Book you read: The Human Stain by Philip Roth

Song you heard: "Yellow" by COLDPLAY

Movie you saw: The one where the teacher helps the school girl with her "extra credit" in the shower and... oh in a movie theatre? "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" One of the year's best!

Thing you had to drink: a pint of Guinness. Mmmmmmm

Time you showered: This morning

Thing you ate: Grilled tofu with teryaki sauce. Ain't I healthy?

Do you...

Live in the moment: Try to but then I start worrying about tomorrow.

Sleep with stuffed animals: Well, she's not really an "animal" and she's more inflatable than stuffed

Play an instrument: used to play the French Horn

Had a dream that keeps coming back: Yeah, there's this one where I get his endless stream of questions and...

Believe there is life on other planets: Yes.

Believe it's possible to remain faithful forever: Yes. Once your priorities are figured out.

Consider yourself tolerant of others: Very. Now are you DONE with these INANE QUESTIONS?!?!?!

Remember your first love? Remember her? I still am in touch with her!

Have any straight friends? Most of them are pretty crooked, but a few are straight

Read the newspaper? I try to every day.

Believe in miracles? Yes.

Have a favorite candy? Why pick just one?

Believe in God? Every time I look in the mirror. And He's quite a comedian.

Believe in magic? Quit it. Magic is CREEPY!

Believe in astrology? Yes.

Like the taste of alcohol? Not in the Kitty Dukakis sense

Talk to strangers who IM you? Only those with screen names like: Bazooms69

Have any bad habits? Chew my nails

Like your handwriting? No. Looks like Katherine Hepburn's if she was on a roller coaster.

Collect anything? My thoughts.

Have any piercings? Owwww ... no.

Have any tatttos? Nope

Have any pets? a cat named Chalupa

Wear hats? When I can. Used to wear one ALL the time in highschool and college. What a geek!

Believe in ghosts? Absolutely. Was ghosted at the O'Neill Theatre Center. Long story.