5 Times 5X11 Autumn 1996


Can you tell us about yourself before Babylon 5?
"I've been working as a professional actor for about 20 years, mostly done Broadway Theatre, went on to Hollywood, TV productions, 3 television series. I would love to do another Western again. Right now I'm doing a Western in Space. I'm married to a wonderful woman, we have an eight months old son, we have 3 other sons."

Tell us about your character, what is it like to be in charge?
"Sheridan's character was introduced second season, very much a military man. Finds it, at first, difficult to take over a large space station, more of an administrator and a diplomat than a soldier. As events change, wear comes, his instincts and best qualities come to the fore to deal with this. An exciting character. I tried to bring his sensed of enthusiasm out at first before all the responsibilities descended. All of it is a growing experience for him for the big stuff to come. I don't know how much you have seen? There is much more to go..."

Is your character usually very serious?
"I think so... He is a professional, it is very important. His wife has gone, his job and duty is basically his life so he is very serous about it but he does have sense of humor. He is very human, he has failings, problems."

How is the atmosphere on the set?
"The working atmosphere is very friendly. No real prima donnas. No personality problems - you see that in the performances, it's like a family.... reflecting how much these characters have to care for each other, so far from earth. After all, it's a very hard life of loneliness and duty."

Do you have any funny stories to share?
"The technical language used to get me confused, as you can see from the blooper reel. In one outtake I called myself Commander Sinclair."

Has B5 changed your life?
"I got welcomed into the SF community, and fandom...I've only done TRON previously. It's put me back in touch with my earlier SF reading; I've started to read authors like Robert Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. It's exposed me to different technologies like CGI, not common to TV.

You have recorded several books - any plans to read the B5 novelizations?
"Books on Tape - I've done several. Hopefully in the future Books on B5 on Tape, if a project like that comes along."

Thanks, Nicky!

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