Prodigy Online Date: 12/11/95
Bruce Boxleitner: Hello, glad to be here! A great opportunity to talk to fans of Babylon 5. I'm looking forward to some interesting conversation!
Moderator: Good to have you here tonight Bruce! We've got lots of member questions, so let's get right to them!
Question: Bruce-- I'm a big fan of both you and your wife... Did you meet Melissa while making a movie with her? If not, what were the circumstances?
Bruce Boxleitner: No, we did not meet while making a movie. We lived in the same area, but didn't know that. I actually met her through a mutual friend. Our first date was when we went out to lunch.
Moderator: At the beginning of this year, Bruce married his leading lady Melissa Gilbert. On October 6, they welcomed to the world their first son, Michael Garrett. Michael, in fact, was named after the late actor Michael Landon, who played father to Melissa on the long-running "Little House on the Prairie."
Moderator: Bruce has also appeared in 4 out of the 5 "Gambler" TV movies as Billy Montana, opposite lead Kenny Rogers. The latest offering, "Gambler V: Playing for Keeps," aired on CBS Oct. 2nd and 4th.
Moderator: Speaking of the Gambler series...
Question: Any plans to make any more Gambler movies?
Bruce Boxleitner: There is talk, but that is all there is so far.
Question: I love B5! Will there be a third season?
Bruce Boxleitner: Buddy, We are in the third season right now.
Moderator: Bruce's show "Babylon 5" is an acclaimed sci-fi series set aboard a five-mile long space station in the year 2259. The space station, which could be called a galactic United Nations, is home to numerous humans and various alien species, including Bruce's war-hero-turned- diplomat Captain John Sheridan...
Moderator: (It's in its third season...)
Question: How do you feel about working with Michael O'Hare?
Bruce Boxleitner: I am looking forward to it. I think it will add an exciting dimension to the show.
Question: Any chance of a Scarecrow/ Mrs. King reunion, given how many TV reunions we've seen recently?
Bruce Boxleitner: It was talked about a few years ago but nothing has come up with it, unfortunately.
Moderator: For four years, Bruce shared the TV screen with Kate Jackson in CBS's popular comedy/drama "Scarecrow & Mrs. King."
Question: I think you and Melissa Gilbert act well together on stage. Are there anymore upcoming projects that the two of you are planning on doing together?
Bruce Boxleitner: We just completed our latest project. His name is Michael Garrett Boxleitner.
Question: What can we expect from Babylon 5 this year? Any good dirt?
Bruce Boxleitner: Treachery, passion, conspiracy, hillarity, just your everyday life in a space station.
Question: Are Delenn and Sheridan going to get together? Because it looks like she really likes him.
Bruce Boxleitner: ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... sure looking that way........................... maybe.
Question: How long do you actually have to act a day? It seems like it would have to be a lot.
Bruce Boxleitner: Generally I have a twelve hour day.... 5 days a week.
Question: The makeup in the Babylon 5 series is so outstanding, is it sometimes difficult or distracting to perform with actors who are so heavily made-up and costumed?
Bruce Boxleitner: My first season, sometimes. Now, no.
Moderator: DID YOU KNOW? -- On October 28th in L.A., Bruce shared "Best Actor in a TV Series" honors with "X-Files" star David Duchovny at the Annual Sci-Fi Universe Magazine Reader's Choice Awards!
Question: Do you know if there are any plans to continue Babylon 5 after it completes its five year story line?
Bruce Boxleitner: As of right now the five year saga will be it.
Moderator: Here's a particularly timely question, given the current success of "Goldeneye," from PRODIGY member FifthFloor...
Question: Did you ever want to be James Bond?
Typist: He IS James Bond.
Bruce Boxleitner: James bond is British and I was born outside of Chicago. I don't qualify.
Question: Are you attracted to the science fiction genre?
Bruce Boxleitner: I am attracted to a good story.
Question: What was the most challenging role you have played as an actor?
Bruce Boxleitner: The role of a phycopath on a USA cable movie called a perfect family.
Moderator: Before his work on "Babylon 5" began in October 1994, Bruce proved to be one of Hollywood's best and most reliably popular TV actors, starring in TV movies like "Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone," "House of Secrets," "Perfect Family," and "The Secret," opposit Kirk Douglas.
Question: Bruce, loved you in Scarecrow and Mrs. King, you and "Sabrina" were just great together, great chemistry! Do you see her since the show went off the air?
Bruce Boxleitner: No unfortunatelly I have not seen her in several years.
Question: Mr. Boxleitner what age did you start acting
Bruce Boxleitner: Profesionally, at ninteen years of age.
Question: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Bruce Boxleitner: Play tennis, ride my horses, and play with my family!
Moderator: At the beginning of this year, Bruce married his leading lady Melissa Gilbert. On October 6, they welcomed to the world their first son, Michael Garrett. Michael, in fact, was named after the late actor Michael Landon, who played father to Melissa on the long-running "Little House on the Prairie."
Question: Did it bother you that some fans initially opposed the addition of your character to Babylon 5?
Bruce Boxleitner: No, not really! I like the challenge.
Question: How did you get your start in acting?
Bruce Boxleitner: I started in High School plays, and then attended a professional theatrical school (Goodman School of Drama) in Chicago.
Moderator: Bruce hasn't limited his success to TV only: He has also graced the silver screen in films like "The Babe," opposite John Goodman; "Kuffs, " starring Christian Slater; and Disney's innovative sci-fi fantasy "Tron."
Question: What is your fav. movie you ever starred in?
Bruce Boxleitner: I would have to say Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Tron, The Gambler, and of course B5.
Question: Do you live in Hollywood? Los Angeles?
Bruce Boxleitner: North of Los Angeles!
Moderator: Bruce, with the help of PRODIGY's Nancy Eggleston, is chatting live from Los Angeles tonight...
Question: Bruce, whats it like being married to Laura Ingles.....Is she as nice as she seems on T.V.?
Bruce Boxleitner: I have fun pulling her pig tails, and she likes to call me pa!
Question: How do you like Babylon 5?
Bruce Boxleitner: I like , I like......
Question: What was your fav. movie while growing up?
Bruce Boxleitner: I liked Robin Hood, The Searchers, Davy Crockett, and Lawrence of Arabia!
Moderator: In 1985, Bruce was named by the National Man Watchers Association as one of the "Most Watchable Men in America", as well as one of "TV's Top Leading Men" and "Top Hunks."
Question: Would you ,personally, have taken on as big a task as your character Sheridan has done in running a place as large and sometimes overwhelming as Babylon 5?
Bruce Boxleitner: No, thats why I am acting the role!!!!
Question: What do you consider your 'big break".. when did you get to stop working "odd jobs" such as waiter etc... when you were hoping for stardom role?
Bruce Boxleitner: Fortunately, I have always made a living as an actor. My first break was on a western TV series with James Arness called How the West was Won!
Moderator: You may have also recently seen Bruce's gorgeous face on NBC's adaptation of "Danielle Steel's Zoya." Bruce starred in the epic story of love and war opposite his real-life wife Melissa Gilbert ("Little House on the Prairie").
Question: How did you like working with Kate Jackson
Bruce Boxleitner: Loved it!
Question: Will you ever ride a horse in B5?
Bruce Boxleitner: Only if I bring a shovel, and dumpster afterwards!!!!
Question: Do you have a favorite SF author (other than jms)?
Bruce Boxleitner: Yes, Arthur C. Clarke, and Jules Verne!
Question: As an established actor, how valuable do you now consider your three years studying acting at the Goodman Theater in Chicago?
Bruce Boxleitner: Absolutely invaluable!!!
Moderator: DID YOU KNOW? -- For several years, Bruce was the spokesman for Estee Lauder and also appeared as the Lauder for Men model!
Question: Is JMS an interesting person to work for?
Bruce Boxleitner: JMS is that you????????
Question: Bruce, what is it like working with your co-stars? What are Andreas Katsaulas, Peter Jurasik, Claudia Christian, and Mira Fulran like to work with?
Bruce Boxleitner: Singularly, and all together, a great bunch!
Question: Greetings...Bruce, I was just wondering, what interested you in your B-5 character, and will we see Sheridan for the rest of the B-5 saga?
Bruce Boxleitner: I was interested in the journey that Sheridan takes, and yes it says so on my contract!
Question: You have stated previously that it's man's destiny to leave the planet. Any additional thoughts on how or when?
Bruce Boxleitner: Not tonight thats for sure!
Question: Bruce- I saw your appearance on the "Stephanie Miller" show recently. I was wondering if you or any of the other cast members will be making any talk show appearances in the near future? By the way- LOVE the show!
Bruce Boxleitner: I will be taping the George and Alana show next week, to be aired in January, also I will be appearing on the Charles Grodin show in January.
Question: Bruce do you have any favorite episodes or quotes from B5 or any of your other shows ? Will your wife Melissa guest star on B5 in the future ?
Bruce Boxleitner: My favorite episode "In the Shadow of Za' Hadum" , and my favorite scene is the Winston Churchill enigma story from that episode. And, as far as Melissa is concerned, who knows?
Moderator: DID YOU KNOW? -- On October 28th in L.A., Bruce shared "Best Actor in a TV Series" honors with "X-Files" star David Duchovny at the Annual Sci-Fi Universe Magazine Reader's Choice Awards!
Question: Bruce, I'm on my husbands line but I wanted to get a question in without leaving the "room". I've been wondering if Joe Straczynsky is planning to expore, in more depth, the developing relationship between Ambassador De'lenn and Captain Sheridan? It's an interesting story line. I enjoy Babylon 5!!
Bruce Boxleitner: Yes, the exploration continues. There are going to be some surprises.
Moderator: We've still got time for some more member questions for our guest Bruce Boxleitner...Keep submitting those queries!
Question: Do you look forward to working with your predecessor, Michael O'Hare, in the up coming episode, "War Without End parts 1 & 2"? (I think it will make for an interesting combination.)
Bruce Boxleitner: Yes, very much so.
Question: What kind of music do you listen to?
Bruce Boxleitner: Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, the New Rolling Stones "Stripped", (very very good) and the Beatles Anthology.
Moderator: Bruce has also appeared in 4 out of the 5 "Gambler" TV movies as Billy Montana, opposite lead Kenny Rogers. The latest offering, "Gambler V: Playing for Keeps," aired on CBS Oct. 2nd and 4th.
Question: Now that you are in a regular series, are the summer time offers pouring in as agents "discover" you again?
Bruce Boxleitner: Excuse me? (he laughs)
Bruce Boxleitner: I will be busy again this summer, Yes.
Question: B5 seems to have it's focus on the "human "element rather than a lot of flashy special effects. Was that one of the things that drew you to the role of Capt. Sheridan?
Bruce Boxleitner: Yes, and I was interested in the fact that all the characters have interesting flaws which gave the stories a a reality.
Question: I have a friend who calls Babylon 5 our last, best hope for good science fiction. My question is, what do you think Ambassador Kosh really is?
Bruce Boxleitner: Whatever your interpretation is, that is what he is.
Moderator: Bruce's popularity, it turns out, is global! He was named "Top TV Star of the Year" in Germany and has fan clubs in England, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia!
Question: How much do you identify with your characters when you act?
Bruce Boxleitner: I do identify with some aspect of all of them.
Question: Do you know if Captain Sheridan is going to survive the five-year arc?
Bruce Boxleitner: The Great Maker, JMS, has hinted at the possibility...
Question: When are you going on the Howard Stern show again?
Bruce Boxleitner: Not anytime soon, thank you.
Question: I was very interested with the introduction (or reintroduction) of the Narn, Ta'Lon. He and Sheridan look as if they are at the beginning of a good friendship. Can you let us know what, if any, further development in this is forthcoming this season? I am especially interested in knowing if he really is going to become Sheridan's 'bodyguard' and how Earth will take that.
Bruce Boxleitner: At this time I cannot divulge that information.... under pain of death.
Question: I have a question for the moderator Bruce, Sorry, Have you ever seen any of Bruce's work?
Moderator: Sure I have! Scarecrow & Mrs. King! Babylon 5! The Gambler! Love 'em all!
Question: Hi Bruce, congratulations on your newest son. Thank you for appearing at your first Sci-Fi Convention in Georgia, and hope you will &Melissa will visit Callaway Gardens again! You both are real sports to participate with your Fans. Success in future!
Bruce Boxleitner: Callaway Gardens was beautiful and so were the fans attending the convention. Thank you.
Moderator: Bruce hasn't limited his success to TV only: He has also graced the silver screen in films like "The Babe," "Kuffs," starring Christian Slater, and Disney's innovative sci-fi fantasy "Tron."
Question: Is working on Babylon 5 easier or harder than you expected, after having to fill the shoes of the previous commander, do you feel that the audience has accepted you totally?
Bruce Boxleitner: I have been in television for over 20 years so the work is the same and I think that the audience has accepted me.
Moderator: got it...
Question: Bruce--still on my husbands line--I watched "Little House" and "Scarecrow & Mrs. King" during their "runs" on television and enjoyed them both! Are there any plans for Melissa to 'come aboard" B-5 in a guest starring role?
Bruce Boxleitner: Only to visit for lunch. (grin).
Question: Will you be directing any upcoming episodes of Babylon 5?
Bruce Boxleitner: No plans yet at this time.
Question: I'm a big fan of the show, I enjoy your work. You have brought an air of realism and professionalism to the show that it didn't have before.
Bruce Boxleitner: Thank you!
Question: being an actor is cool how much money do you get
Bruce Boxleitner: Oh, not enough. ha ha.
Question: How many days does it take too make an episode of Babylon 5?
Bruce Boxleitner: It takes 7 days to complete an episode.
Question: Is G'Kar at any time going to be asked to join the War Council set up at the end of "Matters of Honor"?
Bruce Boxleitner: That is on a "need to know" basis.
Question: Bruce, would you be willing to do a T.V. interview with Barbara Walters?
Bruce Boxleitner: Barbara, is that YOU?????
Question: are you a computer illiterit that has a guy typing for you you lazy bum
Bruce Boxleitner: As Captain of Babylon 5, I am a very busy man, and have very little time to log on, let alone learn to type.
Moderator: Take that, threecutemen!!!
Bruce Boxleitner: P.S. My typist is very pretty.
Moderator: Oooh! Watch out Melissa!
Bruce Boxleitner: hehe
Moderator: We've got time for one more question for Bruce...
Question: How old are you Bruce.
Bruce Boxleitner: I am 45 years young.
Moderator: I lied...time for one more question...
Question: hi bruce, i am a big fan of the show. is there going to be a movie babylon 5?
Bruce Boxleitner: As far as I know, that is only a rumor.
Moderator: One more:
Question: Have there been any plans to release the Original Movie or early B-5 episodes on Video?
Bruce Boxleitner: The pilot is available on laser disc in Japan with Japanese subtitles.
Moderator: Stay tuned for one more answer from Bruce...
Moderator: (He just doesn't want to stop!)
Moderator: ...and it's a good question...
Question: How would you respond to people who say your current show is ripping of Star Trek?
Bruce Boxleitner: After they pick themselves up off the floor, I would say that a certain Star Trek Space Station ripped off Babylon 5. Who came first, the chicken or the egg?
Moderator: Excellent!
Question: Out of this year's 22 episodes, what number are you currently doing?
Bruce Boxleitner: We are working on 314
Question: Bruce we need to hurry B5 shows tonight in 37 minutes
Bruce Boxleitner: Well, log off fast, Wingzing!
Moderator: But don't log off too fast! Bruce will have a final comment...
Bruce Boxleitner: Unfortunately, I have to say Goodnight because I have a 6:30 work call in the morning and I'm cooking dinner in the morning for DeLenn. She loves my flarn! Goodnight everyone.
Moderator: Thanks for a great chat Bruce! And thanks to our members for some insightful and informed questions. Goodnight!
Thanks Bev!
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