We'll be chatting with Christopher Judge in just a moment... We're
ready to go...
Nice to be here talking to some fans of the show, and getting a chance to
answer some questions you may have about the show or my character.
Christopher, how did they pick you for the role of Teal'c, over anyone
else?
As I understand it, they had pretty much seen all the actors in LA and
New York and Canada, and I kind of heard about the audition through a
friend, called my agent, and told him to get me in. So I actually came in
on one of the last days of casting. I read, they put me on tape, and two
weeks later I went in for my screen test, and pretty much found out at the
screen test that I had got the part. It was obvious to me, because
everyone else that had come in to screen test, they sent home. So I had a
pretty good inclination that I was going to get the part.
Christopher, do you ever get to smile in the show?
Actually, this year, I'm trying to... It's not that Teal'c doesn't have a
sense of humor, it's that he is very straightforward of purpose. And I
think until his super objective of freeing his people and being reunited
with his family is achieved, I don't really think he finds all that much
humorous. I don't think that Teal'c is one to dabble in quips and
smart-alecky sayings, because he has so much to achieve, which is the
freeing of his world. But this season, as he is achieving his goals, I
think you will see a bit of sense of humor appear. I don't know, though,
if you will ever see Teal'c guffaw!
Chris, I saw the special you did for Showtime. Will you be doing
another? It is so interesting to see how they do all the FX.
If the need arises, I would actually love to do another one. It is actually
as interesting for me, probably as it is for the viewer, because I myself
didn't know how they achieved certain effects and certain images that
they were able to create. So it was as enlightening for me in certain
ways, as it was for the viewer. It was actually nice for me to be seen as
Christopher, so that people would know that Teal'c is a character I play,
and I'm not actually that surly.
How would you describe Teal'c's relationship with Jack?
I think, I would hope, that it is one of mutual respect, not only as
warriors or soldiers, but as one who always has what is right in mind
when taking any type of action. No matter what is right for that particular
character, it is always what motivates their actions.
Chris, what has been your favorite episode working on so far?
The working experience, I hope this isn't corny, is usually on a day to
day basis, very pleasant. I really enjoy just coming to set and being
around the rest of the cast and crew. And I don't know if working on
any one episode was any more or less enjoyable than any other, because
frankly, I've pretty much had a good time every day I've been there.
According to Amanda, you are the jokester in the cast... Who makes you
laugh?
I think that, you see, I don't want to get anybody in trouble! Everybody
has their own particular sense of humor. We all get along really, really
well. And it's sickening to say, but after some of the other shows that
I've worked on, this one's like a big love-in. I'm flattered that Amanda
says that, but she is certainly as witty, or more witty, than I am. And
Michael, who can imitate any character in any movie ever made, is
certainly a source of continual laughter. And I think that Rick's on-set
demeanor is legendary. But when I want a really good laugh, I play golf
with Don Davis!
What is your favorite trait of Teal'c?
Honesty. I think that's what I admire most. With him there is no gray
area. With him, it is either it is or it isn't. He has such an advantage over
some of the other characters, because everything to him is either right or
wrong, and there is no in between. So every question that he takes is
clearly defined by those parameters.
Will we see Teal'c go to a mall or something like that?
I've actually heard they are planning a "Teal'c day out" episode. And I
don't know what all that entails, but it sounds like it might be pretty
good. How Teal'c would just deal with a day on Earth.
Do you like to ad lib things into the script whether vocal or just
expressional?
I think that's one of the nice things that the writers have allowed me to
do, is to bring what they refer to as "Teal'c-isms" to any situation that
might occur. Because they do give me the credit of having fleshed out
Teal'c more than they have. So they give me a pretty wide berth when it
comes to interpreting my lines. And also subtextually, they are always
open to what Teal'c might be thinking underneath what he says, even if
it's exactly what they had in mind. So I'm very fortunate in that regard. I
just hope that we are living up to what our viewers think the show
should be, and could be. I hope that we continue to expand and grow,
and flesh out everyone's characters and personal developments, because
this show has the unique opportunity of touching on the "what if", but
still being launched from reality, and I certainly hope we live up to that.
TVgen/Yahoo! Christopher Judge Chat
September 8, 1998
