Are you treated differently from the
male members from the crew?
No. It's like a family; I'm treated like the sister. But I can be one of the
guys, too.
What is the funniest practical joke
pulled on the set?
I went off on a whole 'MacGyver' jag on Rick during the first season. It made it into
our gag reel. It was in an episode called 'Solitudes.' I was railing on him about why he couldn't get
us out of a particular situation. Otherwise, we don't pull a lot of practical jokes on each other.
I read that you research the science
stuff on the show - has it been difficult?
It was a lot of information to take it, but now that I have a good grasp, I find it
really fascinating.
Do you have any non-"SG-1" projects
planned?
I'm writing another comedy show with my comedy troupe, 'Random Acts,' and
working on a couple of screenplays.
A lot of female actors on shows have
children, are you thinking of doing the same thing?
I don't want to be a half-assed mom or a half-assed actress, so at this point I have
no plans for child rearing. I have a dog instead, named Abbie.
Can you explain the infamous Kiss photo
posted on the web?
LOL! That was just Rick and I goofing around. It was not part of a particular
episode. The photographer was there; we made a joke about the Paparazzi, so we just got goofy.
Christopher Judge hinted that your
relationship with Daniel Jackson will change in the Third Season. Could you expand on that?
Wow that's news to me. Maybe he knows something I
don't.
We would love to see you in another behind-the-scenes show, any plans for that?
Not that I know of, but I'd love to do another. That was really fun.
What was the most fun you've had on an
episode, and what was the worst experience?
It's always fun. The most fun probably was on 'Solitudes.' I got to fly up in a
helicopter and land on an ice field. That was really cool. It was also the most difficult episode to
shoot because it was shot a lot of it in a refrigerated studio at minus 4 degrees. The best of times and
the worst of times.
In 'Solitudes' was the side arm lined in
the script or in an ad-libbed.
It was actually in the script, which is kudos to our writer for picking up on our
senses of humor.
Will your character ever learn how to use the ribbon device or the medical healer?
Yes she's working on learning how to use Goa'uld technology. Stay tuned for Season 3.
Do you plan on doing any more stage
work?
Yes, if I could find the time,
most definitely.
Has anyone made a blooper tape?
Yes, we have a great one from
the first season.
Can you give us a hint on what will
happen on 'Into the Fire?'
Well, considering we're going for a couple more seasons, suffice to say that we
survive. Other than that, I think I'd get in trouble if I said too much more. I'd love to tell y'all what
happens, but I can't.
Have you ever been scared doing an episode?
ometimes for my own physical safety, yeah. And the first time I fired
a gun.
Have you ever been hurt on the set?
Yes, I got a concussion in Season 1 and a small explosion went off in my face
during Season 1. I was supposed to run past and the bomb would go off, but we had a happy trigger
finger happening. I wasn't seriously hurt. Just a minor spotting on my face.
Do you think your character is a good
role model for young women? If so, why?
Yes. Certainly the letters that I get suggest she is. She's not afraid to use her
brains. She's a character who's not at all about her looks. She's strong, determined and a good team
member. I've gotten great fan mail from women and young women saying she's a great role model,
which is the best compliment I can get.
Is there a particular role in literature
or history that you're eager to play?
Great question. And I'll probably come up with a really interesting answer in
about an hour from now. Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Are you tough like Carter or totally
different?
I'm a lot like her in terms of my sensibilities, but I'm not as tough as she is. I'm a
wee bit of a pushover.
I'm sure you're aware that many fans think Sam and Jack make a good pair - if
circumstances were different, do you think they would get involved?
I think there's definitely an attraction between them, and I think that's only natural
- partly because of the amount of time they spend together, and partly because their similarities --
but, circumstances being what they are, there's very little hope. I think there's definitely times
throughout the series wherein they acknowledge the attraction - subtle as it may be.
Will you be doing any sci-fi
conventions in the future?
We're going to Australia in July and there's talk of one in England in February.
The one in Australia will be a first for all of it.
How far will you go in terms of
stunt work?
I actually probably go too far. I'll do anything myself that I can physically get away with. Not only because I
think it looks better, but just for my own sense of being true to the character. But I will
not jump off a cliff if Sam were to jump off a cliff.
Do you plan to get involved behind the
camera?
I'd love to eventually, but I'm certainly not at the point where I understand that
aspect of the medium well enough. I would love to direct, but I'm most attracted to directing for the
stage.
Are you pleased with your character's development and will we get to see more of Carter's
humorous side?
I'm very pleased with her development. I think she's come a long way from the
pilot. She's a lot more likable. They've opened her up and allowed her to be warmer. I certainly
hope that she continues to develop. I hope all of us are allowed to show more humor.
What's your favorite movie of all time
and why?
'Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang,' and I don't know why. When I was a kid I really wanted
to be Jemima Potts. Otherwise I love the old standby's - like 'Citizen Kane.' I could probably come up
with a million answers for you.
Are there any directions you would like
to see the show go into to reflect more of your interests and your personality?
The possibilities for the show are so infinite. But I would like to see more
stand-alone episodes where we're not always referring back to the history of other aliens and so forth.
I'd really like to see us having a lot of fun in an episode. We did in the episode '1966.'
Do you get recognized a lot?
Yes, sometimes. But I was actually in Buffalo, New York, and this guy came up to
me and said, 'You look just like the blonde chick on Stargate except that you're too tall.' I was going
to let it go, but the people I was with said I should tell him who I am. So after about ten minutes I
convinced him that I actually was the blonde chick on 'Stargate.' And he called the cook out from
the restaurant we were in and said, 'Hey, do you know her, she's on TV,' and the cook looked at me
and said, 'I don't know, Buffy?' I am kept very humble. In Canada people are very polite, they look
and sometimes wave, but don't usually approach.
Are there plans for a wedding
between any characters?
Not that I'm aware of.
If you did get a chance to direct a
play, what play would you choose?
Probably a Shakespeare piece, Or a good comedy. Anything with good female
characters in it - not to sound sexist, but hey, I'm a girl.
If you could co-star with anyone, who would that be and
why?
Carol Burnett. She's one of my heroes. I'm sure you want something
juicier, but I love her. In terms of male actors, Aidan Quinn I think is wonderful.
Are you involved in any charitable or
political causes?
I'm involved with the MS Society, and I'm doing a charity benefit coming up for
the Variety Club for Children with Special Needs. I'm also involved with environmental causes.
What would you like to see happen on
the show this upcoming season?
I may have sort of answered that in terms of further relationship development
between the characters. But in particular I'd like to see further development between Teal'c and
Sam. Their friendship is just sort of a given but I'd like to see that explored more. Heck, I wouldn't be
adverse to a little romance for Sam.
Who have been role models for you?
My mom. I know that's a hokey
answer, but it's true.
What about acting heroes?
Yes. Pretty obvious ones like Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Dawn French, who's a
comedienne in England. Jennifer Saunders. Carol Burnett of COURSE. Katherine Hepburn, Jessica
Tandy. That's my list for now. I'll come up with a hundred more in about an hour.
What is your favorite recreational
activity?
Walking my dog. Hiking through the woods. We have great mountains and woods
here. I also like to ski.
Did you watch many sci-fi shows as
a kid?
No, my brother did. I was more of a 'Little House on the Prairie' girl. But I did
watch 'Star Trek' and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.' But now I've definitely become a fan of the
genre because the possibilities are endless. You can tell great dramatic stories and have great sort of
moral messages if you will and teach people things in an entertaining way.
How did you get your start in acting?
According to my Mom, it's something I've apparently always wanted to do. And my Dad was a huge 'Monty Python' fan -
I don't know how that fits into it - but he inspired me. I started doing theater
professionally when I was in my teens, and then went to theater school. It was either acting or
become an environmental scientist.
What do you think about all your
fans?
Oh, God we have the best fans in the world. Even before the show first aired we
had fans, that's how loyal these people are. They're inquisitive and intelligent and they ask amazing
questions in their letter and in forums like this. I feel very lucky that the show is so well supported by
fans.
Ultimate TV Chat with Amanda Tapping
May 26, 1999
