Production may be complete for Season one of Stargate Universe for the budding actor who plays the resident Geek in Universe, but he still has an extremely hectic schedule, however he has managed to take an hour of his time to answer the fans questions in this latest interview.
You can read an excerpt of the interview below:
Stargate Universe seems to be a lot more accessible to a wider audience, would you agree? And why do you think that is?
I think SGU is a great next step in the evolution of the world of Stargate. It keeps a toe-hold in the established mythology that fans of the previous incarnations have grown to love, but it also pushes the envelope in a way that opens the world up to the rest of the… well… world. It invites people who have never seen a single Stargate: SG1 or Stargate Atlantis episode to watch a new group of people in a crazy situation. You can watch SGU having never seen anything before, but the great thing is, if you have, you’ll see so many people, things and references that you can catch. I like to call them easter eggs.
How did you get involved in the show?
It was the typical process. I heard about the role while I was shooting some additional Ugly Betty episodes in New York City. Having loved the original Stargate movie and having seen every television episode, I was intrigued. But the real thing that drew me to the project was the script for the pilot. I found it fascinating. Especially the role of Dr. Rush. I just had to know what he was up to, and I knew if I felt that way, the audience would as well. From there, the usual: audition, screen-test, etc.
What’s it like working with the wonderful Robert Caryle and Lou Diamond Philips?
Terrifying. They beat me daily. No, not really. They’re absolutely amazing. We have seemingly lucked out more than any show has a right to these days. The entire cast is comprised of supremely talented actors who have somehow remained humble and grateful. On top of all of that, we all have the same ridiculous sense of humor, which makes the long days not only bearable, but preferable. I’m proud to call the people I work with my friends and part of my family now.
Philips ever break into ‘La Bamba’ on set?
Holy cow, I wish. If he had, as much as I respect privacy, I think you’d have already seen it on YouTube. I have caught him (as well as everyone else in the cast) playing RockBand, but that’s only because I’ve hosted RockBand parties at my house for everyone. I must say, Stand and Deliver is the movie that really jumps to mind whenever I see him. That, or Young Guns.
Were you a fan of the Stargate series’ before?
I had watched SG1 whenever I got off of work or had the chance late at night. And that addiction led to watching Atlantis from the beginning to the end. The shows always ended up being things I had to look forward to when I got home late at night. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters like McKay, O’Neill, Carter, Jackson. I think it’s what helped convince me to take the project. I looked forward to getting to know my own character.