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Jerry O'Connell Chat at Universal on May14, 1997
Moderator says, "Greetings Universal Chatters and welcome to another live moderated chat! Tonight we're privileged to have Sliders star Jerry O'Connell at the Backlot Cafe. In case you've been living under a rock, Jerry has starred as Quinn Mallory on Sliders for the past three seasons. He recently made his directorial debut with an episode of Sliders that aired on May 9, 1997. The episode, co-starring Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) and Tommy Chong (Cheech & Chong), centered around a rock band made up of vampires. Jerry was most recently seen in director Cameron Crowe's hit film Jerry Maguire with Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. O'Connell played the star quarterback, Frank Cushman, who was being pursued by sports agent Jerry Maguire. He also starred as Joe in MTV's Joe's Apartment and was one of the leads in Rob Reiner's classic film Stand By Me. Ladies and Gentlemen it's chat time. Please welcome Mr. Jerry O'Connell.
Moderator says, "First off, have you ever chatted live on the internet before?"
Jerry_oconnell says, "Many times. I am an old pro."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #1 from Spicoli: Are you anything like your character on Sliders?
Jerry_oconnell says, "No. When it comes to physics and science, I am pretty much a total idiot. But I am like him in the sense that I am in my early 20s."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #6 from Raydelle: What type of series would you like to work in after SLIDERS? A Baywatch, a Zena/Hercules,
Jerry_oconnell says, "A cop show! I've always wanted to be a cop."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #8 from Weinietot: Do you know if Sliders is renewed for next season, yet?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I don't know. But if you hear anything, please tell me!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #11 from Raydelle: Are you finished with What the Deaf Man Heard?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Yes. It was a teriffic role within an even better cast. I was working with the likes of James Earl Jones, Matthew Modine, Tom Skerrit, Bernadette Peters and Claire Bloom. I felt like I should be getting them coffee and water all day. I was not worthy."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #31 from Wesser: Hi Jerry, I was just wondering if you and the other Sliders cast members are aware of the large Sliders internet following you have.
Jerry_oconnell says, "Yes! I go on it quite often, trying to answer questions while at the same time giving myself much praise under a surname."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #53 from Sahar1: If you go do anything you want for one day, what you would you do?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I would most likely go to the beach and surf. If not, it would have something to do with New York City."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #55 from Rosey: do you like living in New York? Did you like NYU?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I loved it! Going to NYU Film was one of the best artistic experiences I've ever had. Cause it helped me not only as a director, but as an actor, in film."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #60 from Di-spy: We found out last week that your co-star (Sabrina Lloyd) just got married, is there anyone special in your life??
Jerry_oconnell says, "Not to the degree of marriage. GIve me time. I'm still working on that commitment thing!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #46 from Evilwade1: How old were you when you did My Secret Identity? Did you enjoy working here in Toronto?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I was 16 and I tremendously loved Toronto. Great hockey! And good Greek food."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #44 from Slidude1: How do you feel about the direction that Sliders took this season?
Jerry_oconnell says, "We did a lot of very big episodes with a lot of action, which was very educational for me because I'd never worked on such an action-oriented project."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #14 from Raydelle: Besides meatball parmesan sandwiches, what foods do you like?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Chicken parmesan sandwiches, when I feel like eating healthy."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #34 from Wesser: On the subject of Sliders, do you yourself believe there are other universes like the ones on the show?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I think it's a concept that really gets the imagination running because it deals with the subject of fate and destiny. I don't know if parallel universes exist, but I do believe that we each are responsible for our own destiny. That's pretty deep, man."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #38 from Di-spy: How did you like directing, do you think you'd like to do more of it in the future??
Jerry_oconnell says, "Definitely. It was the most fun I've had all season. Four years of film school finally are starting to pay off."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #35 from Evilwade1: I really enjoyed your direction of Stoker. You are very talented;) Did you find it difficult to direct your peers?
Jerry_oconnell says, "No. Directing the cast was the easiest part of my job. We have so much fun together, when I'm with them, it does not seem like work. It feels like one constant recess period!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #52 from Rosey: what type of music do you like? Favorite singer/band?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Stevie Wonder rules!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #48 from Evilwade1: What is your favorite movie of all time? Jerry_oconnell ponders thoughtfully
Jerry_oconnell says, "I'd have to say, Play it Again, Sam, starring Woody Allen. Also, 400 Blows, by Francois Trauffaut. What else . . . so many out there, The Apartment, starring Jack Lemmon, directed by BIlly Wilder."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #75 from Jrnshonnie: Do you miss working with John Ryes-Davies and Tracy Torme?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Very much so. But I just saw John the other night at his birthday party. So while I may not be working with the professor, John Ryes-Davies is still very much a part of my life."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #110 from Evilwade1: You've now been immortalized on trading cards and in comic books...how do you feel about that?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Working in comics was a teriffic experience for me. As a film student, you learn about the importance of a frame and what happens in that frame. When you write a comic you must capitalize on the limited amount of frames you have. It is a teriffic lesson for all filmmakers."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #114 from Raphael: Have you ever played in a movie that you regreted afterwards and if so, which one?
Jerry_oconnell says, "No. I've had such a great time and been very fortunate with the projects I've had that I don't regret any job I've ever had. Touch wood! I have yet to have a bad experience with fellow cast members. or Directors."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #127 from Spamgoddess: if you had the chance to change anything in your life, what would it be and why?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Oh! I had an opportunity to buy Yankee's World Series Tickets for a large sum of money and I did not do it. It happened to be the game where they won the World Series. I should not have been so cheap!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #155 from I_love_jerry_o: were u popular in school?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I'd like to think I was. I might not have been class president, but I've always had a large circle of close friends. I still keep in touch with a number of my friends from grammar, junior, high school and also college."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #59 from Rosey: if you couldn't act what would you do?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Probably teach high school English. My mother's a teacher and that summers off thing is a sweet deal!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #87 from Jayray: Were you ever considered for a role in The Lost World? Why were rumours rampant that you were in that movie?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Because I work on the Universal lot, I ride the Jurassic Park ride at least 5 times a day. Afdter many sightings, the rumor spread."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #134 from Raphael: Out of all of episodes of the 3rd seasons, which one did you prefered?
Jerry_oconnell says, "The World where 90% of the men have been wiped out by a virus and the remaining 10% were used for breeding purposes only."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #202 from Shirley: While "surfing" on the internet at different sliders homepages, what shocked you the most and why ?
Jerry_oconnell says, "The amount of detail that on-line people pay attention to. It keeps us on our toes on set."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #211 from Crestgirl: Jerry, is this fun for you?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Yeah! It's teriffic to be able to talk about something you work on every day, with so many different people. All Hail the Superhighway!!!!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #205 from I_love_jerry_o: do u like pepsi or coke better?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Soda is bad for you. I prefer a nice tall glass of milk."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #219 from Chaos15: Joe's Apartment rocked! Do you ever think you'll do another fantasy movie on that order or would you like to?
Moderator says, "Jerry's got another call...hang on a sec."
Jerry_oconnell says, "I had quite a good time working on Joe's. Not so much the fantasy aspect, but the fact that it's shot all on the Lower East Side in Manhattan, two blocks from where I grew up. It was a dream come true!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #250 from Syrup: How was it working with my uncle, Don Ho, on the set of Joe's Apartment?
Jerry_oconnell says, "He was teriffic. When he wrapped shooting, he asked the entire crew to join hands and sing Tiny BUbbles with him. You have the coolest uncle!!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #255 from Pkaye: Do you still play the piano?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Yes. Although I've been on location in North Carolina shooting What the Deaf Man Heard, a Hallmark Hall of Fame Pressentation, and I have been without a piano for two months."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #272 from Shannen: Jerry--come on. Do you *really* think that the Knicks can win the NBA championship? I'd like to see it, but the Rockets are tough(of course, this is assuming they both make it that far..) ;-)
Jerry_oconnell says, "WIth the suspension that came out today, I think the Knicks are going to have a very hard time beating the heat."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #293 from Shannen: Do you think that, eventually anyway, you are going to have to make a choice between living in NYC and living in LA? The constant commute must be hard.
Jerry_oconnell says, "No! I stay in L.A. to work; I live in New York to live!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #303 from Syrup: Maybe you could settle a bet. :-) In the episode "Last Days" (my favorite), is the picture of you on the refrigerator a publicity shot from My Secret Identity?
Jerry_oconnell ponders thoughtfully.
Jerry_oconnell says, "The art department called up my mom and asked for pictures of me when I was much younger. That was the slimmest one that they could find."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #304 from Dianac: What do you think of yourself in 10 years from now?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Hopefully, working in the entertainment industry."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #317 from Doh: Jerry, Welcome! Good work on the show. What was it like working with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Teriffic! He is such an easy guy to work with. Everyone around him has a smile on their face!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #321 from Turtle88: Out of all the movies and t.v. shows you've done, what are you most proud of?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I would have to say this next project, What the Deaf Man Heard which will be on TV in February, 'cause I played a priest, and for me, that was a reeeeeeeeeeeal streetch!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #349 from Kitty-cat: if u were stranded on an island what 2 things would u bring with u??
Jerry_oconnell says, "A television and a satellite dish!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #339 from Jayelle: Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names? (goofed up, he said something about having a dog named Blackie and he found him on the street)
Jerry_oconnell says, "walking home from school in the 6th grade. He was a puppy and now he is 12."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #333 from Junglejim: jerry,im from london,and we only got the first series,any more for us brits?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Yes! Check Sky TV for your local listing; I should also mention I am a citizen of the United Kingdom. Through my father, I'm a British citizen."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #397 from Jayelle: Where did you buy your blue suit? Your fans love it.
Jerry_oconnell says, "I borrowed it from my dad. I'll pass the word to him that you like it."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #395 from Doh: Do you miss playing basketball on the X-Files set? :)
Jerry_oconnell says, "Yes. BUt I've been playing quite a lot and I intend to go back up there and dunk donuts and slam doors over David Duchovny."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #425 from Pjj: Jerry, what other TV shows do you like?
Jerry_oconnell says, "X-Files and Law and Order."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #431 from Syrup: Do you eat worms and cockroaches in real life? :-)
Jerry_oconnell says, "No! I've completely cut them out of my diet. Too much cholesterol."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #457 from Charleen: Got any advice for wanna-be actors?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Stick with it. The business is designed so that it is very tough to get your first break, but once you get it, it's a piece of cake."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #475 from Pkaye: Would you consider doing a role in which you had to sing and dance?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Definitely! I do every morning in the shower, so why shouldn't I do it in front of a camera?!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #479 from Rosey: what would a girl have to do to get your attention? Jerry_oconnell ponders thoughtfully.
Jerry_oconnell says, "Simply look like she is someone you would enjoy spending time with."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #476 from Spamgoddess: what are your fears? (personal and wordly)
Jerry_oconnell says, "Personal is that the Knicks will not win a championship before Pat Ewing retires; and worldly, I would have to say growing up as a child of the 80s, nuclear war, always freaks me out, but I'm starting to feel a little better these days."
Moderator says, "Please submit your final questions for Jerry...he can only stay 10 more minutes...."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #500 from Pkaye: Did you come down here to Atlanta to see the Olympics? (Possibly the Fencing events???)
Jerry_oconnell says, "No. BUt I had a few friends who I fenced with on the NYU Sabre team that competed for the United States. I was very proud of them."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #98 from Jayray: What's the status of THE OUTFIT?
Jerry_oconnell says, "I've set a final draft in keep your fingers crossed, it is a wonderful story.
Moderator presents the speakers with question #126 from Chaos15: If you could create your own series, scifi or not, what would it be about?
Jerry_oconnell says, "A New York City police officer."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #553 from Charleen: What is your opinion of Cloning? I think it is wrong
Jerry_oconnell says, "I have a brother who is just 14 months younger than me and is the closest thing to cloning I can relate to. And I must tell you, it is pretty cool, having someone so close to you! Instant twin!"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #568 from Starscream: What was it like working with Jean Shepard on "Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss?"
Jerry_oconnell says, "A Christmas story is one of my favorite movies. To get an opportunity to work with a man who is responsible for that was a dream come true."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #565 from Tara: You say you cruise the internet a lot, so I have to know, are you Mac or PC?
Jerry_oconnell says, "PC. And I don't mean politically correct."
Jerry_oconnell laughs hysterically.
Moderator presents the speakers with question #592 from Evilquinn: If you could meet an famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Jerry_oconnell says, "Orson Welles. I'd like to hang with him."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #596 from Syrup: What would YOU do for a Klondike bar?
Jerry_oconnell ponders thoughtfully.
Jerry_oconnell says, "It would depend on how badly I wanted one! :-)"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #217 from I_love_jerry_o: who is your role model?
Jerry_oconnell says, "My dad."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #276 from Spamgoddess: how do you feel about being a teen idol?
Jerry_oconnell says, "It's not something that I've really thought about or, on second thought, heard before ! I just picked the roles that I personally like and go from there."
Moderator says, "Here's the last question..."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #573 from Shadowgrrl: Jerry, Thanks so much for coming to chat with us.. will you be able to join us again soon??
Jerry_oconnell says, "Sure!"
Moderator says, "Very cool...
Moderator says, "Thanks so much Jerry. This has been a great chat. We had over 600 questions submitted...a new record!
Jerry_oconnell says, "THanks everybody for tuning in!!!! It's the most people I've ever had come to any of my parties!!"
Moderator says, "Thanks again adios"
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