Before I turn things over to Patrick Glimore (SGU’s Dale Volker), I feel obliged to mention that Carl came by my office this morning and requested I make a public retraction.  He took offense to my assertion that he is an American trying to be Canadian.  In fact, he claims he has dual citizenship.  It’s possible and I’d be more than happy to make a public retraction – provided that Canadian Immigration Services, who I’ve tipped off to his little game, clear him of any wrongdoing in their upcoming investigation.

Secondly, check out this brilliant piece by Linda Holmes titled The Double-Edged Sword of Devotion: ‘Chuck’ Vs. The Entitled Fan Base: http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/02/the_doubleedged_sword_of_devot.html.

Okay, that’s it!  Over to Patrick…

PG: Hi everyone.  This Q&A got a bit long so I’ll skip the intro and just get into it.  Why don’t we start with a doozie…

Scott in Ottawa writes: Question for Patrick Gilmore (a two-parter):

1. Why has your older brother called you “Princess” since you were thirteen?

PG: This is a fact.  I’ve always assumed it was a classic example of an older sibling reacting to the obvious favoritism the parents show towards the younger child.  My brother received his Masters at The London School of Economics. My brother is one of the founders and is the Executive Director of the NGO ‘Peace Dividend Trust.’  My brother, Scott, who lives in Ottawa, will often have one of his three young children call and ask for “Aunty Patrick.” My brother is 38 years old.

2. And how do you account for your total inability to get a date with a real live girl (as opposed to a dakimakura Japanese hugging pillow, for example)?

PG: I can’t.  I won’t.

Moving on.

3. What did Joe really say to get you to do this? (Cherluvya)

PG: Joe shot me an email over a month ago about doing a Q&A.  I was out of town, but when I got back Joe says I ‘sauntered’ into the offices, however…

4. What kind of walk was it?(Cherluvya) / So . . . saunter or sashay? (Cat4444)

PG: …I MOSEYED on into the Stargate offices to say hi, and Joe reminded me.  So here we are.  I find actors to be self-indulgent at the best of times.  I’ll try hard not to perpetuate the stereotype.

5. Google search yielded an old Irish composer by the same name. Any relation? (Poor Old Edgar Derby)

PG: None. Fun Fact: Patrick S. Gilmore wrote ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home.’ Isn’t it deflating when you realize someone in the world has the exact same name as you?  Precious snowflake, my ass.

6. Your twitter voice is like haiku, but cool. Do you talk like that in real life? (DP)

PG: I sure don’t.  I’m a harsh critic of twitter.  I find the whole process indulgent, self-serving, and deliciously addictive.  It is entertaining and has been an invaluable connection with the fans, but I try to keep my tweets irreverent and fun.  I have somehow reached 1000 followers but suspect most of them are spam, which allows me the freedom to tread the line between funny and crass.  I dream of a day when I have over 100,000 followers with the ability to sway award shows.

(http://twitter.com/PatrickGilmore)

7. Who’s your childhood hero? (Chevron7)

PG: As far as public figures go, it’s always been Harrison Ford.  The reluctant-hero archetype made an early impression on me.  He also has an admirable balance of work and privacy. When I discovered the power of making girls laugh, I became influenced by the likes of Chevy Chase, Burt Reynolds, Bob Newhart, Steve Martin and Bill Murray.  In later years I began to appreciate the stoic strength of Paul Newman, Brando, and recently Russell Crowe.  But it’s always been Indiana Jones.

8. How did you know that you wanted to become an actor? Would you recommend it as a career for someone who is just getting started? (Arctic Goddess) / When did you realize that you could do this acting thing for real and pay the bills with it? (Penny) / How did you get into acting? Was it always something you wanted to do? (Chevron7)

PG: I’m a big daydreamer.  Hours as a kid spent recreating scenes from movies with my G.I.Joe.  My Dad brought home a video camera one day and I began filming sketches with my friends.  In high school I had no clear sense of direction and my football coach happened to be the Drama teacher.  He said it was possible, so I told people I was going to be an actor but I didn’t know how to get it done.  I went to University, got deeper into theater, graduated with a degree in English Literature, got a job in labor and kept telling people I was going to be an actor…but not really believing it.  I did a play, the director passed my name on to a casting director, I auditioned, I landed a role, which got my name to a producer, I auditioned, and landed a TV movie that took me to Costa Rica for two months.  That was 2001, and the next year I moved to Vancouver.

It’s such an unforgiving industry and I keep expecting it all to go away.  And the fact is, it might, it often does.  In January 2008 I was shoveling brick.  Two years later I’m a regular on a TV show.  I have no idea what 2011 will bring, or where I’ll be in 2020.  It’s a lifestyle that doesn’t suit everyone; it rarely suits me.  I would never want my kids to be in Film/TV, but who would I be to dictate their dreams?

9. Favorite ice cream flavor? (Grapes of Wraith)

PG: Chocolate Peanut Butter from Baskin Robbins.

10. What was your first acting job? What about first job overall? (Chevron7)

PG: I played Santa Clause at an old folks home in Kindergarten.  I volunteered just to make my best friend Jeff Oxamitny laugh.  But when the day came, I was paralyzed with fear and my teacher said, “C’mon, Patrick, what does Santa say?”  I stared at the smiling audience and they all encouraged me with “Ho, Ho, Ho, right?”  Terrified and wide eyed, I stayed silent and went from old person to old person, giving them the gifts we made that I had in my Santa sack.  15 years later I got paid $50 to act in a PSA about riding your bike to work, my first paid acting gig.  My first Job overall…my Dad and Uncles employed me every Spring Break and holiday, usually mowing lawns or construction.  Most of my ‘civilian’ jobs have been in that vein.  Though, a few years back I managed a used bookstore.

11. Have you done any theater work and do you prefer it over TV or films? (Poor Old Edgar Derby)

PG: Edmonton has one of the richest theater communities in Canada.  The acting high is never stronger than when I’m on stage.  If I could make a living in theater, I would.  I miss it.  I haven’t been on stage since getting into Film/TV.  The unpredictable schedule doesn’t allow it.  If there’s an SGU Season 3 in my future, I’ll hopefully do a play this coming year.

12. You’ve built up a respectable list of credits, according to IMDb. Which would you say was the most enjoyable project you’ve done, not counting SGU? (Poor Old Edgar Derby)

PG: A TV movie called ‘100 Days in the Jungle.’ We filmed in Costa Rica and it was considered a hellish work environment.  But I was new to film and I loved every second.  It was an adventure of a lifetime that I have yet to top.  I always laugh when speaking of ‘100 Days,’ because it was my second ‘professional’ gig ever and it took me to Central America.  I thought, ‘This is acting? Sign me up.’  Since then, the furthest I’ve worked is an hour away from my front door.  Looking back, ‘100 Days’ was a moment that took my life in a direction I had never planned on.  Too many stories to tell about that project.

13. Had you been an SG fan before you got the role? (Simon)

PG: Aside from the Pilots and the episodes I did, I never watched SG1 & SGA.  I was, however, a big fan of the original movie.  Jackson deciphering the Stargate at the beginning is one of my favorite sequences.

14. I see your dad played for the Oilers.  Do you still pull for them? Are they your favorite team? (Kabra)

PG: He did.  #10, Right Wing. I will never cheer for another team.

15. Who is your favorite NHL player? (Kabra)

PG: I don’t know if I have a favorite anymore.  Gretzky obviously, ‘The Boys on the Bus’ (look it up), Ryan Smyth.

16. Do you play in your spare time? (Kabra)

PG: I don’t.  My parents put us in Skiing instead because it was something we could do as a family. I played hockey briefly and loved it, but I was always a better skier.

17. Do you ever think that the Oilers will return to the glory days where they can actually win a game? (Laura)

PG: In a long enough timeline anything’s possible.  But my word, what a disaster 2009/10 has become for the Oil.

18. You, Alex Zahara, Dean Marshall and John Billingsley were in the movie ‘2012’ and you are all Stargate Alumni. Did you have the chance to talk Stargate with each other while filming? If so, what experiences did you share? (Arctic Goddess)

PG: I filmed ‘2012’ in December of 2008, more than a month before I even auditioned for SGU.  I’ve known Alex for sometime.  John and I shared a funny on screen moment (the cane slapping), but I’m not sure if I’ve ever met Dean.  There were so many people, and the Ark was a chaotic set.  My friend Geoff Gustafson was also in ‘2012’ and one day Alex, Geoff and I had drinks after work and Alex regaled us with stories of Prosthetics and Sci-Fi conventions.  But, again, at that time, Stargate was just a twinkle in my eye.

19. How did you get involved with SGU? (Grapesofwraith)

PG:  I auditioned. Twice in fact, back in January 2009.  Truthfully, it was just another audition and like all auditions I had forgotten about it within days, until my agent called and told me I got it. Fun Fact: I was in fellow actor Dan Payne’s living room, visiting his newborn son, when I got the call.

20. What were your thoughts when you found out you would be in SGU, making SGU the 3rd Stargate series you have made a guest appearance in? (Laura)

PG: It never occurred to me until someone online wrote about it. I was interested to see what would be done differently.  I like being part of Stargate trivia.

21. Which actors have had speaking roles in all three Stargate series? (DP)

PG: That’s a question I should ask you guys. I’m sure there are a few now.

22. If starfish have no brain, how do they walk? (Chevron7)

PG: The Starfish is made up of nerve cells that control its functions. It’s a primal instinct sorta thing.

23. Was acting with an injured arm more of a challenge or annoyance to you? (Michael)

PG: It was kind of a pain in the ass. My arm would get numb and my shoulder would ache.  Though it was easy for Sound to mic me, they’d just lay the pack in my sling.

24. What was your favorite scene to film from the first season? (Grapesofwraith)

PG: It’s in the episode ‘Pain.’  You’ll know when you see it.  Good times.

25. If SGU was real which character would you look up to most? Which one would you probably hang out with? (Major D. Davis)

PG: I’d admire Young’s leadership.  I’d respond well to his fair but strict nature. I’d recognize TJ’s humanity and want to be around her most, but would probably hang with Eli and pine over girls while we talk movies.

26. Who’s the toughest scientist on the Destiny? Who should I put my money on in a fight? (Chevron7)

PG: Well, Franklin is not in fighting shape right now.  Sorry Riley, but you’re out Round 1. We forfeit Park because when she’s done hooking up with the military she may come our way. Brody’s got some bulldog fight, but ultimately falls to endurance.  Volker is stubborn and would fight beyond his breaking point, ultimately falling to a pen in the neck from a maniac Rush.  Put your money on the dirty fighter, Rush.

27. What’s it like working with someone like Robert Carlyle?  (Simon)

PG: A career highlight.  He’s a generous actor and such a warm person.  You’ll hear nothing but praise from me when speaking of Mr. Carlyle.  It’s sometimes hard to do your work when you’re busy studying his.

28. How is the craft services for SGU? Good food? What’s your favorite? (Airelle)

PG: It’s decadent.  No one needs that many choices.  I’ll stand at crafty for 10 minutes just deciding what kind of cookie I may want.  I’ve said this before, but I think I’m the only person on the Destiny to GAIN weight.  My fave is the late afternoon chocolate tray.  Gotta get there early to grab the Reese Cups and Kit Kats.

29. Have you played any pranks on any other cast members? Or had any pranks played on you? If so, who? (Andrew) / Have you participated in any SGU pranks/been pranked? (Delynn)

PG: I’ve managed to skirt any prank involvement, but Kelamis and I have absconded with the AD’s golf cart for joy rides around the studio lot a number of times.  We loop around the buildings pretending we’re 70’s cops, or singing ‘Journey’ at the top of our lungs.  We park, and then fear that the front offices saw us and are now looking over our contracts.

30. Tell us something Joe doesn’t want us to know. (Cherluvya)

PG: Joe’s all-time favorite snack is processed cheese slices microwaved on Salted Premium Crackers.  Fact.

31. Did you have an idea of who Dale Volker was as a person before shooting started on the series, and did that picture change over the course of the first season? (Iamza)

PG: The line in Air II “He didn’t even mention me.” was my first glimpse into who Volker could become.  It made me laugh.  I had a general outline going in of what I wanted to bring to him, but of course things change when the environment comes into play and you start reacting to choices the other actors bring.  You find your place and your balance.

32. What’s your take on the character of Volker? I’m not quite sure what to make of him so far. He has to have brains to be with the Stargate program, but he also seems to lack direction and flounders when he doesn’t have someone to tell him what to do. / Do you think that Volker is simply so far beyond his comfort zone, and where he expected to be that he hasn’t really come to grips with the situation on Destiny and is kind of lost at the moment? / How do you think Volker sees his role on Destiny? (Cat4444)

PG: Volker is a confident scientist.  On Icarus his job was clear, he knew his place, and loved his job.  Volker is intelligent and perhaps, at times, a bit cocky.  So he may have come across as caustic, but once you got to know him you understood his way of communicating, his humor, etc.  Then we land on Destiny.  Everything changes.  No one knows their place or what to do.  As the situation becomes more and more dire Volker withdraws into himself and loses his confidence.  At least he can retreat into his work to keep his head above water.  He perhaps hasn’t fully acknowledged how helpless they all are.  Volker keeps his head down, goes about his job, wherever he’s needed, and finds solace in his work and the emerging friendships.  But the Destiny is taking its toll on everyone.  Bottom-line, I think Volker feels alone.  At least that’s my take.

33. Did Volker work for the SGC or Area 51 or both? (Chevron7)

PG: I’ve always thought he was contracted through SGC.

34. When Rush was flipping out on Volker in “Darkness”, what do you think Volker would have been thinking since he was stuck between Young, who was telling him to help Rush, and Rush, who was yelling at him to get out? In leaving, was he picking the “lesser of the two evils” because, let’s face it, Rush was definitely going off the deep end there, and Young’s a lot more mellow? (Cat4444)

PG: Well, Young was more reasonable.  Volker knew it was of no use, but that blow out was his first glimpse at something darker in Rush.  It’d be demoralizing and scary to think the one person who may be your best shot at getting home is “a whole new crazy.”

35. When I watched “Darkness” for the first time, I was knocked down by the intensity of how Rush dressed down Volker. I know situations like this in real life and I felt for Volker.  How was it to play this scene? / How can you keep your distance from emotional interactions like this one during the scene? (Nina K.P.)

PG: The more real a scene gets, the more satisfying it feels when it’s over.  Robert got my adrenaline going.  This scene was like a gift for me.   I didn’t want it to end and I skipped all the way home.

36. Would Volker sit in the ancient chair for the sake of Rush’s research? (Before knowing what happened with Franklin) (PBMom)

PG: I never thought so.  Volker’s self-preservation would keep him from being so influenced at such a risk.  Like I said, Volker feels alone and he needs to look out for himself, not Rush’s agenda and any circumstantial hypothesis.

37. FYI, we are using Volker’s trepidations “Yaa-aay!” (in response to congratulations for being placed in charge of the mission by Wray) as our new quotable expression, family – wise. (Pastrygirl)

PG: I love it!

38. With Rush out of the picture, at least for awhile since I’m going to assume that some time has passed between “Justice” and “Space” how do you think Volker would have reacted? Since he seems to take direction from Young or Rush, without Rush around and Young not having a scientific bent, who would he look to for direction, or would the loss of Rush be the impetus to enable him to find his footing? (Cat4444) / Is Volker happy, sad or indifferent to Rush being gone? (PBMom)

PG: There is the idea that Volker would be able to express himself a little more in his work, but Rush’s ability to ‘communicate’ with the Destiny has become invaluable. But losing Rush is another blow to Volker’s hope of getting home. And let’s face it, there’s a line forming in the sand between the Civilians and the Military.  Maybe now Volker will force himself to find some of the confidence he had before Destiny.

39. What do you think is Volker’s greatest strength? (Iamza)

PG: See #36

40. What surprised you the most about Dale Volker? (Michael)

PG: After watching the first 10 episodes of SGU I was surprised that Volker’s walk reminded me of Bill Murray going down the stairs to the Library basement in ‘Ghostbusters.’  There’s something so ‘laissez faire’ about the two of them.  Now I like to think there’s a lot of Dr. Venkman in Dr. Volker.

41. How much do you share in common with your character? Any similarities? (Major D. Davis)

PG: There’s a certain self-reliance that I think we share.  I’m more stubborn, but less educated.

42. OMG when will Volker get laid? Okay, you don’t have to answer that one. JOE, (((hello)))) when will Volker get laid? (Cherluvya)

PG: Joe…?  Carl?  Anyone?

43. This might be a question for the wardrobe department, but have you been wearing the same actual suit all season? (Poor Old Edgar Derby)

PG: They have a number of versions in the event that I spill coffee on myself during a break.  They also break down versions to show the passage of time wear and tear in the same clothes.

44. Have you requested that Volker finds a change of clothes yet? (Poor Old Edgar Derby)

PG: Naw, I love my wardrobe.  We can have many combinations with Shirt, Vest and Jacket. I did wear workout gear in one episode.

Now let’s get these Kelamis questions out of the way:

45. Do you, like Kelamis, do stand-up in your free time? (Delynn)

PG: I don’t.  I’d love to try, but it’s a mental block.  It terrifies me.

46. Just so I get this right, I’ll pose this question verbatim as it was suggested: when you are playing Wii Frisbee golf…when you sink a hole that is even better than a Birdie, and an Eagle, what is that called? (DP)

PG: A f**king fluke.  Or, if you prefer, it’s called “A Man, Much, Much Older Than Me, Who Still Plays Video Games and Brags About the Outcome in International Forums.”

47. Have you ever seen Kelamis doing his pet psychic work? (Gilder)

PG: When I stayed with Peter and his wife in LA last November I slept at the foot of their bed.  Their two dogs kept trying to sleep on me.  I assumed it was because Kelamis psychically told them to annoy me.

48. Who has the biggest trailer…you or Peter Kelamis? (Chevron7)

PG: Did he tell you to ask this one?  Peter does. It’s twice the size of mine.  However, Julia Benson and I have adjoining trailers…so, score one for Gilmore.

49. Another suggested one, not so verbatim: Who was not able to hold his liquor at the “Regal Beagle” charity golf tournament? (DP)

PG: I did not pass out on the 17^th green.  While Kelamis and his buddies were drooling like idiots over the bikini clad beer girls, I closed my eyes for a brief moment.  I don’t care what the Course Marshall said.

Once again, moving on…

50. And about “Riese the Series”. Great WebSeries. How did you learn about “Riese”? (Nina K.P.) / Was it a regular casting or are you part of the creating team? (Nina K.P.)

PG: Kaleena Kiff, one of the creators, approached me about casting the project.  Through the casting process the producers and I developed a relationship. When all was said and done they wrote Trennan for me and just asked me to join.  I had no idea what the scale of ‘Riese’ would be, but I loved the crew and would have done anything for them.  I’ve been so lucky, the show has exceeded my expectations, and they’ve become great friends.

51. Can you see through your Riese eye-gadget? (Delynn)

PG: I couldn’t for Ch.1, so I rehearsed a Bo-Staff fight scene with a patch over my eye for Ch.2.  But production actually made a new eyepiece that I can now see through and has a functional iris.

52. Do you enjoy the web series concept? What’s the future for it? (Chevron7)

PG: It’s still so new to me.  The great thing about the web series is that there are fewer cooks in the kitchen.  The creators can still maintain 100% creative control.  Though if Riese were ever brought to TV, it would bring in a wider audience.

53. When will we see more of REISE the web series? (Sheryl)

PG: The first episode of Chapter 2 was released in early February, but all episodes had to be pulled because Riese is inking a deal with a distribution company and until all the paperwork is done we’ll have to wait.  But the deal is great news for Riese, it’ll be distributed overseas and hopefully with your support we’ll film Chapter 3 soon.

54. Why do Koalas not fall out of trees? (Chevron7)

PG: In fact, Koalas DO fall out of trees occasionally. More so when they’re young, at about 6 months old.

55. IMDB has you listed as an actor in the upcoming movie “Dear Mr. Gacy”. That sounds really scary. Was it scary to be in a movie that dealt with a serial murderer? (Jim of WVa)

PG: I play a man who escaped Gacy (played by William Forsythe.)  There were a few scenes that flashback to my kidnapping, torture and rape.  For the week after these graphic scenes were filmed I admit to being ratted and unfocused.  It was hard to shake the intensity and brutality of what was done.  Keep in mind, while the camera is rolling, it’s not just me living these scenes.  I had a man who was living as Gacy pretending to brutalize.  Too real, but a fulfilling creative experience.

56. Is the Gacy film based on one of the books? I must say Brian Dennehy creeped me out with his portrayal in one of the earlier TV movies. Will I be creeped out by this one too? (Chevron7)

PG: ‘Dear Mr. Gacy’ is based on the book ‘The Last Victim’ by Jason Moss.  William Forsythe is an intense man.  I was terrified filming it.

57. What’s the most challenging part of approaching a role? (Chevron7)

PG: It’s kind of a non-answer, but the most challenging part of approaching a role is deciding how to approach it. At this point I’m still testing my comfort zones and finding my strengths and weaknesses as an artist.  With every new role I attempt something different.  Whether it’s on or off camera, I’m forming a work ethic and process.  I’ve got a long way to go, but I’ll never perfect it, I’ll never be satisfied.  Mediocrity scares me.  The threat of it keeps a fire under my ass.  Again, kind of a non-answer.

58. Can you watch the finished product? (Chevron7)

PG: I watch my work with one foot out the door.  I’ll critique every gesture and inflection; take in what I need to know, and what I can learn from, like a game film.  I rarely revisit it.

59. What are those little facial expressions called in acting jargon – the ones you throw out during and between your lines that suggest there is more to Volker than stereotypical science guy trapped on a spaceship? Are those expressions written into the script? Do you like for those expressions to be written into the script? How can I learn to flash those expressions in regular conversation so people will know that I’m interesting? (DP)

PG: I’m not sure what specific expressions you’re talking about. ‘Character?’ ‘Reactions’?  The filming style of SGU is one in which you don’t know if you’re going to be on camera because they’re roaming the entire scene with more than one camera.  So you better be involved in the scene and be reacting appropriately according to your character.

60. What kind of scenes are your favorite to act in – ones where you are emoting and interacting with other actors, or ones that are more action-driven and you are reacting to FX? (Pastrygirl)

PG: I like person to person acting.  FX shots always feel a little awkward to me, but when you’re eye to eye with a great actor you can lose yourself in the moment, and that’s where the rush and the high of acting comes in.  With Green-screen there’s always a little echo in the back of your head reminding you that you’re an actor and not an astrophysicist…

61. Which ones are more fun to shoot? (Pastrygirl)

PG: – …that’s not to say FX acting isn’t fun.  I used to sit in a tree house pretending it was the Millennium Falcon & now it’s my job.  Fun Story: Not really an FX story but it involves FX: in the SGU Season 1 finale I had a mouthful of jargon to say while pointing at a non-existent holographic monitor.  It was late in the evening, everyone wanted to get home, the entire cast was in the Apple Core, and for the life of me I couldn’t get through my speech.  Take 1,2,3,15…I was on the verge of tears and stubbornly insisted that I could nail it.  It’s all a blur now, but I remember Bobby hugging me, Andy Mikita assuring me we got the shot, and driving home convinced I was fired.  That day I hated FX shots and science lingo, but I loved the people I worked with.

62. Do you prefer to stick to what the director gives your for your character? Or, do you try to run with it as much as possible? (Ian)

PG: I’ll do what I have prepared and if it runs contrary to the director’s vision, we’ll discuss it.  It’s a very trusting relationship and I’ve never had any serious disagreements.  When playing a recurring character the directors trust you to have a keen sense of motivation.  They give you the creative freedom as long as it doesn’t take away from the story or the moment.

63. What episodes are your fav from Season 1 and which one do you think the fans will love most? (Major D. Davis)

PG: Some of my favorites are in the first half.  I have fond memories of episodes like Darkness and Life.  It was in those episodes that we were figuring out our characters.  The second half of S.1 is jammed packed and moves pretty quickly.  I think the fans will enjoy the pace.

64. Will you get more screen time during the second half of the first season? (Jim of WVa)

PG: As the season progressed we all found our place and the writers knew how to use us more effectively. Though it all depends on editing.

65. Which actor or actress on SGU would you like more screentime with? (PBMom)

PG: There was a scene in ‘Faith’ that had to be removed for pacing, in which Jamil and I would have had a funny exchange. I was looking forward to that.  Jamil is an actor I watch with awe.  He never reads a line the way you expect it.  I’m also curious to see every specific relationship develop between Volker and the rest of the cast; some friends, some rivals.  There’s so much opportunity with such a big cast.

66. Who would you most like to do a DVD commentary with? (DP)

PG: Any one of the directors or writers.  I love hearing about the conception of ideas and storytelling techniques.

67. Have you ever had any trouble crossing the U.S.-Canadian border? (DP)

PG: Nope.  Though the American Customs agents at the airport are a cheery bunch, aren’t they.

68. Met you and Peter K. at the LA con. Did you get recognized, did you enjoy the con? (Sheryl)

PG: Shockingly, yes, we did get recognized. Peter and I were a little taken aback by the response.  We had a blast, but it was a bit overwhelming.

69. I must confess that with that hat you were wearing in Los Angeles (at the convention) it disguised you well. Or was that the plan? (Arctic Goddess)

PG: My ‘disguise’ consisted of a baseball hat and sunglasses.  It wasn’t planned.  We weren’t there officially and didn’t want to crash the party. We just kept our heads down.

70. I met you [at the LA Con after Ryan Robbins was on stage.] How did you guys get to know each other? (Arctic Goddess)

PG: I work as a casting reader when I can, and I’ve met and acted opposite countless Vancouver actors.  I met Ryan this way and then we worked together in a short film called ‘The Masculine Mystique.’  We became fast friends and it’s exciting to have him on Riese.

71. Would you ever do the cons.? (Sheryl)

PG: I think so.  Things are a little busy right now, but one day I’d love to travel somewhere fun and meet you guys face to face.

72. What kind of developments or changes would you like to see Volker experience on Destiny? (Pastrygirl) / What do you hope to see for your character as the series progresses? / (Michael) What are you most looking forward to about season 2, in terms of your character? (Iamza)

PG: I’d like to see Volker throw a punch. I want him to woo a girl.  I want him to dive head first through the gate.  I want him to use his outdoor voice and tell someone what’s really on his mind.  I think it’d be funny if he broke his arm again.  I’d like Volker to (see #42)… Or, how about just a haircut.

73. If you could create one story for you character what would it be. Would you have him visit earth? Would you have him save the day? (Major D. Davis)

PG: I think everyone wants to be a hero for a day.  I would honestly just like to get into the guts of who Volker is and why he is that way.  I wanna get to know him, so he becomes more real.

74. If you could play any other character on SGU, which would you choose? (Jill)

PG: I’d play TJ and insist on Psych evaluations every once in a while, like M.A.S.H. would do the documentaries. Or I’d play Rush, and bitch out Volker.  Aside from that, I’m pretty happy with my role.

75. If you (the actor) could use the communication stones with anyone on Earth (modern day), who would you choose and why? (PBMom)

PG: My family. Parents, Brother, Sister-in-law, Nieces, Nephew, barista.

76. How do you feel about the overall response from the fanbase about SGU both positive and negative? (Simon)

PG: Before there was internet, I bet there was a blissful ignorance among actors and fan reactions.  But now every voice has a forum and if you want to find the haters, it’s not hard.  When SGU started it was tough to balance the fan reactions.  I mean, if we choose to ignore the haters, why should we choose to believe the folks who love it.  So I stopped looking, and, for the most part, the only voices that have sought me out have been positive.  Fandom is a bit overwhelming and daunting, but I’m excited by the support and proud to be a part of the Stargate family.

And that’s it…Thank you so much for your questions and interest, and thank you Joe for allowing me a soapbox to spout my propaganda.