AOL Chat Transcript
Nov.
12, 2001
Host: America Online is pleased to welcome back television and film actor, and the star of the hugely popular hit 'Angel.' Welcome, David Boreanaz.
David Boreanaz: Thanks. It's a pleasure to be here. I'm just on a break too -- so it's a pleasure to be here talking to all the people out in cyberland.
Host: We have an auditorium filled with AOL 'Angel' fans.
David Boreanaz: Great.
Host: Our first question is from Carmen:
Question: This is the best season of 'Angel' ever. Any chance we might see an all-karaoke episode?
David Boreanaz: There's going to be some interesting things that happen to the karaoke bar itself. I can't tell you what's going to happen, but stay tuned. As far as an all-karaoke episode is concerned, I doubt that will happen, but you never know.
Host: OK. We can wait and see. Our next is from Faithkeeper, who asks: Do you have a favorite episode or favorite side of Angel's character?
David Boreanaz: Every episode is pretty much different and challenging every time you go into it. This season has been great. I've enjoyed every episode so far. I think the one where I switched the bodies with the old man from the old men's home was fun -- one of my top five, actually.
Host: When you got wild and crazy?
David Boreanaz: Yeah, that was fun... The writers give me a good opportunity with this character to play something different every episode, and it just keeps expanding and getting better for me, which is exciting.
Host: Great. Next, from AOL member Anya Bunny Hater: Which is more fun to do, evil Angelus, brooding Angel or funny, dorky Angel?
David Boreanaz: You know, there's a side to each one I enjoy. I guess it just depends on the mood I'm in in my regular life. It can kind of turn into my characters I play on the screen. But I enjoy them all pretty much the same.
Host: This is a great question. I have to ask it because I laughed so hard when I read it: How does Angel keep his hair so straight without a mirror?
David Boreanaz: Good question. With a lot of help from the hair people here.
Host: Then she says just kidding, and asks if you think that Cordelia and Angel's growing relationship will affect the Angel Investigations team's chemistry.
David Boreanaz: I don't think it will. Any kind of team, as it grows, will have its snags. But we'll see what happens.
Host: Next question, Nicole the Slayer asks: Is it true you got married a couple weeks ago?
David Boreanaz: No, no, not true. But thank you.
Host: Oh, it isn't true?
David Boreanaz: No.
Host: We heard that too. Any hints about when any new characters will be added to the show or any current regulars will be leaving the show this season?
David Boreanaz: No current regulars will be leaving, as far as I know. It's almost halfway through. No changes or additions. There will be a lot more different types of recurring characters making their marks a little bit better.
Host: Any chance Faith is going to be in there?
David Boreanaz: You never know. She's locked up in a cell, so you know where to find her.
Host: OK. Next question: Do you have any movies coming up?
David Boreanaz: I have a movie coming out next spring, 'I'm With Lucy,' a romantic comedy starring Monica Potter, myself, Henry Thomas and Anthony LaPaglia. That will be a lot of fun. That's the only one we have coming out next.
Host And Ripple's Mom asks: How long do you see yourself acting? Do you plan on eventually becoming a director?
David Boreanaz: Well, I just take it... I'm having a good time now, and down the line, as I get a little more wise with the business and savvy with the sense of directing, that could be a temptation.
Host: Great. Evan asks: What's the wildest rumor you ever heard about yourself?
David Boreanaz: The wildest rumor that I've ever heard about myself? Jeez. Well, I don't know, because I guess I don't really subscribe to rumors.
Host: Our next question is from Kallie, and she asks: What are you most thankful for?
David Boreanaz: My parents. Definitely just my relationship with my parents. I'm very thankful and fortunate to have it.
Host: OK. Our next question is from Skylar, and she would like to know: So if this baby is born healthy and normal, wouldn't that bring Angel true happiness? And what would that do to you turning evil again?
David Boreanaz: Well, that's always definitely something to think about. We can't kind of get into that, since that episode hasn't been seen yet. We don't know what's going to happen to his character. So we'll see.
Host: We've got just a ton of questions here. A.J. Jaw says: I think you're an excellent actor, and my question is, I was wondering if there's any practical jokes on the set of 'Angel.' I'm sure you've done a few things that have made the other cast members blush.
David Boreanaz: Well, thanks for that compliment. I don't have any specific practical jokes. The only ones that really kind of happen are spur-of-the-moment ones, you know, where a certain smell comes out somewhere or somebody pushes or they can't stop laughing. There's not really any planned practical jokes.
Host: No planned ones? Just spur-of-the-moment ones, huh?
David Boreanaz: Spur of the moment.
Host: Leslie Kelly wants to know: Is it hard to play Angel consistently when you have different writers on each episode who each have their own take on your character?
David Boreanaz: Yeah, they do, but with that comes a great variety of what you can actually do with the characters. It keeps you fresh and inventive, rather than boring and consistent. You can see his consistency building just through being who he is, and build from there.
Host: Angel certainly has shown growth, though. Do you enjoy doing that, adding to the character a little bit?
David Boreanaz: Yeah, definitely. If I can continue to do that, it's definitely a plus for me.
Host: OK. Next question: Did you enjoy acting with Sarah Michelle Gellar? Is there any chance of an Angel-Buffy crossover?
David Boreanaz: No, I mean, come on, guys, the crossovers are going to be pretty much limited. They're two different networks, so we've got to kind of put those to rest. You miss those, because you miss working with those talented people. But the characters evolve, so who knows what the future holds?
Host: Jaded Lover asks: What's your Christmas wish for 2001?
David Boreanaz: Just peace and happiness. My wish has always been the same as everyone, just everyone to be a little bit more kind and gentle and understanding with each other, and it would be a lot easier for people to get along.
Host: That's very true. Let's see. Your comments about the Buffy-Angel relationship on KTLA -- you defined it as a crush. How do you define crush?
David Boreanaz: The Buffy-Angel relationship as a crush? Well, you'd have to, I guess, know the history of the two characters to understand that one.
Host: OK. Where would you like to see the season go, if you had any input on the direction of who picks up with whom?
David Boreanaz: Well, definitely something's happening with this child. What's going to happen, we can't really get into, but I kind of let the writers do their work and ride along and have fun with them.
Host: Rider Rose wants to know: What is it like to know that women all over the world see you as a sex symbol?
David Boreanaz: Well, I don't kind of read into it. Just let that be, that one.
Host: Here's a great question from France 9785, who says: David, do you think that Angel is taking on some of the personality traits of David?
David Boreanaz: I think for any [actor] there's going to be some form of personality trait that spills over into the character you're playing, and, you know -- sense of humor, possibly a sarcastic look here and there, but not an extreme amount.
Host: OK. Our next question says: Angel seems to be wearing a lot of colors this season. How much control over the wardrobe do you have? Or is it really just Cordelia's influence?
David Boreanaz: No, we go over wardrobe changes for each episode, and I kind of look at each one and determine what I'm comfortable in and what mood he's in, so I have pretty much a lot of say in that area.
Host: That's interesting. Magic 339 wants to know: What is the best experience you've had on either Angel or one of your other jobs? Do you have something in acting that sticks out in your mind?
David Boreanaz: Well, there's always something that affects you as a person. All different types of experiences -- working with a specific actor, working with a specific director on a specific scene -- that makes you a little bit more vulnerable and stretches you. That's a pretty general answer to a general question, but it's a pretty lengthy one.
Host: Minot 2413 asks if there's anybody you'd like to have be a guest, any actors or actresses.
David Boreanaz: Yeah. Rip Torn. I'd love to have Rip Torn come on.
Host: He'd be great. The next question: Hello, David, I'm a huge fan, ever since your appearances on 'Married... With Children.' Any chance of taking 'Angel' to the big screen?
David Boreanaz: I don't know the answer to that. It's definitely something that we would probably all love to do, and, depending on its likability and strength in numbers... how that could [translate] to a big screen would be fantastic. I would love to do it.
Host: I'm sure there are a lot of people that would love to see it too. Kelly G 18 asks: What's the typical day like on the set of 'Angel'? What hour do you usually end up being finished up?
David Boreanaz: We usually average 12-hour days. It's a long day. Its not an easy hour to digest. It can be some late hours. And it's eight days for one episode, and they're back-to-back, so multiply that by 22 throughout the year, you got eight months and -- which kind of takes away a lot of your personal life.
Host: Yeah, that's a big commitment. Next question: Hi, first off, I'd like to say I love the show, and I was wondering if you have a favorite co-star to work with, past or present.
David Boreanaz: The first that comes to mind is Eliza. She was a lot of fun. Elisabeth Rohm was great to work with. There's always something in every one of them. I've enjoyed all of them, really.
Host: Our next question is: After 'Angel' finishes airing, would you ever consider another vampire role?
David Boreanaz: Well, you know...
Host: Do you worry about being typecast?
David Boreanaz: No. I do the work for the work, and I don't really concern myself with that. But I don't think there would be one considered to be as unique and diverse as this character when it was presented to me. I couldn't see doing a straight vampire role. I doubt that would ever happen.
Host: OK. And Indy ford asks: What was your first acting job?
David Boreanaz: Paid acting job?
Host: We'll go with that, yeah.
David Boreanaz: It was a beer commercial.
Host: Was it? And do you have any advice for aspiring actors and actresses in the audience?
David Boreanaz: Well, just to remain honest and truthful to what you want, rather than to what other people need; to take care of your own self first; and to be patient and work hard in theater and get involved in smaller projects, and work your way up and really be patient.
Host: Sounds like good advice. We have more questions about the show. Flair 0919 wants to know: Do you think it's a good idea that Angel develop a love relationship with Cordelia? I think they're asking, do you think so personally.
David Boreanaz: I don't know, because I don't know what's going to happen with that, so I tend to stay away from that and let it evolve, rather than push it in any one direction.
Host: OK. Another show question, this one from Slayer1025: This has always bothered me -- last year when Kate said to you, "I didn't invite you in." I can't figure out what that means, and I've played the tape over and over again. Can you clear that up a little bit?
David Boreanaz: Yeah, well, that was the end of the episode, meaning his sheer will or the powers that be let him get in, because in order to get into a certain place -- you have to be invited in, if you're a vampire, and he wasn't invited in. So there must be something more to that spiritually.
Host: Great. We have lots of slayers the audience. I M The Slayer says: Did you enjoy doing 'Valentine,' and would you like to see a sequel?
David Boreanaz: I had a blast doing that movie. I don't think there will be a sequel, but working with the actors was great.
Host: Here's a question totally out of the realm of acting. This one wants to know: What kind of music do you listen to?
David Boreanaz: All different types -- blues, classic rock 'n' roll, old rock 'n' roll.
Host: Another question: Do you think that vampires ever existed?
David Boreanaz: You know, I guess everyone has their own beliefs in that. I don't necessarily think they ever existed, but I do believe that the mythology of them, the storytelling -- it's a lore of interest and intrigue, so let it be.
Host: OK. You told us you were going to be in the movie 'I'm With Lucy.' Science Girl 33 wants to know if you could give us a little bit more about what it's going to be about, the story behind it.
David Boreanaz: The film? It's a romantic comedy based upon one girl's kind of search for the ideal marriage after she just got dumped. So there's four guys involved, me being one of them, and it's -- it starts from the beginning and goes to the end, where you wind up -- find out who she ends up marrying. It's very funny.
Host: It sounds it! Next question is: What would the plots be like if you had your way with the writing? Would it be completely different, or would you follow the story lines?
David Boreanaz: Probably follow the story lines, pretty much. I don't have any problems with them.
Host: Another member says, David, I've watched you and 'Angel' since you were on 'Buffy,' and it's been a real pleasure to watch you and the character evolve. Thank you so much, and, for a silly question, what character from a play or whatever would you most like to play?
David Boreanaz: I'm sorry, I didn't get the end of that.
Host: Is there any character from a book or a play that you would most like to play that role?
David Boreanaz: Well, you know, Heath from 'Catcher in the Rye,' but that would never happen for me. It would never be sold. You know, any kind of hero role. I love hero roles.
Host: OK. Let me see. Do you like the -- do you wish Angel would go back to acting less human and be more vampirish, or do you like the human side of him?
David Boreanaz: Well, he's pretty much a vampire living in a human world, and he had to adapt to that. And we don't really see much of his vampire tendencies until they come out.
Host: Sleeps With Vampires wants to know: What was it like doing 'Mad TV'?
David Boreanaz: It was fun. I had a good time. Good group of people. It's always fun to do other things like that.
Host: This is kind of a question along the lines of something that you answered earlier, but... Is there any chance, or do you know of any plans to bring back Doyle?
David Boreanaz: No, I don't think that will happen. I think that -- you know, fortunately it was a great character and a very good one to play and a good connection, but --
Host: It was so sad when he died.
David Boreanaz: Yeah.
Host: It really was. Do you think Angel is going to like being a dad?
David Boreanaz: Yeah. I think he's going to have to slowly understand what it means, first of all, and then take it from there. I don't think that it was pretty much a sheer, blissful moment, the fact that he really wasn't expecting this. I don't think it was a true happiness moment -- pretty much defined as an unpredictable, surprise moment. I don't think that was a moment of sheer bliss for him.
Host: OK. Our next question is: What's your favorite movie?
David Boreanaz: You know, I like 'Goodfellas,' 'Everybody's Fine,' 'Cinema Paradiso.' I love foreign films, those three, and I love gangster movies too.
Host: Did you see 'Buffy: The Musical, and if so, what did you think of it?
David Boreanaz: I didn't see it, so I can't comment on it.
Host: You didn't see it? Do you ever watch any of the old 'Buffy' shows on the FX network?
David Boreanaz: No, I haven't seen any recently.
Host: Do you watch your own shows?
David Boreanaz: No, not really, no. Sometimes I might, but I don't prescribe to...
Host: OK. Amy 0802 says: Cordelia and Angel have a fabulous dynamic this season. Do you and Charisma get along as well as your characters do?
David Boreanaz: Well, you know, we do at work, but we don't really socialize out of work. We're not getting together on weekends or anything like that. Just, you know, co-workers, but yes, we get along fine.
Host: Now that Giles is leaving the 'Buffy' show, do you see him crossing over and back into 'Angel'?
David Boreanaz: No. No, I don't. I don't.
Host: Have you always wanted to be an actor? Obviously you like your career, but was there anything you ever wanted to do other than act?
David Boreanaz: I liked animals -- horses, race horses. I've always liked farming... I don't know, building houses, you know. But I like the entertainment industry, but other than that, probably anything with being outdoors.
Host: Do awards mean a lot to you? Would you like to take home the Emmy and...
David Boreanaz: No, I don't really think of the awards much.
Host: You're in it more for the acting?
David Boreanaz: Yeah. An award... the reward for me is just getting through a life situation, you know, seeing a beautiful event. I take it a little bit differently. It's more of a publicity thing than anything else.
Host: Yeah. OK. Our next question is: What is the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
David Boreanaz: Ah, well, the weirdest thing? That's a tough question to answer, because I don't... I don't have one that comes out in my mind. I can't think of one. I really, really can't. It's tough, because, you know, it's just like you get some crazy things that happen, but I don't kind of think about them much really, you know? Nothing kind of really sticks out in my mind.
Host: Here's a question from The Times: What was your reaction to the terrorist attacks, and did you attend any charity events for them?
David Boreanaz: Well, you know, it was a disheartening, unfortunate thing that happened. I went through -- I was in shock, like a lot of people, and had a lot of confusion and bitterness. I really didn't want to work until I had an understanding that a small part of what I do could give someone an hour of -- out of their watching the news or whatever, and being in such pain and trauma. It's good of the entertainment industry to allow us to do that. As far as charitable organizations are concerned, you know, we did some work with the firefighter funds in New York and for the Red Cross, yeah.
Host: That's terrific. Kisses1201187 says: David, we just want to say that you are great and gorgeous. We live in Philadelphia, and we were wondering what you miss the most about living here.
David Boreanaz: The people. You know, the sense of family, the blue-collar atmosphere, the history, the food. You know, it's a great, great city to be around, and it's always something that I enjoy, going back to Philadelphia and visiting.
Host: OK. Next question is: My name is Mike, and which show did you like being on better, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' or 'Angel'? With 'Buffy,' you didn't have to work as long and hard, and 'Angel' is obviously your own show.
David Boreanaz: Yeah, I mean I came from 'Buffy,' and I like both shows. It's a blessing to be involved with them, as it is with 'Angel,' but it's a different responsibility having your own show, one that I really prefer and enjoy a lot.
Host: Here's a question from someone who obviously saw the show last week and says: How did Angel know that the baby had a heartbeat? Did he sense it or hear it?
David Boreanaz: Probably sensed it, I guess. ::laughter::
Host: Let me see. We've got time for a couple more questions here. What would you consider was your big break?
David Boreanaz: Consider my big break? 'Buffy' was probably the biggest.
Host: And did they see you from the beer commercial, or had you done other work?
David Boreanaz: No, it was going in and meeting them and going through the process of auditioning, but that was my biggest break, meeting Marcia Shulman, the casting director, because she started this.
Host: OK. And our last question: What actor do you connect with most on the set and why?
David Boreanaz: Um...
Host: It's a toughy?
David Boreanaz: Yeah. It's different to work with every actor. I don't... um... Julie was always a very strong connection. Darla's fun. But other than that, they're all great. You know, there's no one I have more of a connection with than that, really.
Host: And finally, is there any kind of inside scoop you can give us about the show, or is it pretty much up in the air?
David Boreanaz: Up in the air. I can't -- I've got to keep you watching! Can't give you all the info to it. But there's going to be a lot of change after this happens.
Host: A lot of change? Oh, great, we can expect some new stuff, then?
David Boreanaz: Yeah.
Host: OK. Well, thanks very much for joining us tonight. Do you have any parting thoughts for your fans that are here tonight?
David Boreanaz: Just thank you for tuning in and coming in to chat, and just remember that kindness is a word that should be used more often, and that's about it.
Host: All right. Thank you so much, David.
David Boreanaz: All right. Have a good one.