Ask The Chief

INTERVIEW: Ask The Chief (Q&A with fans) Nov 2009

Ask The Chief
Date: November 16, 2009
Source: The Chief’s Deck (Aaron Douglas LiveJournal Community)

Note: The questions were posted in March 2009 but not answered by Aaron until November 2009.

QandA

Sorry I took so long to get to the questions.
I also realize I didn’t answer every one. I did that because the question had already been asked and the answer is somewhere above.

I have a lot of fondness for BSG and the more time passes the more that fondness grows. It seems that time heals the frustrations and annoyances of working, whether it be in TV and Film or anywhere else.

I do miss the show and the people from it. I am thrilled with the way it ended, I think Ron Moore made something incredibly special and life changing for many of us. I also truly believe that BSG changed the face of TV in a significant way.

Having seen the new Star Trek, which I think is just plain incredible, I can see the influence of BSG particularly in the Viz FX. Those battle scenes are wonderful and very much resemble the Viz FX from BSG.

I am happy that the Chief walked off and I don’t want to see him again. I will let my imagination tell me a story of what he is doing now.

Maybe when the Bridge airs we will do another of these.

bye for now.

Source: THE CHIEF’S DECK

now_all_is_well: Did you have input on how your character arc was wrapped up? Did you feel like your character had enough closure? If not, what would you have liked to have seen happen to Chief in the last episode?

Thank you for an amazing 4 seasons.

Sorry I have taken so long to get to these questions.

I love the way the show ended. I am very pleased with the way the Chief finished up. Nuts to the humans and nuts to the Cylons. I am heading off alone.

thespos: Hi, Aaron. Thank you for your great work.

As I was thinking about the end of BSG, it seemed to me there were several other stories that would work well as a mini-series or movie, besides The Plan – like more about the Final Five on their Earth, and the events leading up to their departure, or the Exodus from Kobol in the first place for the 13th Tribe or the other tribes.

Do you know if there are any plans to explore these ideas?

Thanks again for being a part of television history with such a quality program.

I have no idea about anything upcoming. I know they tore the sets down immediately after we finished so I would assume it is done and done.

I would not like to see anything further of the Chief. I would do more backstory but following him through the Highlands doesn’t make for compelling TV.

baterista9: We know you’re a musician. Which instrument(s) do you play? Do you sing, and if so, what range?

*trying to make up for my poor question at Dragon*Con*

Guitar just a little.

I sing but not as well as I used to. I would consider myself a crooner.

elektra_lite: Thank you so much for your work on the show – it’s been consistently amazing. I’d like to know what the Chief’s motivation for strangling Tory to death was – I mean, apart from the obvious! But what was going through his mind at the time – love, anger, hatred, etc? Also, what did you think of the finale as a whole – love, like, not so much, hate?

I’m looking forward to seeing you in The Plan, and good luck with the new series!

I think the Chiefs motivation for killing Tory was pretty simple. She killed his wife and lied to him and betrayed him.

oriencor: Hello Trouble!

I know you said you had thousands of songs and listened to a lot of different music, so..

Do you have a favorite by:

Tom Waits?
Flogging Molly?
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds?

Have you ever played a role paying game? If so, which one?

(Wish I had a more clever question, but I’m currently medicated as hell due to wrecking my knee!)

Waits? Nope

I like a lot of Flogging Molly.

I have never heard of Nick Cave

sorry

Role playing? nope

juliet_demarcus: Hi, Aaron. First of all, thank you for your consistently incredible work on the show, from the miniseries all the way to the finale!

How do you personally imagine Tyrol’s life on “new Earth” playing out once he leaves for the northern island he spoke of? Do you think he would survive very long, entirely cut off from others, with just whatever provisions he had? Do you think that the mental place he was in when he made the choice to set off on his own would ever dissipate, or do you think he would feel the need to be removed from other people until the day he died due to all that he had been through? In other words I suppose, would he ever regret the decision to go off alone?

Also, was there any other character you would have really liked Tyrol to have had a parting scene with on the planet, in addition to Tigh and Ellen? If so, who would that be, and why?

Thank you again for all your amazing work! I very much look forward to seeing you in The Plan and your new series The Bridge as well!

I liked the fact that the only scene was with Tigh and Ellen. They were there since the start and they are there at the end. Galen realized he had no ties to the humans and I think he psychologically left them behind on the ship.

I love that he went off alone and I picture him getting on very well alone.

Samiface: How do you feel about the progression of characters now that the bsg series has ended? how do you feel about the chief’s ending? is the closure for your character as perfect as we as fans see it?

Some characters I really liked and some I didn’t care for at the beginning and still didn’t care for at the end.
I think it is an amazing show, well written, well directed, well acted and well told.

It really is an incredible piece of TV.

Iheartcylons: Hi Aaron, thanks for taking the time out to answer questions for us. Congrats on your new show, I can’t wait to see more of your great work.

What do you see yourself involved in a few years from now? Meaning, do you have any specific goals set for your career, or are you just wanting to see where life takes you?

Do you plan to keep going to cons? (*Crossing fingers, hoping to get to meet you again. LOL.*)

I go where life leads. The universe has been very good to me thus far and I trust it will continue to take care of me.

Yes to cons

jessie187: First and foremost, My husband and I felt that your performance on BSG was beautifully authentic and even. Never over the top which is incredible considering the major transitions, emotions and obstacles Galen had to face. He always rang true for us. You did a brilliant job- so Thanks

Now for a query or two, We enjoyed the back stories on Caprica and we would have loved to see the Chief. Was there any discussion about showing Galen and his life before the fall? If so, what were the ideas? Secondly did you have a hand in choosing Galen’s final destination-we thought it was perfect!

We are looking forward to meeting you at Emerald Con-our first-and once again excellent work!

have no idea what goes on in the writers room.

Ron Moore wrote the final destination as an island off the Northern continent and I asked if it could be Scotland. He said sure…..

stogam612: You had some amazing storylines and episodes during the run of the series such as Dirty Hands. Did you ever have any input as to the writing or the direction of your character?

the writers and Ron were always available to talk about story lines and direction.

I had questions from time to time, not often, but mostly I simply trusted them to take the story where they felt it should go.

They did an amazing job and I disagree with nothing.

blue_crow: Overall, what was your favorite arc for Tyrol? The beginning as Boomer’s boyfriend, the Union Man/Resistance Fighter on New Caprica, the Blackbird construction arc, the Final Five discovery arc? What was the most fun, and what was the most rewarding acting experience?

What did you think about the decision that the pro-worker, union Chief who seems to prefer sweats and duty tank tops was totally metro on Earth and wore emoglasses?

Also, I really liked the interview that you did with Bear McCreary not long ago, and I was really curious about some of the experiences you talked about having with other cast members. Would you care to elaborate on any of them? I’d love to hear any good stories.

I hope to get to thank you in person for all your incredible work on BSG at Emerald City Comicon.

The final five for sure.
Working with Mary. She is pure genius and wonderfully lovely.
That was a different person.

Interview with Bear? I don’t remember that.

The interview with Bear was emailed questions. That is all I can remember. We didn’t do a sit down Q&A.

boonav: So I fell in love with the Chief so very long ago and have enjoyed your intrepretation of him from season one. There have been so many wonderful scenes for you to play. Nope, not gonna ask you which was your favorite, ’cause after 5 years how the hell do ya pick? What I do wanna ask is what will you miss by not being able to play this role any longer?

Second question… Can you tell us a little about your next role? I call him Chief Frank (LOL). Gotta have Chief in there.

Third question…If there was a brewery on one side of the street and a fine whiskey maker on the other.. what do you do? Do you just stand in the middle of the street drooling, or do you pick one?

Forth question…How does it feel to know that you will ALWAYS be known to a lot of fans as the Chief, no matter what role you are offered? Would being the Chief be like being Captain Kirk? ALWAYS being known as that character? How do you feel about being an icon like the Chief to people for years to come? Legacy or curse?

And last but not least Number 5…We have Frank Leo to look forward to and THE PLAN also. Any other irons in the fire? Or are you gonna become a con addict. I know how you feel about us rabid (in a good way) fans!!

Lastly thank you for being cool. Not a breezy-wind-blowing-in-your-hair kinda cool, but the gotta-be-my-own-kinda-guy-and-you-can-kiss-my-a$$ kinda guy. We need more of you out there and you ARE appreciated.

I miss the crew and some of the cast but the story is done and it is good to move on.

Frank Leo, President of the Police Union. When cops get in trouble it is up to him and the union to help them out. This show will be dark and hopefully real. I hope real life police officers look at The Bridge the way Military people look at BSG.

Start at one then move to the other.

I LOVE being the Chief.

I love the fans and anyone that has ever seen me at a con knows I love those as well. I am doing a new show called Emissary with Phil Morris starting in 2010.

damaged_hearts: Dear Mr Douglas,

First may I congratulate on your amazing work on BSG, it has been a privilege to see you on our TV screens.

Ok questions: Were you initially surprised that the Boomer/Tyrol was brought back near the end of S4 and also, I’m sure there are lots, but what were your funniest moments on set..

BSG, best show ever made, Mr Douglas, I salute you! :)

I like that the Boomer Tyrol line came back to be dealt with.

Funny moments? Those usually happened off set.

shaylyn29: Hi Aaron, thanks for taking time to answer questions again.

1. What did you think of the last episode of BSG after seeing it all done and put together? Do you have a favorite part?

2. Have you ever read anything by Stephen King or Dean Koontz? If so what and did you like it? I recommend Insomnia or The Dark Tower series by Stephen King.

3. What would you consider the most perfect date with someone?

Thanks for being part of BSG the last 4 seasons. You and the rest of the cast made it was it was. And thanks for being so cool, hope to be able to meet you one day.

I thought it was amazing and I love the way it ended.

I really liked the Dark Tower series. King is hit and miss sometimes but I liked that. Never read Koontz.

Perfect Date? Not sure…. there would be beer…. and gambling….and hilarity…

lls_mutant: Hi Aaron,

Thanks so much for doing this. Tyrol was one of my favorite characters from the beginning, and one of the few to actually stay that way consistently throughout the show, and I really enjoyed your work.

Question:

Knowing how the story all turned out, if you could go back and rewrite anything in the series with 20/20 hindsight, what would you add in/subtract/change? (And saying “Black Market” is cheating.)

If you were a soldier on the Galactica without the viewer’s omniscient viewpoint, do you think you would you have mutinied during the Gaeta/Zarek mutiny?

Thanks again!

I wouldn’t change a thing. BSG is the sum of its parts, warts and all. And there were not many warts.

No mutiny. I always thought, ok so you take over the ship…. then what? it changes nothing.

taragel: Thanks for taking the time out to answer our questions Aaron. Your portrayal of Galen has been one of my favorite elements of BSG.

My question is about how you felt regarding the escalation of violence as one of Galen’s personality traits (beating Cally, taking a wrench to Helo, clubbing the random worker eight to help Boomer, finally murdering Tory). Such actions always felt so uncharacteristic (as did him dismissing Cally as someone he never truly loved and just settled for) to me, but was wondering what your thoughts on that was.

Looking forward to watching you in The Bridge this summer!

Chief always loved Boomer. That never ended. If you watch from the start there was never real love between Cally and Galen. More of a sense of duty.

Beating Cally had nothing to do with it being her. Anyone who woke him up during that nightmare would have gotten the same thing.

Helo was rage born from Helo being with a Boomer look a like.

Clubbing the random worker was done to serve a greater purpose. That was a mistake.

Murdering Tory was just desserts….

mmegiry: Hello, Aaron! Thank you for everything, for developing a character as complex and fascinating as Chief Tyrol and I look forward very much to seeing more of your work.

Now the show is on hiatus until Season Five(*is in denial*), is there one particular storyline, other than any of the Chief’s own story arc’s, which you look back on and think think WOW more than the others?

And other than the Chief, (and feel free to ignore this question if you’ve been asked it before!) do you have a favourite character?

I hope to see you in London at some point!

I think all of the work of the writers was tremendous.

I like everything Tricia Helfer did in the show. And Tigh

dirty_grrl: My question was already asked, so you get this completely lame question instead.

Would you rather
A) be able to fly, or
B) have the ability to read peoples’ minds?

There’s really no point to this question and in all honesty, it should probably just be ignored. However, I’ve chosen and reasoned it all out, so I’m curious to see which way you’d go. Dazzle us, Sir!

people minds for sure

greatest poker player ever

madelineanne: Hey Aaron!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful work you’ve done on BSG and the generosity you’ve shown to your fans!

I have 3 questions so here goes…

1. Which is your favorite Pendergast novel? I’m in the midst of re-reading the series and I’m so torn between my love of “Relic” I think because it was the first and a great story and due to my love of the Museum of Natural History (the only museum I’ve ever been able to explore after hours and make out in the fake rainforest). But as the series progresses Pendergast and D’Agosta as characters are just getting more and more fascinating and their relationship becomes so entertaining. So I’m curious about which novel you feel was the best.

2. There was some mention in interviews of your flamingo. Was that by any chance referring to something my friends and I used to do, namely using plastic lawn flamingos to shotgun beer? I hope, if you have never used a lawn flamingo as a beer bong you won’t think our actions too too lowbrow. I was living in central Illinois at the time and frankly think that shotgunning beer through a lawn flamingo is a step up from cowtipping. :)

3. What was your favorite relationship on BSG? And by relationship I don’t necessarily mean romantic relationship. I mean, it could be a romantic relationship, or it could be a friendship, or a love someone had for Galactica, or a familial relationship.

I love them all. I like Relic and the one with the Crows.

We didn’t use flamingos. We used a GIANT glass boot. Flamingo refers to one of my best friends in the world who happened to be a producer on BSG

I cherish a lot of the friendships I made during the making of that show. I love my friendship with Tricia, Jamie, James, Tahmoh, Grace… I should stop before I miss someone.

The person I stay in touch with a lot and who I absolutely adore is Candice. She is so lovely and sweet and we always have great chats when we find each other in the same city and have a dinner.

ninety6tears: What are your big aspirations or ideal dream jobs? Are there any projects or directors you would particularly love to work with in the future?

Thank you for your amazing work on this show and for being so cool to the fans! :)

Tim Burton for sure!! Love his films

Peter Weir. Master and Commander is one of my all time favorite films.

I would really like to do a film with Kenneth Branagh.

shastastar: Hey Aaron-

Besides your anticipation of being able to speed as much as you want wherever you want, what was your favorite thing about getting to play Frank Leo so far ( in the pilot) , and ( part 2) What aspect of portraying this new role do you anticipate is going to be the biggest challenge for you moving forward?

Thanks!!!!
SS

On the Bridge I work 15 hours a day 5 days a week. It is exhausting.

that is the biggest challenge.

jeebs83: Hey Aaron, thanks again for doing this. :)

Can you talk a little about working with Michael Nankin? What is his directing style? His shows seem to bring out something special in each actor, making them some of my favorite episdoes of the whole series.

Oh, and AMAZING working in Someone To Watch Over Me. Really amazing.

He is not only a great guy he is a great director.

He makes us all feel very safe as actors and gives wonderful direction. He is very knowledgeable and has a very clear vision of what he wants. He is prepared and simply is a great story teller.

od0_ital: Hey, Aaron!

Thanks so much for all your work on Battlestar Galactica! And, personally, it was so cool when ya found out I’m “that guy” from All-Con. Good memory, man.

Anyway, I’m just curious, now that you’ve done a miniseries, four seasons and a movie on BSG, has it spoiled you from doin’ any other scifi work? Is gettin’ cast as the lead for The Bridge a sign for your fans to follow you away from scifi? Or will the right material bring ya back to the geeky side of entertainment?

Good luck with the new series, hope to see ya in Dallas again next year, maybe with a couple of your really articulate & educated castmates! Or Starbuck.

If there is a great script and role and situation I would love a return to scifi sometime.

annabella: Aaron –

First, Thank you for being willing to do another Ask the Chief! Second, thank you for bringing the Chief to life for all of us to enjoy. :)

And now onto my question(s) –

What’s the one thing you would say to someone who can’t decide whether or not to attend a convention? I ask because I’m trying to get up the desire to go, I mean I think it would be awesome to meet people who are into the things I am but all those people in the same place for days? Gives me the willies.

What material souveniers did you get to take away from BSG?

If this last one is too personal, feel free not to answer it – It appears that several of your Angels are looking forward to watching you make out on screen again. Do you like or dislike doing “romantic scenes”? Why or why not?

Thank you Thank you Thank you! :-)

Go to the con. My boys and I will be there and we will have a beer with you.

You will have a blast.

There is nothing romantic or hot about shooting those scenes. There are 100 people watching and it is really artificial.

amysisson: Hi Aaron. I do have a question, but first, I’ve been waiting to type this sentence forever — had to see the finale first to make sure it still held true: this is the best television show I have ever seen. Your role played a huge part in that.

OK, question: did you think it was in character for Chief to vote to leave the fleet? I have to admit I think Tory would really be the only one who would want to leave. But I think for suspense the writer(s) wanted Ellen to be the deciding vote, so they needed another “leave” vote and they handed it to Chief by default. Maybe you have some insight that I’m missing.

Hi from NASA Abell, by the way.

HEY AMY!!!!

how are ya sweets?

I think it was in character, absolutely! He had had enough of all of the BS. It was not his life anymore and he had no ties to the ship or humanity. I liked the choice.

But maybe they did need the Ellen vote suspense.

Hey to Abell for me

grammarwoman: You, sir, are a truly great guy to answer more questions for the fans.

In thinking back to the miniseries and the first season, did you ever ponder what arcs Tyrol and the other characters would go through, and if so, which one(s) turned out the closest and the farthest away from what you pictured?

Do you see Tyrol visiting and/or living in Boomer’s or a projection of his own creation during his solitary exile on that northern island?

Are there any good drunken BSG cast/crew stories you can share with us? *grin*

On what big or frivolous purchases did you spend your first large “I’m an actor now!” paycheck?

Thanks for taking the time for our questions!

I had no idea where they were taking any of it. I was along for a pleasant ride.

I think the Starbuck thing was confusing but that is it.

No, I see Galen blocking it all out and spending his days building a still.

there are many many drunken stories….. i just don’t remember them…..

Vegas…..

imfiery: My question already got asked as well. And you have been so awesome about answering questions at the cons I’ve seen you at. So I will just continue a conversation that I had with you in Phoenix. Battlestar was my show of choice when I was sick and it became a carrot to getting through my treatment. You said you thought that was a result of the excellent writing. I agree with you in part. They are still only words on a page until an actor breathes life into them. So thank you to your castmates for their amazing work and to you for making Chief Tyrol a wonderful and complex character to watch and get into. I’m disappointed about the scenes that got cut, but that’s show biz and I do think you did the best work I’ve seen you you do in “Someone to Watch Over Me”. I cried like a baby. The bar has been set Mister. Looking forward to more in The Bridge.

So how are you enjoying your iTouch?

And what is your favorite moment with Callis?

I love my itouch. So much better than a blackberry. I can’t wait to get an iphone.

Every moment with Callis is pure gold

rebelliousrose: Welcome back and thank you for taking the time to answer questions.

I miss BSG and Chief already.

You said that you did a journal of the last couple of months of BSG and that you were planning to share- any hope of seeing some of that, because speaking as an addict whose supply has just been cut off, I’d be delighted to know what BSG folk ate for lunch! I know I was really interested in the idea of your set diary (especially because you can be relied on to tell a good story) and, well, might we have a peek or two?

The diary is a little to honest to print at this point…..

whiteindigo: Hey there. I’ve done my best to weed through all the other questions, so hopefully these haven’t been asked!

As has been said by many others, thank you for an amazing four seasons and I look forward to seeing what you will be up to in the future! The Bridge looks great!

1) Was there anything in the Tyrol story arc that you felt was really out of character?
2) What memory (or memories) stick out most in your mind when you think of your time working on BSG? Do you have a favorite memory? (Sorry! I know this is a bit of a tough question!)
3) Do you know your Meyers-Briggs (personality type)? If so, what is it!?

Thank you!!

……. not sure….. I think taken in view of the entirety of the series and his arc it all makes sense.

Working with Mary. Silliness with Hogan, Trucco, Callis. Working with Nankin, Hardy, Rymer and Hemmingway.

And wine with Angeli

jamieaddict: Hey Aaron just a few questions, I hope they are not lame…

Do you ever see yourself directing?

-What kind of movies do you like?

-I felt bad for the Chief when he decided to go to an island alone. Do you think in time he changed his mind, met someone and had a shitload of kids?

-If Tory would not have killed Cally and we he found out Nicky was not his, how do you think he would have reacted towards her?

I would love to direct. hopefully soon.

I like scifi movies and fun action films. I love almost anything by Tim Burton.

dk_siberian: Hey Aaron.

First off, I just wanted to say thanks for doing your part in giving creative life to the character of Chief Tyrol. Amazing job.

So I have an unusual question/scenario. If you, Aaron, could go back to meet Galen Tyrol on Earth, maybe to see him for one last time, would you? What form would that meeting take? Would you have a drink, just talk, chop some wood? What would you say? What would you want to learn? How might you say good-bye?

No, let the man/machine be. It is what he wants.

katie_9918: Dear Aaron,

First of all, thank you for your portrayal of the Chief and your candor with the fans. And from what the other actors had to say at D*C, thank you for nudging some of them in the right direction. Our gratitude probably eclipses theirs.

As a major Star Trek fan, I was wondering if you (having been directly involved with BSG) have any objection to the crazy crossover fangirl in me imagining that this is the human race that broke the cycle and grew up to nearly destory themselves in World War III, made first contact with the Vulcans, and grew up into the Star Trek universe?

Before you answer, remember that the two best Trek engineers of all time, Scotty and O’Brien, came from Scotland and Ireland! Your Chief, being the father of mitochondrial Adam or Eve of the Scotch and Irish? *bouncy*

Also, I really appreciate the fact that Tory was found out regarding Cally’s murder. There are a lot of people who didn’t like the character and made fun of her and just thought she was a waste, but I really loved her even in her most whining and annoying moments (and I’m fully aware of just how many of those moments she had) and I just have to ask: I know there were times when the Chief didn’t like Cally, but there had to be underlying affection there, wasn’t there? Why did he say it wouldn’t have mattered to Captain Kelly when he said, “I could’ve told you she was trouble,” if there wasn’t at least a little love there?

There was a little love there but more duty than anything.

As creepy as it sounds I think Galen saw her as a little sister type rather than a love interest. I still don’t know why or how they got together. Nicki and I thought it really weird when it happened. Did you ever see Galen and Cally kiss? no

fanfiction is fun. make up whatever you want. just make sure Chief has a beer

xanthopsira: You seem like a pretty funny guy in all the interview clips I’ve watched. My first question is (1) what comedians/TV shows do you enjoy watching?

I’m hoping to make it to DragonCon this year (my first convention ever). Someone already asked you if you’re going, so next question!

If it wasn’t for acting, what career path do you think you would have taken? Or what career path were you on prior to landing acting roles?

PS. You’re an AWESOME actor. Can’t wait to see you in The Bridge. Also, thank you for doing this and always treating your fans so well! I wish you tons of success. :)

family guy, american dad, cleveland show.

i have no idea what i would do if i wasn’t making a living acting.

I did a little of a lot of things. floorlayer, sports nutrition rep, etc etc

canadiangirl_86: Hello, Aaron. I’m gonna be a pain in the ass and add to all the questions you’ve already been asked.

I was wondering about your thoughts on Chief/Boomer. I don’t think I realized how much I enjoyed the complexity of that relationship until they brought it to the forefront of the storyline for those couple of episodes this season. Their ending was probably one of the more tragic ones in the entirety of the series, particularly because it ended with Chief right back where we all started at the beginning of the show – believing that the Cylons are “all the same”. While Boomer totally screwed him over and betrayed him, I still believed that there were genuine feelings on her part. Seems as though Galen would never believe that, and it strongly informed the lonely and cynical end of his storyline on the series.

What was your take on the way the relationship between Chief/Boomer ended?

Also, I saw the trailer for The Bridge and it looks effing awesome! Can’t wait to see you on my TV again.

All the best, Aaron.

I thought it was incredible. As an actor it was a great opportunity and it was especially special because that ep was written by Bradley and David.

meshel73: How do you take your coffee from Starbucks?

grande dark
3 raw sugars
half and half

NOTE: Aaron posted the following message after he finished replying to the questions …..

Subject: QandA

Sorry I took so long to get to the questions.

I also realize I didn’t answer every one. I did that because the question had already been asked and the answer is somewhere above.

I am happy that the Chief walked off and I don’t want to see him again. I will let my imagination tell me a story of what he is doing now.

Maybe when the Bridge airs we will do another of these.

bye for now.

Source: The Chief’s Deck (Aaron Douglas LiveJournal Community)

Filed Under: Interview - Online Tagged With: Ask The Chief

INTERVIEW: Ask The Chief (Q&A with fans) Jan 2009

Ask The Chief (Q&A with fans)
Date: January 14, 2009
Source: The Chief’s Deck (Aaron Douglas LiveJournal Community)

meshel73: The 10 questions that host James Lipton asks on Inside the Actors Studio

01. What is your favorite word?
02. What is your least favorite word?
03. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
04. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
05. What sound or noise do you love?
06. What sound or noise do you hate?
07. What is your favorite curse word?
08. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
09. What profession would you not like to do?
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

1. Boob
2. brussel sprout
3. Great music
4. really shitty commercials that the frakkin networks play over and over and over
5. silence
6. whispering
7. cock biter because it is such a bad thing
8. NHL goaltender
9. anything in sales
10. It doesn’t but IF it did I would like to hear that Elvis, John Candy and Debbie are over at the bar.

amysisson: Hi Aaron! Have you seen the new Battlestar Galactica board game? It’s actually quite good, and true to the show. Would you ever play it, or would that just be too weird?

No, and yes I would but only if the Chief had maximum killing power.

rebelliousrose: Hello, Aaron, and thank you.

I have two questions now;

How come you’d rather play Pendergast and not D’Agosta? I love them both, but D’Agosta’s just fun. He gets to order around the Mayor of New York. Perhaps you are a fan of correctly brewed green tea?

In the DVD extras, in The 12 Cylons, there is a shot of you on the phone in the hangar bay, in civvies, and all of a sudden a bunch of deckhands go by you with pillows- were those to cushion Sharon’s landing, or is there a deckhand sleepaway camp on Earth?

When did I say I would rather play Pendergast? I would be absolutely wrong for Pendergast. Callum Keith Renne would be perfect for Pendergast. D’Agosta is much more up my alley.

Has that aired? I don’t think it has. We were rehearsing, that is why I was in my sweats.

imfiery: Hi Aaron,

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

What do you like most about your new character Frank Leo?

Where in the world would you most like to vacation?

On new Caprica, they had you wearing specs (handsome look by the way) and then when everyone got rescued, they were gone. What’s up with that? No Opticians on Galactica?

Frank Leo…. In a way he is much like the Chief. He is a real man, you always know where you stand with him, he is honest and loyal. You have one chance with him and if you blow it, you are out. He does not let many people close to him but those that are close to him fall under his protective umbrella. He is a good man.

Vacation? Somewhere I have never been. Somewhere hot with pristine beaches and no one around. I want to sit on a beach for 2 weeks and just quietly read.

That is a good question. I don’t know what they did with that. I know the prop guys still have them. They are in a box somewhere.

baterista9: This will read “funny”, but I’m serious.

In general, do costumers provide EVERYTHING, including underwear and socks, or are there some “bring your own” items? (I assume that Wardrobe provides skivvies when the scene calls for the character to be seen in them. )

Exactly.

When the scene calls for underwear they will give you options to wear. Otherwise you wear your own…. or not.

catko: Hi, Aaron, thanks for doing this. I know it was ages ago, but I loved your small part on Reaper as the Devil’s Delivery Guy. You looked great and the bit was hilarious.
1) Can you say anything about what it was like to work on that show?
2) Is there any chance you’ll be returning? Will another contract be delivered?
3) How did it feel to wear the demon horns?

1. I really enjoyed my time on Reaper. A great crew and a really talented cast.

2. I doubt I will be back. I wish but I seriously doubt it.

3. Anytime you have prosthetics it is a real pain to sit in the chair for hours and get them applied but the make-up ladies on reaper were outstanding and we had a great chat. Once they are on you really don’t notice them, till you look in the mirror or knock them off changing a shirt.

maritas: Hi Aaron, do you think you’ll coming back to DragonCon next year?

I am most certainly planning on it. I doubt it will be as a guest but I plan on coming as an attendee with my brother and the rest of the lads.

We all had a blast last year.

Dragoncon is the best con of them all and if you have not been….GO!!!

shaylyn29: Hi Aaron, Thank You for taking the time to answer some of our questions.

1. Do you read the fan mail you receive? Do you ever reply to any?
2. I’m a big hockey fan, although my team isn’t doing good for our 100th season. Anyhow Mats Sundin made his debut for Vancouver the other night, your thoughts?
3. Has Edward James Almos heard your impression of him as Commander Adama? What does he think of it? You really almost sound exactly like him.

1. I read all of it. I try to respond when I can.

2. It will take Mats some time to find his timing but I fully expect he will be outstanding once he gets on track. He is an incredibly talented hockey player.

3. Eddie knows very well of my impression of him. When BSG had readthroughs of the script and Eddie was unavailable I would do all of the Adama parts. It would be quite funny when Adama would have a scene with Tyrol. It was just me talking for 2 pages.

boonav: Hello dear Aaron! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to some of your fans’ Qs! Here are a just a couple: (okay so I lied)

When ya have time to read, what type of literature do you enjoy? (Come on, you’re a closet romance reader aren’t ya?)

Of all of the characters that you have been able to play over the years,
what one(s) did you find the most interesting and why?

If there truly was a genie in the bottle.. What three wishes would you make?

You have said that you found Dragon Con to be a great convention to come to, but what makes it a good one in your opinion over some of the others that you have attended?

You hail from Canoodia. So I am assuming that you got your actin’ chops there. Are there any old shows of yours out on DVD that you could recommend? or beg us NOT to get (tee hee hee)?

Your autographed photo is on the wall in my office. You were/are so generious with your time for your fans. My Q is… what is the oddest thing that has happened to you in a fan encounter?

On a personal note I would like to say that you are a very nice and great guy. Thanks for being funny, truthful, candid, and a cutey patooty (I guess I need to thank your folks for that one). You are frakkin awesome and I hope that nothing spoils that for you! Take care, God speed! I bow to you with respect.

Lisa aka Boonav

HA…. no, no romance, unless you count Wilbur Smith.
I read a lot of history books. And I read Wilbur Smith, Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston. Right now I am in middle of The Library of Congress World War 2 Companion. It is amazing.
And if you are looking for some great Sci-fi go get anything by Peter Watts.

I will answer Chief until something more interesting comes along. Not only because I played him for 5 years, longer than any other character I have played but the sheer volume of his experience is astounding. Galen will always be a part of me.

Genie…. I would wish for 1,000 wishes

Dragoncon is Vegas without the gambling… ok, without the slots… It is totally “ureal”. I mean unreal in that it is not real. It is the best escape from the everyday. You get to spend an entire weekend with your closest friends with full permission to be an adult. The City of Atlanta, the convention itself, the hotels which host everyone and the people attending do an amazing job of allowing people to have fun and make their own choices. There is wonderful security but so often that security and the heavy handedness of a city or a hotel treats people like children. I am an adult, let me be an adult. Dragoncon, the hotels and the city of Atlanta allow this. If I want to stay up till 5 am having a beer with my friends, no problem. I hate it when other people impose their morals or belief in how I ‘should’ behave on me. Dragoncon does not do that. They treat their guests and attendees with respect and they give them the best bang for their buck. Dragoncon are not greedy profiteers like some other cons we know…. one in particular….
I will always recommend Dragoncon. I brought my brother and 6 of my closest friends last year and to a man they said it was the best weekend of all time. They were asking me to book flights and hotel for next year in the car on the way back to the airport. As my brother put it, “It is the funniest movie you have ever seen…but it is 4 days long.”
Of course hanging out with Tony, Andrew, Keith and Tracy doesn’t hurt either.

Old shows? not really sure. I am not embarrassed of anything. Some performances were not great but it is where I was in the development of my career.

There have been many…. Last year at Dragoncon a group of about 6 women and one guy came to me and asked me to pass on the guys phone number to one of my cast mates and to let that cast mate know that this gentleman would love to meet for a drink or dinner. The guy was too shy to do it himself so one of the ladies did it for him. He was too shy to even talk to me about it which I thought hilarious, that and the fact that the cast mate who he wanted to meet for a drink is not gay. I must admit I had to rethink my beliefs of this cast mate for a second but no, he is not gay. HA! That was funny!

Well thank you for your questions and your sweet words.

See you at Dragoncon.

oriencor: Hey Trouble – here’s my two questions:

What’s your favorite movie and why?

If Hollywood decided to do a remake of Bladerunner (I know, the horror, but it’s a what if question.) and offered you a role in it, which would you take and why?

I have so many favorite movies… wow… I play desert island with my friends sometimes, 5 DVD’s, 5 CD’s, 5 Books, 5 meals etc etc… and I think right now my 5 movies would be:

Thin Red Line
Planes Trains and Automobiles
Star Wars IV
Office Space
Pink Panther Strikes Again

I would have to read it first, look at who is directing and get a feel for what they planned. I would not trust many people with that remake but I think Bryan Singer or Tim Burton would make one hell of a film.

saberivojo: Hi Aaaron, thanks for doing this. It is great that you are willing to “chat” with us.

I’m a big music fan so the burning question I have is What type of music do you listen to? Who is on your IPOD? Do you have favorites and who are they?

Thanks again.

Wow…..

I have thousands of songs on my ipod. I listen to literally everything.

When I wake up I put on classical, usually Mozart or Hadyn or Yo Yo Ma.

As I answer these questions I am listening to Ladysmith Black Mambazo

txcynna: Just one question so I can decide if I will stay for the entire weekend…

Will you be at All-Con in Dallas this March? I wanted to see you and James at FedConUSA but we all know how that turned out… I was sad. very sad.

HA…

I had an amazing time last year at All-con. They were so professional and treated me so very well. And the fans were tremendous.

I will not be returning as a guest of the con this year BUT…. the members of the 501st are very eager to have me back to have a pint with them and goof off a bit. So right now, my pal Brian is working very hard on organizing a room and flight for me so I can get down there.
It will depend on my schedule which can change hour to hour but right now it is looking good for me to be seen in Dallas in March. You heard it here first.
Of course Michelle will keep you posted on this.

Lets all put Fedcon behind us and move forward… YES WE CAN!!!!

;-D

canadiangirl_86: Hey, Aaron! Thanks so much for doing this for us again.

A question for a fellow Canadian: what do you find to be the main differences between working on a Canadian set with a Canadian crew versus an American one?

Also, you took Mats Sundin from my city! What’s that about?

It was so great meeting you at FanExpo this summer even though I wish I’d had the guts to talk to you a bit longer. You totally took away the disappointment of Jamie Bamber cancelling. And thanks for your artwork! I should sell it on Ebay. Haha.

I have never worked on a US set but I would imagine the difference would be that they talk baseball and we are always looking for the hockey scores.

the great thing about this industry is that, for the most part, everyone on set is there because they want to be and not because they are just punching a clock. It is an amazing environment to work in when people are genuinely excited to be doing what they are doing. The crew on BSG was absolutely outstanding!!

You guys ran Mats out of your city with your shitty shitty team… ha
I would take the last 37 years of the Canucks over the last 37 years of the Leafs ANY FRAKKIN DAY!!

It was too bad Jamie had to cancel. I would have loved to have been there with him. I always have a great time with Jamie and I am very honored to call him friend. He is an exceptional actor and a really really good man, husband and father.

Talk to me longer next time.

fehrlybrendan: Hello Aaron, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!

I was wondering would you ever have liked to play a viper pilot on the show or is there any other character/actor that you wish the Chief had interacted with more?

Have you ever been to Ireland? If not would you like to visit someday?

Is there any particular role that you would like to explore and are you looking to move away from the science-fiction genre for a while?

Take care and thanks again!

I have no desire to be a pilot.

more interaction?….. I love working with Mary. I would have like more time with the other 7 cylons.

Never been to Ireland but it is high on my list. I hear it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and that the people are extraordinary. I have ancestors on my natural fathers side. My grandfather was a captain in the merchant marine during the 2nd world war and he was from Ireland. And I hear they have beer in Ireland… and whiskey… now that is my kind of country!!

I desperately want to do a World War 2 period piece. I would do it for free…. don’t tell my agent I just said that. I really wanted something in Band of Brothers 2 War in the Pacific but I couldn’t do anything.

If anyone has a role in a period war film…. call me!!!

beetlemier: Hi, Aaron! Wanted to say that even though I’ve never met you, you come across as such a fun and great guy. You’re so good to your fans and we all love you so much (yeah, a bit creepy there – sorry!). 3 questions:

1. I know that you’re a rock fan, so do you listen to Metallica? If so, what do you think of the new release? As good as the early stuff?

2. Any tattoos? If not, any that you’d consider getting?

3. Do you think that Chief loved Cally? If this information is given in the episodes still left to air, you don’t have to answer. I guess I mean in the past seasons.

Thank you so much for your time!

1. Yes, great band. Saw them recently on the new tour, outstanding concert. Nothing will be as good as Kill em All, Ride the Lightning or Garage Days but those were seminole moments in my childhood so I am looking through the lens of “Holy Shit this is awesome” as a teenager.

2. nope

3. In his way perhaps. The way you love a negative, overbearing, grumpy, whiny gasbag.

Nicki Clyne is nothing like Cally by the way.

katie_9918: Hi, Aaron! Thanks for doing these Q&As! My question is one I’ve had for a while and I was going to ask the panel at Dragon*Con, but I lost my nerve because I didn’t want to seem like I had an attitude about it, especially in front of the three people involved in the situation.

When Helo airlocked the Cylon prisoners before the Fleet could use them to send the virus to the Resurrection Ship, he got off with barely even a slap on the wrist, and this was after he made a galling comment about his presumptions of what New Caprica was like for those living under the Occupation. Now, I understand that Helo did the right thing, but my point of view says that it’s not like most of the ships in the Fleet can defend themselves. They depend on Galactica to defend them and Helo made it possible for the Cylons to keep terrorizing the Fleet, keep killing innocent people, keep driving them to despair, and I can’t believe he got off scot-free.

And then, a few episodes later, the Chief tries to make life better for the civilians and he gets tossed in lock-up and his wife’s life is threatened. Now, I know there were mitigating circumstances, being that Chief dragged his deck crew into the fray and it was a mutiny. I was with him right until he did that. But I still don’t think the punishment fit the offense, especially in light of what happened when Helo committed treason and got off scot free.

My question is, what are your thoughts on those two situations? Do you think they’re comparable in any way, and were there ever any discussions on the subject, especially given the clear parallels being made between the officers and the non-commissioned people on the ship? Sort of like the officers being given carte blanche to run around the ship, picking and choosing which orders to disregard, and the moment the Chief steps out of line, Adama lines up Cally against the wall and threatens to have her shot.

Also, I’m probably one of the five people who actually loved and adored Cally, even with her big flaws, because she reflected the way I believe I would honestly feel when placed in those situations. It seems like to me she’s gotten a lot of flak for having negative feelings about these situations she was always placed in and I really adored the Chief/Cally relationship and was heartbroken when she died. I’ve heard a lot of fans commenting that she deserved to die because she was planning to take Nick with her out the airlock.

I’m not sure if you’re the person to be asking (the writers or Nicki Clyne might be better equipped to answer the question), but do you believe Cally had a change of heart after hearing what Tory had to say in that airlock during “The Ties That Bind?” It might be my affection for the character clouding my view, but I honestly believe that she found some hope and regained some faith in you (that is, the Chief) and realized that maybe she could come to terms with everything and that was why she gave Tory the baby. Do you have an opinion one way or the other on that?

I’m sorry that was so long-winded. Thanks!

On the Helo thing I have to honestly say that that moment sealed my dislike for the Helo character. I thought it was a chicken shit move. I too was stunned that he did it, that there was no punishment and frankly that the fans did not bring it up more than they did. I thought it was great writing and a good piece of drama for the show but in reality I would’ve liked to see him or someone try to wipe them out. Every time something bad happens someone should turn to Helo and say, “You should have used that virus.”

No idea if Cally changed her mind but I seriously doubt it.

sickfuck_diablo: Hello Aaron, just wanted to give you props for a job well done as one of the most likable, stand up dudes on the show, and you seem like a really cool guy IRL as well. I have two really important questions.

1. You get offered one of these parts in a WW2 period piece directed by… Clint Eastwood or something. Which would you take…..
a. morphine addicted british medic
b. american marine storming the beach
c. a nazi spy. (No eyepatch)
d. A french POW.

2. Do you play video games? If so, please elaborate.

Thanks a lot! I am looking forward to seeing you in your future projects!

B… most definitely B

But if I could be a paratrooper or a member of the Devils Brigade that would be even better.

Some video games but usually only when my son is visiting or when Dan brings over his Wii and hooks it up to the big TV.

jamieaddict: Hey Aaron I hope you’re keeping warm in beautiful Vancouver and “chill-axing” as much as you can. Just a couple of questions:

Who is your favorite superhero/heroine?

Do you like dogs or cats?

If you had the chance to jam with a famous rock band, who would it be?

What kinds of video games do you like?

Have you been to the WW2 Memorial in Washington D.C.? It’s a must see, very moving.

Aquaman

Both although cats are pretentious assholes and dogs are idiots.

Barenaked Ladies

Any game where I can win and there aren’t too many buttons.

I have never been to Washington but it is on the list. Normandy first.

jeebs83: Hey Aaron, thanks for doing this. Quick question, how do you typically watch the episodes? Do you watch watch it when the episode airs or do you watch on a screener?

Usually when it airs like everyone else. I prefer a DVD from production as the quality is amazing whereas Space channel in Canada is FRAKKING BRUTAL, makes the show unwatchable. It’s like taking a screen off the screen door and putting it in front of the television and watching through that. Awful.

Where’s my HD you cheap bastards?!?!?!?!

jodi_z3: My questions are more timely as I hope to ask you others in person soon in Phoenix….

1) a) What in general do you look forward to most about attending cons? b) And more specifically, what are you looking forward to most about the upcoming Phoenix Comicon?

2) Episode 2 of 4.5 will air on Friday during the Phoenix con. Way back when you were to come to Dallas you were willing to go above and beyond and have a screening of the 4.0 finale while hanging out drinking with your fans. I know you aren’t at skiffy now and I would never dream of asking you to go to so much trouble again, BUT would it be possible to talk you into hanging out in some public place (alcohol provided of course) with your fans to view 4.5 Ep 2 in Phoenix? We would totally understand if other priorities or convention conflicts would interfere, just thought I would ask!

1. Meeting new people and talking about the show. Seeing old friends, other actors I admire and ones that need to be punched….. Yuri……

2. That would be cool but I am not sure I will have the time. I have a few meetings and dinners while I am in Phoenix but maybe someone will PVR it.

kymba: Greetings and salutations! Hope this finds you warm and cozy this evening, and thanks for taking time to answer.

What’s been your favorite film of this past year (2008), and why?

Is there a director, film or television, that you would work for, script unread?

I’ve hugely enjoyed your performance these past years, and hope to buy you a pint at the BSGCast thing in Pasadena next weekend. I’ll be the loud Kentuckian at the bar, lamenting the poor choices in bourbons. Cheers.

I did not see many films this year. Nothing jumped out at me. I do not go to a lot of movies. I did however like the Simpsons movie.

Tim Burton, without question.

Pasadena? I won’t be there. I have no idea what that is. Have fun. I don’t get invited to such things.

moonlight_steel: Hi Aaron,

I was just wondering, what were your favorite television shows grow up?

Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone’s questions.

Beachcombers, Canadians will get it.

SCTV, Benny Hill, Monty Pythons Flying Circus, Gilligans Island, Magnum PI (my mom LOVED Tom Selleck), Love Boat, Police Squad, Land of the Lost and the rest of Saturday morning cartoons, HNIC and I am sure there are others.

february_sky: hey aaron, i’ve only just recently started getting into the fan forums and looking up interviews, so i hope this question isn’t too repetitive. i was just wondering what you thought about the irony of chief tyrol & boomer? i mean, they couldn’t be together because boomer turned out to be a cylon & shot adama, and then now it’s revealed that the chief himself is a cylon. what are your thoughts on this?

also, when bsg airs, do you watch it on tv with your friends/the other cast members/whoever? has the cast ever come together to watch an episode, or is that too strange to see yourselves on tv?

We don’t get together to watch the show. I have never watched BSG with anyone other than a friend or two.

It is hard for me to watch the show and not see Katee or Eddie or Jamie and not the character so I don’t get into like others do.

Chief and Boomer? The irony is certainly there but there is more to the story.

gayfortinafey: Hi Aaron! Thank you for taking your time to answer all of these questions! I have a few:

1)I’m super, super, super excited for the 16th; I have a good reason for this, right?
2)Edward James Olmos described the ending as brutal. Is he right?
3)Do you know the identity of the final cylon? If you do, give us a clue – anything!

4)Who is/was your favourite cast member on set?
5)Did you guys have a lot of fun on the set of BSG?
6)What is your favourite episode of BSG?
7)What couple on BSG is your favourite?
8)How hard was filming the last episode(s)?

(I’m kind of BSG obsessed, I know! :D)

1. You have no idea…. buckle up.

2. I think it is perfect, poignant and beautiful, I have no idea what script Eddie read.

3. Seriously? How dumb do you think I am? ha, besides you don’t really want to know.

4. I have had amazing times with all of them. What I miss most is the crew. Thin Man, Rob, Tim, Ryan, Goody, Greg, Matt, Jose, Maurice, Resho, Rachel, Flamingo, Jimmy, Wayne, Shandley, Troy…well not Troy….. Marian, Mike and just so many more I could go on for pages…

5. We have good times and tough times, just like any workplace.

6. Flight of the Phoenix and the last one…..

7. Gaeta and Hoshi, I think they’re good together. Oh yeah, and the Chief and his shot glass.

8. You have no idea……..

draken11: Hi Aaron,
I am still kinda new to the fandom so maybe this question have been there already. But at first I would like to thank you taking the time to answer our questions.

I would love to ask (I hope thats not to personal), but did you always want to be actor?
Whats for you the hardest part in acting and what do you love the most as actor?

Thank you again for taking the time and I looking forward to one of your next movies. I really enjoyed everything in and with BSG and I looking forward more to see from the Chief in the last 10 eps.

Nope, wanted to be a lawyer all through high school until I realized that lawyers don’t do what Al Pacino did in …And Justice for All. Then I realized I want to be a lawyer on TV.

Getting up early for 5 am call times and then working for 16 hours then going home for 7 hours and doing it all again the next day and doing this mon-fri for weeks on end.

The ability to exercise my creativity. Meeting the most interesting people in the world and getting to go places and do things that most people never get the chance to do.

gdg: Aaron, thanks for doing this. I have two questions:

1) A lot of the BSG fan sites (SciFi forums, Battlestar-Blog.com, etc.) post episode review threads as new episodes are aired. As the final episodes unfold, do you plan on surfing these forums to see what the fans are saying? .. I’ve always been curious to know how many actual cast & crew members cruise the forums.

2) I’m drawing a BSG collage for an upcoming fan appreciation book. Do you have any preference as to which Tyrol should appear in the collage? — New Caprica bearded Tyrol, Orange Deck Chief outfit Tyrol, shaven head Watchtower Tyrol, etc. — Which version do you most want to see transformed into an AWESOME drawing?

Thanks, man.
Grant

I look at the forums from time to time, particularly when a chief heavy ep has just aired. I also look at the boards to see what the fans are saying about story lines etc…

As an actor you have to read everything with a grain of salt and with a thick skin. There are a few people who will come on the boards and just trash the show, your work and sometimes personal things about you. I cannot imagine how those people would feel if someone went to their workplace and just started ragging on them in front of all their co-workers and friends. The anonymity of the web allows a lot of people to be really petty and mean. It sucks but that is the price of celebrity and I am fine with it. I just ignore the boobs….. ha

The chief with really short hair is my favorite. It is as though he went full circle from the mini to the end.

mattski7: Hey Aaron, congrats on the great show and the great role – we’ll miss the Chief when it’s all over! My question is, why do you think “they” waited so long to give Gaeta a boyfriend?
Cheers

I think Gaeta had to figure out if he wanted to be in a committed relationship….

I have no idea… ask AJ…. ha

woolly_socks: Hi Aaron,

Congrats on your work from the first half of season four. I was fascinated to see how the Chief reacted to figuring out what he is, and your take on it was utterly compelling.

You’re a Batman fan, judging by the t-shirts. Can you tell me about some of your favourite heroes and villains? From everything, film, TV, literature.

Thanks!

Obviously Darth Vader is one of the greatest villains of all time.

Beowolf, William Wallace (the real man, not the one Hollywood bastardized), wow, this is a good question and I just woke up… let me come back to it later.

year_of_rabbit: Aaron – your resume (online) indicated that you have done some Shakespeare – are you interested in any other playwright’s works? I know that you have done some comedy, perhaps comedic plays? etc.?

I would love to do some more theater.

I just never get asked.

crazyvictoria: Hey, Aaron! You might not remember me – I was at Boozapalooza this year (I was the blonde girl with the brunette wearing the Battlestar, sweatshirt). Thanks for hanging with us! That was an awesome night, from what we can remember. ANYWAY, here’s my very deep and insightful question:

So, what’d you steal from the set? Anything cool, before they auctioned it all off? Apologies if you’ve been asked this question like, five thousand and one times.

OH, and what are your plans for watching the finale? I’m being asked to ask that, lol.

Cheers, mate! Here’s to hoping this weird as frak weather calms down here in Vancouver (okay, weird to a girl from the prairies, at least). Thank you for putting up with our questions! You are a brave man.

I stole nothing…..

Some of those items in the auction….? I don’t know….

No plans for finale.

karie22: Hi Aaron,

I know you can’t tell us how it ended, but what would your preference be for the resolution of the human/cylon war at the end of BSG? I know fandom is divided right down the middle on this issue, so I was wondering if the same was true for the actors.

Would you have preferred that all the humans and cylons live in harmony, for the cylons to blow all of the humans away (or vice versa), for all but select cylons to die (like the “good” ones, LOL), or for both factions to go their separate ways and never see each other again? Or maybe something else? If YOU had gotten to pick, what would have happened between these two warring races?

Thanks for taking the time, and I hope you have a wonderful week. I’m looking forward to having you on my screen again on Friday!

Most of the actors have different visions of how the show should end and how everything is resolved. My feeling is that it ends perfectly. The last time you see any of these characters should be the very last time you see them. I don’t want a continuation, I don’t want another show in 4 years saying where are they now, I think it is perfect, beautiful and absolutely sublime.

What happens in the end is the exact way I would have chosen to end it.

michellecore: Hi Aaron,
First, thanks so much for taking the time to do this. It’s great to see an actor who loves interacting with fans. I have two questions for you.

1) What was your least favorite moment to act/film on BSG?

2) What will you miss the most about your BSG experience?

Btw, better luck for the Canucks next year. I think this year is going to my Bruins finally. ;)

Something from the movie we did in September. When it airs you’ll see why.

Hanging out with the crew.

Your Bruins are rocking the world. Canucks are a team with no heart, pride or drive right now. They had better right the ship or they will be on the outside looking in come April.

Filed Under: Interview - Online Tagged With: Ask The Chief

INTERVIEW: Ask The Chief (Q&A with fans) Jan 2008

Ask The Chief (Q&A with fans)
Date: January 21, 2008
Source: The Chief’s Deck (Aaron Douglas LiveJournal Community)

rebelliousrose: First of all, I apologize for all the flashbulbs in your face at DragonCon- I’m used to shooting outdoors and I forgot how annoying the flash was. However my friend Joe in the hospital was thrilled by all the pics of you (he couldn’t go and see you due to illness) so thank you for your forbearance and hopefully not hating me. If you come back to DragonCon, I’ll buy you a single malt of your choice.

My question is; (well, I have like five hundred, but I’ll cut back and make it a two parter); Would you, as an actor, like to see the Chief and Boomer’s story have a resolution? and do you have a favorite american hockey team? (I’m a Flyers girl from childhood.)

Thank you for being generous enough to interact the way you do with fans. It means a lot to us.

I am Canadian. My favorite NHL team is the Canucks. Period. I cannot have a second team.
BUT… if forced… my favorite goaltender (actively playing) is Martin Brodeur so I guess I root for the Devils when they are playing. Purely out of loyalty to Marty.

I DO NOT want to see the Chief and Boomer return to any kind of relationship. There are rumors from the writers that the two of them reconnect but I HATE stuff like this. I like shows, like BSG, that move quickly on story lines and then get off them and never return (which was why I hated season one of Sharon and Helo running and running and running… we get it!!!! They’re on a planet running… Jesus… get off it now. Or the love 4 some with Apollo Anders Dualla and Starbuck…. Ugh…. move on please….). That honest enough?
I would not like to see them get back together or have any kind of resolution. I don’t think Cally would like that too much either. Cylon baby Nick maybe but not mommy.

canadiangirl-86: Thanks (yet again) for doing this, Aaron.

I was wondering if you could tell us about a scene or two that you found especially challenging to shoot in seasons 1-3.

Love your work on the show. You just keep getting better and better.

Everything on BSG is challenging… Its all so dark.

Probably the stuff at the beginning of season 2 where there was always someone dying. I had just lost my wife to breast cancer so shooting for 4 months of someone always dying in my arms was rather difficult.
Its why I drink… I blame BSG and Ron Moore for my liver failure… ;-p

kidding. It was hard but looking back it turned out pretty well I think.

That stuff and stuff from Season 3 after I tore my groin playing hockey. I couldn’t even move. They had my crutches standing by waiting for someone to yell ‘cut’!

ouch

now-all-is-well: Aaron, Is music a big influence in your life? What are your favorite bands? Do you have time to check out local bands where you live?

Thanks for being so fraking awesome!
Christine

wow!!!

absolutely!
If you ask anyone on set, what does aaron do between takes? I am on my ipod. That is why I love my wardrobe so much. it hides my Treo and my ipod.
I love it!!!!
It takes a lot of energy to shoot BSG for 13 hours and I am the kind of person who recharges alone so between takes I will put my headphones on and listen to something that recharges me and it also keeps the wolves at bay…. ha

music has always had a huge impact in my life. I grew up on almost every flavor.

I listen to everything. literally.
Right now I have refound my love for the Rat Pack.
I always listen to Elvis.
I love Anthrax, Metallica, The Town Pants (good friends of mine) Bare Naked Ladies, ….
man it is so hard to make a list.
Literally everything.
Another bunch of very close friends of mine have a band called desert raido. They are Vancouver boys.
My very good friend is Brad Paisley and I love his music. Actually will be at his Vegas show this Saturday. don’t tell him, it’s a surprise.
I wake up in the morning put on classical music or instrumental piano and make my coffee and sit quietly.
music is big

telscha: Of all the roles you have played what has been your favourite?
and if you had the choice of any role what would you chose?

Chief. Chief is a very cool character. Sam the Butcher will be interesting to see.

I want to do a sit com or a WW2 movie next.

woolly-socks: Hi Aaron, do you ever play golf with Callum (Keith Rennie)? Who wins?

HA. yes. I beat him once…. only because he took a 13 on the final hole. he was trying to clear the water hazzard. it was a Tin Cup sort of moment.

Not many people ever beat Callum. He is pretty frakking good.

Him and Bamber. Bamber is a great golfer. GREAT.

carencey77: Hiya Aaron! Completely non-showbiz-related question…I know it’s two years off, but are you going to try to stick around Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics, or get out of town? I hear there will be hockey. ;)

I will be here for the hockey. I could care less about any of the rest of it. This is the last Olympics the NHL’ers will be used and they are in my home town.

geeda: Hey Aaron, what are your favourite restaurants/pubs in Vancouver?
Any favourite local microbrewery beers?
PS – You were an awesome MC at the Town Pants 10th year show. Very nice of you to make sure the band members were well…hydrated :)

ahahhahahah… they were hammered… I am proud to have played a Jameson aided part in that.

favorite restaurants? Earls on Top. I worked there when I was starting out. Say hi to Dario for me.
Pre and post game Canucks go to Shark Club. Say hi to Conrad, Tim, Matt, Mike, Rob… the list goes on. Oh and Daniel Bacon of Stargate Atlantis is the DJ at Shark after Nucks games and on the weekend. so go make fun of him for me.
Vij’s is the BEST Indian food in Vancouver.
Japanese? Happa Izakia. sp?
G Sport on Granville is a great little sports bar as well.
And of course go to the Roxy and ask for Kyle. He’ll know what to do…… shhhh… just let it happen, don’t fight it.

jamieaddict: Hi Aaron! What is your idea of relaxing when you’re home?

quiet instrumental music. candles and a glass of red.

Nothing but the fireplace and reading.

christessa: Hi Aaron!

First off, it’s so awesome of you to set up an LJ account to connect with fans.

I’m a big Anthrax fan, and an even bigger BSG fan, so I’m sure you can imagine my delight hearing the band rave about my favorite television series. I saw a few pictures of you wearing an Anthrax tee and I was wondering if you were repaying the homage, are also a fan, or both?

I am a huge fan. Have been since I played hockey and football. It was what we played in the dressing room before games.
Scott Ian and I have become quite good friends. I am trying to get him on the show if we come back. He is a big BSG fan geek. It’s hilarious.

about2fray: This may seem senseless, but that’s just me.

You mentioned that your friend Brad was from West Virginia. Have you ever been, or considered coming around for a bit? I trash talk about my little home town, but it’s a very beautiful place.

I may get out there for a con sometime but other than that I am not sure. Maybe if Brad plays a show in WV and I can get out there for it.

blackeyedpotato: (I’ll be interested to read what you have to say about the Chief/Boomer situation, too…)

Hello Aaron! I really enjoyed meeting you at Brisbane Supanova last year (I was the faux-nudePoison Ivy-esque cosplayer, though I’m sure you can’t remember, haha), and I was wondering what else you got up to during your stay in Australia. What did you think of the place?

Australia was AMAZING!!! so was NZ.

Dan and I had the best time. I cannot wait to go back. His girlfriend really wants to go so he make be there sooner than me.
I want to go visit my friend Michelle in Melbourne so I am going to try and do that.
Not sure when though.

anno-superstar: Will you be back for Wolf Galactica Four? I attened Wolf Galactica Three as my first Wolf con and while I had a fantastic time (enough to come back this year), I was told it was not the same without “the Aaron Douglas Experience”. ;)

I am going to try.
Everyone email Bryan……..ha
I love the Wolf events. They are by far the best cons on the planet. You get so much real time with the fans and actors.
I love going to them. and they are cheap.
I always tell people from the US that they could probably do a Wolf con in London cheaper than they could a Creation con one state over.

julianathursday: like christessa stated above it is pure awesomecakes that you created a journal to reach out to your fan base. We couldn’t appreciate it more.

I’m curious. What your favorite memory on the set has been so far?

There are dozens.
Working with Mary.
with Dean.
punching Nicky
punching Tahmoh
punching Eddie
having a wardrobe malfunction which caused the entire set to see my hammer.
showing my son the ships for the first time.
laughing with Mary and Paul till we could not shoot.
working with Eddie in season 4 in a very specific scene in the bar.
getting Starbuck pregnant.
killing Gaeta
running david Eick over with my car.
watching Tigh and Dualla have an affair.

just so many…..

arlc: Hello Aaron,

I was going to ask you to Marry me, but then I realized I’d have to wait in line, soooo…here’s my question:

“What’s it like working with Mary McDonnell?”

Thanks, and keep up the great, great work.

-ARLC

Mary the sweetest most wonderful woman you will ever meet.
It was, to this point, the highlight of my acting career. It was so special and I will never forget that day and that scene.

the one at the end of dirty hands.

I am pausing here but I will be back.

If I stay I will miss the Canucks game and you all know how that cannot happen.

see you soon.

ficwriter1966: OK, I’ll chime in!

We need your favorite Ron Moore anecdote.

(Thanks for doing this. It’s above and beyond.)

End of season 3. I found out in Sept that they were going to make the Chief a Cylon. I was not allowed to say anything to the writers, I wasn’t supposed to know. I asked Ron and David off handedly if anything was coming up for the Chief.

They both said, “nope, not much, just rolling along like he usually does.”

I walked away thinking LIARS!!!!!!! FRAKKING LIARS!!!!!

wildflowerz: K, I’ll ask one.

Do you read? If so, what types and authors interest you?

I read a lot!

I am just finishing a book on Elvis called Revelations from the Memphis Mafia by Alanna Nash.

A Frakking brilliant book.

I am also reading a lot from Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and brilliant men of that ilk.

I also love Wilbur Smith, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child.

nnaylime: First, thank you so much for doing this!!

Second, among the more interesting analyses I read of the character of the Chief was one that said he was an everyman’s Adama–that is, the stalwart leader to whom everyone looks and everyone admires below-decks–which is another big part of the reason the choice of Adama to fight with him was so interesting.

I found that to be a really apt comparison and the idea of an above-decks/below-decks parallelism to be compelling, and am wondering whether you have any takes on that and in particular how you view Tyrol vis-a-vis the officers’/leadership’s social structure? (N.B. I know a lot of this was shot to hell with the “reveal” and I’m not asking you to divulge anything you can’t — this is merely intellectual curiosity).

I have spoken to many military people about situations like this. Where you have a crew chief who has been there for years and a new hot shot officer. Now the officer has all the rank but it is very well known that a Chief will ask the office to ‘come around this corner for a second, I want to talk to you’ then jam the guy against the wall and explain that it is his crew that keeps that jackasses plane in the air and that will never speak to the deck hands in that manner again…..

and the senior officers always back up the chief.

I like that.

teribsg: I was wondering how the strike is affecting all the BSG workers (everyone)? And if there is an end in sight? Please don’t let them just end the show, let there be a resolution after the strike!!! Thanks

we have been down since mid november.
The strike continues.
if we do not return soon my fear is that BSG will end where it is.
and that will really be too bad.

maquismom: When I start my imaginary theater company and bring you in as a guest artist, what role would you like to play? Are you ready for Hamlet yet? And since I understand you’re a good singer you might as well stick around and do a musical, too–any favorite roles you might be interested in?

I would love to play Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.

Or Henry the IV

karie22: You are so sweet to get online and post with your fans like this. Michael Trucco does the same thing, and I think it’s so great that you guys are that down to earth and you want to spend time conversing with your fans. Bravo!

I was trying really hard to think of a question that you would be able to answer (i.e., not too spoiler-y), and I remembered a really good question that Katee answered in an interview about season 4 a while back. I figure if she can answer it without getting into trouble, it shouldn’t get you in any trouble either.

The question was: What has been your favorite line that you’ve spoken so far in season 4?

(Katee’s answer: “I’m not a cylon, you bitch!!” The boards went crazy speculating about which “bitch” she was talking to.)

Thanks again for being here, Aaron. We love you, we miss you, and we can’t wait to see you on our screens again! God bless.

Katee was calling Trucco a bitch…… ;-)

Favorite lines from season 4?

Daddy’s sorry…..

Drop your dicks and grab your sticks (although that might not make the edit)

I guess he told them…..

If I think of any more I will let you know.

robsomebody: Wow, like everyone has said, thank you for taking the time to do this! Never expected this in a million years. So my question:

Have you kept (or plan to keep) any cool BSG set pieces to remember the show by when it’s all over?

I steal stuff everyday……

nicole_anell: 1) If you could play any character on BSG, other than the Chief, who would it be?

2) What was your favorite episode or scene LAST season? See, no spoilers necessary for this question. :)

Thanks for doing the Q & A!

1. a centurion

2. boxing with adama

and being on the algae planet with my best friend from high school who I got to work as an extra. was great to see him and hang out for a few days. I got him really drunk one night when I had an afternoon call and he had to be up at 5:30… hahahahhhaaaaa

ozq: Hi :D

If you could play any role from any time, any movie (real or imagined), or any book, what would it be?

NOTE: no BSG allowed! “What I’m doing/have done” would be a cop out..lol

Han Solo

book?

Agent Pendergast from the books by Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston.

any character from Wilbur Smith books

lucky63: Wow! This it is so amazing that you are willing to do this Aaron, props to you!

First I was wondering a bit about your relationship with hockey. Did you ever play? Favorite player? Personally, I am a goalie and have been born and raised a Dallas Stars fan :)If you are ever in Dallas I have season tickets and a connection for the Platinum level suites!

Now for a show related question. Some of us have been dieing to know the “drunk Jamie” story that Katee and Tahmoh alluded to at one of the cons, so can you shed some light on that or tell us a funny story about something that happened with the BSG cast on or off set?

I will be in Dallas in March for Allcon

I have been on skates since I was 2. I am also a goalie. Goalies rule.

I played till Junior. Favorite players? Growing up, Billy Smith, Richard Brodeur, Ron Hextall, Kirk McLean.
Now, Martin Brodeur.

There are thousands of funny stories. Maybe get Michelle to make me a page where I can write a story every week and post it. Would y’all like that?… Sorry for the y’all, I’m listening to Brad while I type and that’s how he talks….. ha

dianora2: So….what is your favorite breakfast cereal? Raisin Bran or Cocoa Pebbles? Or can the two coexist peacefully?

More serious question: As you look for (and book) post-BSG work, are you planning on staying in Vancouver long-term and working from there, or do you envision a move to L.A. at some point in your future?

Thanks!

Honeycomb, Captain Crunch, Rice Crispies (if they are in bar form) Lucky Charms

I will move wherever I have to to get a good gig. I would love to stay at home but that is not the nature of our biz.

andrewisbored: I just wanted to thank you for doing Q&As like this.

My question:

Have you ever watched Firefly, Buffy, or Angel..And if yes, did you enjoy it?

no no no and I probably would.

James Leary is a friend of mine so I guess I need to watch his show hey?

dues-cz: Hello Aaron, I was just wondering if you ever were in Czech Republic?

And do you have some project working on now, or after BSG? I loved your little part in Reaper, those horns were… well strange :)

I just finished Smallville and I am working on The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Never been to Czech rep but I would love to go there.

triniroslin15: Hi Aaron. Firstable I want to say that I love your character in BSG. I really enjoy him.

And my question:

What was your first thought when Ron and David told you that you were going to be one of the last cylons? Did you want to kill them or actually like it the idea?

Kisses from Spain!!

I hated it.
Ron talked me off the ledge and explained why and now I love it.

holdingwonder: Before the end of season three possibly changed the story, did you ever come up with or know a backstory for the Chief? I think at one point he said he’d been serving on battlestars since he was 18 years old. In joining the service, was he rebelling against his parents, doing something he was good at, earning money for dental school, or what?

Thanks for doing this Q&A and good luck in the future. I’ll be watching.

Funny… no I don’t do backstory.
I just read the words in front of me and say them as simply as I can.

There’s my acting tip. Say the lines as simply as you can.

yeattsie: Mr. Douglas-

Those of us who have seen/met you in person well know of your very engaging, funny, amusing personality. Your appearance definitely made Dragon*Con for me.

My question is this: Are you married to dramatic performance, or are you planning to do some comedy in your future? Why/why not?

Thank you for taking the time to do this, it’s definitely above and beyond general fan interaction!

I want to do a sitcom for sure.

Check out a movie I did called Lucky 7 with Patrick Dempsey and Kimberly Williams.

Patrick and I ad lib’d all of our scenes. It was the funniest stuff to do. The director just said, go!

I had 3 lines in the script. It is a wonderfully cute movie

arkady_: Hi!

First of all, thanks for this. ^^

I was wondering if you had the chance to talk to Michelle Forbes in the set during the Pegasus story arc. If that’s so, what could you tell me about her?

And, also, what’s the best thing for you about being an actor?

Thanks a lot, love from Spain

I was not in the Razor movie so I haven’t spent a lot of time with Michelle. What time I have spent I know she is an amazing actor and a truly wonderful woman. She is very sweet, intelligent and very funny and fun loving.
The fans…. thats the best thing.

and the time off….

that and catering on set.

yokana-yanovick: Hi Aaron! :)

I’ve always been curious about one thing.

I’ve always wondered if actors usually surf the net searching for stories, comments or pictures made by fans about their characters, do you do it?

Thanks a lot for letting us ask you anything!

Kisses!

I don’t have to look.

My good friend Michelle sends it all to me…..

redvelvetandi: Hey Aaron!

First off, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. You truly are an awesome guy!

I know some variation of this question has already been asked, so feel free to skip it if necessary, but describe a typical day when you’re not on the set?

And, a coworker and I dressed up as viper pilots for Costume Day at our work last year (we work in a library, we need to stay sane somehow). A male coworker of ours actually resembles you (circa Season Three when you had the beard and could be seen wearing glasses), so we bribed him into dressing up as Chief, complete with orange jumpsuit! It was pretty cool, but unfortunately, the rest of our coworkers (who are non-“BSG” fans) thought he was an escaped convict, and that my fellow viper pilot and I were in the military. Anyway, I was just wondering, what’s it like going to conventions and seeing fans dressed up as your character? Honor? Fear that the end is near? Smug because your costume is better? ;-)

Thanks again for doing this. If I ever make it to a convention, I’ll definitely stop by and say hi. And politely ask for a picture and autograph.

-Andrea

I love it when people dress up as me. I want to go to a con and see an entire Army of Chiefs….. Then we will take over the scifi world!!!

Typical day not on set?

get up, get coffee and put on classical music, check emails and do some computer work,
go for a run or a skate or the gym.
if there is nothing in the evening like a Canucks game I will usually just hang out at home alone and relax.
Or i will go get a bite with Dan and Colin.

Pretty slow lazy days…

meshel73: Do you know what Cylon number Chief Tyrol is?

If he hasn’t been allocated a number yet, what number would you like it to be?

The unassigned numbers are 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12.

I’m rooting for number 9 for the Chief.

i got to choose

blacktieiii: Not a BSG question, but do you think the Canucks will win the cup this year?

Fellow Vancouverite

ha
no chance…..

not without some big trades.

this team is not skilled enough as is.

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