Exclusive One-Year Anniversary Interview: December 2001
 

Your character of Major Davis on Stargate SG-1 has continued to grow in popularity. What would you like to see happen with the character in the future?

Well, naturally I'd like Major D. to go through the Gate. But there's nothing new there. But if I had to get a little 'deeper' perhaps. I think it might be really cool if Major Davis somehow found himself in a situation that required a very personal decision. His decision. Not the Pentagon's. Not Hammond's. And not a scene behind a computer screen either. Instead, put him right there. Face-to-face with a moral dilemma. Perhaps even something that required violence on his part. Not exactly sure what. Oh, that...or a love scene with Amanda Tapping. (If not Amanda, maybe Teal'c).

If there is a feature film and/or television spin-off after Season 6, as proposed, would you like to see Davis included?

Yes. But only if he could get my own spin off series. You could call it "The Major Davis Show." Or, "Bustin' a Major Move." Something like that. The first episode could have Major D. having to dress up as a woman to get a cheap apartment in New YOrk. (It worked for Tom Hanks).

After making your first convention appearance this past September at Gatecon, how has your perception of conventions changed?

I used to think that convention people were nuts. After the con in Vancouver, I'm certain of it.

Was the experience different than you had anticipated?

Yes and no. I figured mostly everyone there would be real "Gate Heads." I just never thought I would have liked them so much. I met a lot of great people. Seriously. It made me recall the days when I hung out with a bunch of people and we all had this great thing in common. And I miss that. There's a real strong sense of community among the fans of Stargate. I was priveleged to have been a part of it and I now look forward to them more than I ever thought I would.

What was it like sharing the stage with your buddy JR Bourne at Gatecon?

SHARING?! Are you kidding me? Did you see that rat bastard? He kept me hangin' in the wings for the first twenty minutes while he made love to the crowd. Thank God I was amplified. If I hadn't of been holding onto that microphone no one would have known I was alive! Nah, it was a blast. JR is awesome and can't think of a more generous, down to earth guy on the face of his head shot.

Were you surprised by how well-received you were?

Well. "Well-Received," is a little relative. I didn't get any "boo's," which was a good thing. But it's not like anyone threw their panties up on stage either. (Maybe next year) wink wink.

Are you hoping to appear at Gatecon 2002?

Of course. In fact, I've been secretly been going down there during the day hanging out in the lobby, pretending to look humble. I really want to be ready.

Did you enjoy Sekh's Party at Planet Hollywood? What was it like being "mobbed" by hoardes of adoring fans?

In all honesty, it felt strange. It was my first real taste of "the Con." And to have people ask for your autograph, picture, etc. in such "quantity" was a little strange. I've never experienced that before. Granted, every now and then someone will come up to me in a cafe' or something and say that they liked this or that, or perhaps even ask for an autograph or picture. But I've never had them line up the way they did. But I'll tell you. It really made me realize that, in some...wonderfully, unique kind of way, it was important. I came to appreciate the fans as much as they came to appreciate me. And when all was said and done...I would have stood there until the sun went down. Until that last person that wanted a photo got one.

Your fan-club and website are about to celebrate their ONE-YEAR anniversary. Has having a fan-club and official website changed your life?

No. But it has been an embellishment to it. It's added a different perspective to things. I've been able to communicate with people I would never have come in contact with otherwise. It's been a real treat.

What are the advantages?

Advantages? Hmmm. Not sure on that one. I suppose it could be a bit of an ego-boost. But I'm not all that sure if that's an advantage.

Any disadvantages?

The periodic "temptation" to log online and stare at my name in bright blue lights!!! Meee! Meee!

Any words of wisdom to share on this auspicious occasion?

Yes. If two girls illegally find out your e-mail address and say that they want to start a fan-club and website in your honor, they may actually be insane enough to make it happen.

Do you have any new ideas for the website and/or club that you'd like to share with us?

Yes. I'd like to start a "Find the Colin in the Colon Contest." We could draw up a picture of the human digestive tract and then "discreetly" place a picture of me somewhere inside the large intestine. Either that, or we could have a "send in the nude photo of yourself and have drinks with Colin Contest."

Your fan-club members really appreciated your posing for exclusive photos in your CC Fans T-shirt with your Major D. teddy bear. They certainly can't imagine many actors taking the time for that. Was it fun?

They can't imagine an actor taking the time to take a photo in a T-shirt? I've got news for you. I've seen the "Annex." And I'm sure it wasn't all that much of a stretch for them to "imagine it," considering some of the other things I've read.

How would you describe your character, Attorney Sean Ryerson, on "Cold Squad?"

Tough. No bullshit. Works a lot on "principle." "Principle" being the foundation for his moral compass. But, also a man who can separate the job from the people in the job. I think he has great respect and even friendly camaraderie for the character of Ali. But when he's working, it's all business.

Did you do any special research or preparation for the role?

As much as I could with the time allotted to me. I hung out at the court house for a day. But basically based the character on a guy I worked for once at the corporate level. The guy was so damn cock sure of himself. Suffered no fools. Headstrong. My way or the high way, pain in the ass. But he was also damn good. And at the end of the day, he took off his "hat" and bought everyone pizza, beer, gifts for your kids, etc. You could criticize his methods, but never once was he without respect.

What was it like guest-starring on an episode of "Mysterious Ways?"

Hands down, the highlight of the year. Great part. Great crew. Great cast. Great show.

Have you done many death scenes? Are they more of a challenge than other scenes?

Ask any kid if he's ever done a death scene. We all have. But it was a treat. Anne Marie Loder is a fantastic actress and Adrian never left me hangin'. It was a fantastic experience. Truly.

Do you approach a recurring role differently than a one-time guest-appearance?

No.

Your indie film "Zacharia Farted" recently screened at the Foyle Film Festival in Derry, Northern Ireland. How did it go?

The screening went great. Though I will say that something about that festival was very strange. I don't want to knock it, because it's so hard to put something like that together, but ultimately, we never felt all that welcome. And that's a shame. Because there were not a whole lot of filmmakers there and we really looked forward to it. (My family being from Ireland and all). They could have really used some good P.R., but they'll not get it from us. Anyway, the screening had a fantastic turn out. And many people came upt to us and thanked us for making the film and for telling the story. That always makes it worth it.

Can you describe what goes on at a Film Festival from the perspective of a filmmaker?

Depends on the festival. Some festivals have huge budgets and so it's red carpet and gift packs, parties, lethal competition and huge turnouts. Whereas others have very limited funding and so, are a little more people-based, which is awesome. Smaller sometimes means more attention. It's special to all involved. It's a tough question to answer, because there is so much to a festival. And a story for every aspect of it.

Were there any film or films screened at the festival which left a real impression on you?

The last "festival" film I saw was "Before Night Falls." A wonderful film.

What was the highlight of the festival for you?

Simply to screen the film in the country of my parents' birth was an honor I'll not forget. And some of the short animation was second to none. Brilliant stuff.

Do you have any plans to make a new film of your own in the near future?

Always. Keep your eyes peeled.

How often do you go to the movies for fun?

At least once a week. Sometimes four a week.

What's the best new release you've seen recently?

Hmmm. Tough one. I've actually been hibernating last little while. "Sexy Beast" was brilliant (though if you've got a problem with bad language - stay away). I just rented "Twelve Angry Men" the other night. God that's good. A lot of people knocked "A.I." But I think that that film will go down in history as one of the least-appreciated films of the generation.

What are some films that have inspired you?

Cinema Paradiso. Run Lola Run. Waiting For Guffman. Hollywood Shuffle. Baraka. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Zacharia Farted.

Have you ever taught filmmaking?

I've lectured. Can't be taught really.

If not, would that be something you'd be interested in doing?

Might be fun.

What is the best book you've read in the past few months?

Speak - by Laurie Anderson.......wonderful.

As you know, your fans have been anxious for you to record some of your original music. Do you think you might make that happen anytime soon?

Working with Kevin Mackenzie of "Damn the Diva" at the moment. Hope to have something done before winter is out.

If and when you do record an album, what title would you want to give it?

"Colin Cunningham's Greatest Pits?"

What would you want on the cover?

The Pope on a trampoline.

You play both saxophone and guitar, does one give you more satisfaction than the other?

The saxophone is a much better kisser.

Is there any other instrument that you wish you could play?

The compass.

Are there any songs being played on the radio currently that you really dig?

Very few. They all sound the same to me. It's all one long song. If you listen for an hour, it's an hour long song etc. I like the new Creed single. That band gets way too much criticism. They're a fantastic band. Rock on guys.

Do you have a favorite holiday?

"Office Secretaries Week" or Christmas. Tough call.

How do you usually spend the winter holidays?

On a snow board in Vancouver or in the San Jacinto mountain range above Palm Springs California.

What do you hope Santa brings you this year?

A lock of hair from Osama Bin Laden. That, or a new FIRE TRUCK!

Have recent world events changed the way you look at life?

No

Live your life?

No

Where would you like to see yourself, career-wise, one year from now?

Hope to still be acting for a living. And I would really love a small, little home, with a happy little backyard. (In every country in the world).

Five years from now?

I hope to have kicked the drug habit that I don't have now. And piece back together the love between myself and ex-wife (whom I've yet to meet and marry), then do infomercials for awhile 'cause I can't find work, then ultimately become an ordained minister.

At least until Quentin Tarantino calls to bring me out of retirement.

Interview Copyright © 2001 ColinCunningham.com