Transcript from Showtime Livechat with Randy Harrison (Jan 2002)

[RHintervews]

Transcript from Showtime Livechat with Randy Harrison [January 20, 2002]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moderator1 Welcome everyone! Thanks for signing on for our chat with Randy Harrison who plays "Justin" on Queer As Folk. Randy, a veteran of the stage, has been acting since the age of seven. He received his BFA in Theatre from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Randy has also appeared professionally in various theaters throughout the U.S. Some of his favorite performances have been in productions of "Violet," "1776" and "West Side Story." Randy made his television debut in Showtime's Queer As Folk. He will also be seen in the upcoming Showtime Original Picture "Bang Bang You're Dead." Welcome back to our QAF chats for a third time, Randy. Let's get started and talk about the third episode of season two!
Randy_Harrison :Thank you everyone for coming out to talk to me tonight. I hope you enjoy the episode.

read more

CalystaRose: How did it feel this season, when you began shooting, vs the first season? More comfortable, less stressful, etc?
Randy_Harrison: Second season has been completely different. More comfortable, slightly more laid back, but there's a bit more expectation on the show because of the success last year. Overall though, it's great to be back and working on new scripts and working again with people I really enjoyed working with last year.

Baltimore: Your performance the past few episodes has been compelling. How did you prepare yourself for playing someone traumatized like that?
Randy_Harrison: Fortunately, the writers and executive producers helped me out in obtaining research on post traumatic stress disorder. Also, I was able to work with a physiotherapist, figuring out exactly how Justin's brain injury would affect his movement.

sugarmaude: I'm curious to know if you and the other cast members spend time together outside of work? You all seem to have a great onscreen chemistry
Randy_Harrison: Yes we do spend time together outside of work. I think our relationships outside of work has greatly fueled the chemistry together onscreen.

ShawnTCC: Randy, Hello from Florida. My question is how do you think Justin has Grown and where would you like to see him go by the end of this season?
Randy_Harrison: I think Justin has grown tremendously over the last season and the trauma that he experienced at the end of last season ... definitely shaped him signficantly for this season. I look forward to watching Justin become more independent, more self-confident and continue to pursue his goals.

allison: Hey Randy, it's great to have the show back! Congratulations on your new movie, "Bang, Bang, You're Dead!" Just curious to know how the experience of filming the movie differed from shooting the show?
Randy_Harrison: Filming the movie was an amazing and completely different experience. The movie was shot in 20 days and I played a different character and a completely different style of film. So it was a great complement to the work I do on the show and equally satisfying.

BryanBenoit: Randy, are you guys filming now for next season? if not when do you start? and also are you planning on doing any other acting, films etc?
Randy_Harrison: No, we are still finishing up season 2. We are on episode 13. Yes, I really hope to continue doing different kinds of film work.

Bill10023: What was your reaction the first time you saw yourself on a billboard?
Randy_Harrison: I was embarrassed.

Scott6753: Randy, do you have any movie projects coming up?
Randy_Harrison: I'm working on it!

Y_von_E: Do you really know how to draw?
Randy_Harrison: No, I don't know how to draw. It's acting combined with someone from the art department's hand.

Fauna: Randy, the show is fabulous--I love the relationships/friendships that you all portray! Has the success of the show encouraged you to look at other projects i.e. movies?
Randy_Harrison: I'm always looking forward to another projects and a different role to play.

palmdalecutie22: How did your career get started?
Randy_Harrison: I've been acting since I was a child. It's all I've ever wanted to do and pretty much all I've ever done. I've been doing professional theatre for about 5 years and QAF was my first break into TV.

nora: Will you be at the DVD signing in Toronto?
Randy_Harrison: Yes I will.

AshleyS: Randy, What was your favorite episode to film so far?
Randy_Harrison: My favorite episode to film was for the 1st season ... the last episode. The second season was episode 5.

medicjoy: Hello from Alabama, what did you first think when you were approached about playing the part of Justin, was it hard to accept such a role, after all this is not a typical prime time show.....
Randy_Harrison: Absolutely not. I was thrilled at the opportunity of being a part of something different.

Christina_Marie: Can we expect to ever see you on stage performing in NYC?
Randy_Harrison: I hope so!

blueslady: what acting parts do you like the most? drama, comedy, etc?
Randy_Harrison: I definitely have a propensity for dramatic roles, although as an actor, I'm always looking to challenge and stretch myself. I would love to do classical theatre again. I would love to do comedy. I'm just looking forward to an eclectic career.

Jko108: Hey Randy...here is a question from Philly...If you could not be an actor, what other occupation would you find yourself doing?
Randy_Harrison: If I weren't an actor, I'd be dead!

KellyMike: Hey Randy! Do you think the success of the show will lead to type-casting you in gay roles in the future? How do you think you might overcome that as an actor?
Randy_Harrison: I'm sure I will have a lot of things to fight against. I think the only way I can overcome it is by always being the best actor I am capable of being.

SilverBullet19: Randy: What other actors do you look up to?
Randy_Harrison: There are so many actors that I admire and learn from watching. My favorites are Derek Jacobi, Sean Penn, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lili Taylor ... the list goes on and on. I feel as a young actor I have a significant amount of gratitude for other actors and their work.

Lilly Hi from Texas:, Randy what is it like working with Gale Harold?
Randy_Harrison: It's great!

chillin: Hey Randy. What is your average work load / filming schedule like?
Randy_Harrison: It totally depends on the episode. The episodes I'm heavily feature in, I can work 16 hours, 5 days a week sometimes. But the episodes I'm not in as much, I can have 4 days off.

kbfan: I've found the work you've done so far in Season 2 to be very impressive, is it more challenging for you as an actor to play Justin this year?
Randy_Harrison: First of all, thank you. I definitely find it more challenging this year. Justin has more difficult story lines and series TV provides pitfalls in the monotony of the work ... keeping it fresh, keeping yourself motivated. It eventually becomes second nature.

SteveB_Ohio: Greetings, Randy... I wanted to say how impressed I am at the calibur of acting you bring to the show. How do you portray the character so naturally?
Randy_Harrison: Thank you so much! That's a difficult question to answer. I just try to rely on the text and the other actors in the scene and the things that I feel I have established about the character.

QAFQueen4E: Randy, are there any real comedians on the set? From the out-takes on the season one tapes, it looks like afun set to work on!
Randy_Harrison: It's a totally fun set to work on. Hal is a comedian. A real comedian.

carolina: what is one of the best aspects of the role you portray?
Randy_Harrison: I find playing Justin very empowering. And it's always thrilling to play a character who in some ways, has more balls than you do. It challenges me to be stronger and a more direct person.

Major_Catch Randy:, it seems, through the excellence of your interpretation of Justin, he has become more prominant than his Brittish counterpart. Have you seen the Brittish QAF?
Randy_Harrison: I can't answer that because I've only see the first episode of the British series. I enjoyed it a lot and I feel we have an enormous debt of gratitude to Russell Davies and the British series. But I was scared getting too involved thinking watching the British series would affect my role and my personal contribution negatively.

roberthed: do you have an"inspiration" that led you to becoming an actor?
Randy_Harrison: I can't pinpoint any specific event in my life. I just know from the moment I first saw a play and felt the communal and almost religious power and beauty of the theatrical experience ... I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Theatre and acting has always been home to me and a center for me.

firefly319 : How do you feel now that you have so many fans? Is it crazy all of a sudden having a "following"?
Randy_Harrison: Yes it is crazy! While I'm deeply appreciative of the people who love the show and love my work ... it feels very surreal. And at times, a bit superficial.

kbfan: Has the success of the show affected you much? And in what way?
Randy_Harrison: The success of the show has entirely changed my life. Professionally, artistically, personally, financially, in both positive and negative ways. I'm extremely grateful for the experience.

kcyardley: I am a big fan of Sharon Gless! What is she like to work with?
Randy_Harrison: Working with Sharon is a blessing for me. She is so kind, so giving and has so much to offer as far as her life experience and her acting experience. I feel she continues to challenge all of us to be better actors when we are working with her.

Trampyre: Do the actors get any chance to give the writers feeback as to the direction of their characters?
Randy_Harrison: Not as much as we'd like to.

Brett18: Is Peter Paige a funny character offset as he is on the set?
Randy_Harrison: Peter, although entirely different from his character Emmett, is every bit as funny, if not more.

Ed874: Your character comes across as a very compassionate person. You have the potential to have a very positive influence on young people. How do you feel about that?
Randy_Harrison: I love that Justin can be a role model, that he can help comfort gay teenagers. I try not to feel too much pressure about trying to set a sort of standard. I hope that people can see Justin as a flawed human and grow from his strengths as well as observing the mistakes that he makes.

FanInNH: What storyline on the show has been your favorite?
Randy_Harrison: I think obviously the most significant story line to Justin is in his relationship with Brian. Exploring that, the beauty of it, the darkness of it, has been definitely the most satisfying and interesting experience on the show.

Tammels: Randy, how did you personally feel about the bashing episode? I was very touched and cried for nearly an hour.
Randy_Harrison: I'm glad that you cried, I guess. At least I'm glad that you were affected. Interestingly, it was pretty easy for me to do. Because my character was unconcscious for it, so I really had to play was the scene beforehand ... all the joy and happiness at the prom scene.

MoMo: Randy, what has been the most challenging scene that you've been in to date? By the way I love your character so much and hope you keep up the great work!
Randy_Harrison: Thank you for the compliment. The most challenging scenes for me to do are the scenes were Justin does very litt.e Like, at Woody's or Babylon where he's just sort of background or making smart-ass comments.

gabriel: Is there anything you've been able to contribute to the character of Justin that wasn't written into the part?
Randy_Harrison: It's difficult for me to pinpoint exactly what my own contributions to the character are. I definitely think that being older, I find myself consistently pushing Justin to be less of a stereotypical teen character. And a more complex and sophisticated adult. I put everything that I have into Justin and I'm not exactly sure what comes through.

Briancg74: Did you draw from any personal experiences in preparing for the part?
Randy_Harrison: I draw from every personal experience I can when I am acting.

Dennis946: The selection of cast members seems so good. Did you tryout for the show or did they seek you out?
Randy_Harrison: I auditioned for the show.

Mark: Randy, was there any effort to try to speak with the distinctive Pittsburgh accent on the part of any of the actors in the show?
Randy_Harrison: No there wasn't.

Sandman: Randy, do you get to choose any of Justin's waredrobe??
Randy_Harrison: No I don't. I have vetoing power when something doesn't fit or looks like shit. But in general, Justin's wardrobe is really different from mine and I trust the wardrobe designer.

britmom621: Hi Randy from Atlanta. I love the show. Which actor on QAF would you say you learn the most from and why?
Randy_Harrison: Honestly, I learn from every other actor on the show. I find there is always something to be gained from your scene partner. I suppose that Gale has probably taught me the most because he is the person I have the most significant scenes with.

Raquel_in_CA: Where do you think you relationship will go with Daphne after graduation? Will Brian ultimately affect it?(Makyla)?
Randy_Harrison: It seems my relationship with Daphne dissipates after graduation, which I find disappointing. Because I think she was a very significant part of Justin and his character.

Sandy: At the conclusion of episode 2 this season, I felt Brian and Justin were really making love for the first time. Any comments?
Randy_Harrison: I felt we were too.

chazmagic: what where the requirements for your character when you where auditioning?
Randy_Harrison: I read three scenes from the pilot on video and then I had 2 callbacks in L.A.

froggie: What is the best part about being on a show like QAF?
Randy_Harrison: The best part about the show is a sense of community established between the cast and crew.

tiffany878: do you hang out with any of your castmates aside from the show
Randy_Harrison: I hang out with the cast and crew all the time. They are my best friends here in Toronto.

hotboy: "do you believe brian will be the only love in your life? or do you think they will bring in another character.
Randy_Harrison: Brian will absolutely not be the only love of Justin's life, though perhaps always the most significant.

chad: Randy, who do you think is more uncomfortable during your sex scenes, you or Gale?
Randy_Harrison: Neither of us is.

read more

NHgayboy2178: What do you think that you have learned so far from being on QAF?
Randy_Harrison I've learned a tremendous about. I have learned about working in front of a camera, working with different film and TV directors. I have learned about the work ethic required to do a TV series.

benc1169: You play the scenes with "Jennifer" amazingly - Any comments?
Randy_Harrison: Thank you for your compliment and I feel I personally have to thank Sherry Miller who plays my mother. I think she's phenomenal. It's always a joy when I know I have a scene with her, when she comes to the set. It's always a pleasure to work with her.

imoneru1: what our your thoughts of people living a very social active life throught the show? I know every episode I feel closer almost part of the gang how does that make you feel?
Randy_Harrison: I think it's great in a way. I do think it's important that people are able to segregate fiction from reality and to know that these characters aren't real. But I love that the show has been created in a way that people have been able to get so personally involved in the characters' lives.

zonk: which justin was harder to act. the young snobby/bratty justin, or the older more mature justin??
Randy_Harrison: The young snotty, bratty Justin.

Bridgy101; Do you feel chemistry between you and Gale when your working onscreen together?
Randy_Harrison: I hope it comes off that way.

dougandjon: The series is definitely a groundbreaking one. What do you think the social implications of the show might be?
Randy_Harrison: I'm hoping that the show will normalize gay sexuality on TV.

Londonmike: Randy...do you feel that QAF belittles gay people? My son, who is gay, won't watch it cause is supports the worst of gay life
Randy_Harrison: I think it's tragic if gay people are looking for too much in a mere TV show. I think QAF only belittles gay people as much as 99% of series TV belittles straight people.

kc : What was your best experience or part while studying at CCM?
Randy_Harrison: My best experience at CCM was doing a production of "Shopping and Fucking" with my friend senior year.

Anna: Randy, did the fancy footwork in the promscene come naturally to you and Gale, or did you have to work at it?
Randy_Harrison: We rehearsed. But it was really fun and I think that came off.

sweetphatty: Randy how do you feel that this show has impacted people, hetero and homo sexual?
Randy_Harrison: The thing I love most about the show is that I find our largest audience is teenage girls and middle aged women. I think it's great that it potentially opened up a kind of understanding for people who wouldn't have the opportunity ... to get emotionally involved in gay peoples' lives beforehand.

dcnfr0st: How does the work ethic required tor TV differ from that in theater?
Randy_Harrison: Theater is completely different because you're able to have an extensive rehearsal process ideally before the show is up and running. For TV you are your own rehearsal process. You have to come in prepared everyday and learn how to immediately get on a performance level ... and create a specific relationship with someone you just meet that morning. You also have to learn how to wait for long periods at a time without losing any concentration and energy.

PoloNJ: How difficult is it being passionate in front of a camera, with everyone watching?
Randy_Harrison: It's surprisingly simple if you're able to really connect with your scene partner and just go there with them.

gabbie: Is Justin's relationship with Michael going to change as a result of Brian's feelings toward Justin?
Randy_Harrison: Justin's relationship with Michael definitely changes this year, though gradually and not directly as a result of Brian.

malibu67: Do you have any siblings, and how do your folks feel about the role you play?
Randy_Harrison: I have an older brother. He and his wife and both my parents are 100% supportive of me. They watch the show every week and call me Monday afternoon to give me their opinions.

angelfire6t: How often do you get the "giggles " on the set during an intense moment on screen?
Randy_Harrison: Honestly, not that often. Someone else usually has to start it, and then I'm gone.

jeffnj: Randy will they bring Justin's dad back maybe?
Randy_Harrison: No they won't.

buzzguy: Randy, do you think your character will follow in the footsteps of Brian?
Randy_Harrison: I think Justin will definitely take what he's capable of learning from Brian. However, I definitely think Justin will fight putting up those kinds of emotional walls. He will stick to a slightly more romantic worldview.

Dennis946: How much of the season's scripts do you know of at the beginning of the year?

shane16: About how manu auditons did you go to before landing the role as Justin on QAF?
Randy_Harrison: We get the scripts about 3 or 4 days before we start shooting. I am constantly nagging the writers to try and figure out what's going to happen with Justin just 2 or 3 episodes ahead.

jen_bobbitt: do you think that justin is going to be interacting more with the other cast on the show, instead of primarily brian?
Randy_Harrison: Yes, I do.

Chris442 : Randy, congrats on your role and impressive performance on the show. Do you miss Cincinnati?
Randy_Harrison: Not at all!

bbyemp924: Do you find it difficult to memorize your lines?
Randy_Harrison: No I don't.

Sandman: Have there been any practical jokes played on set??
Randy_Harrison: No good ones!

geoff : will you ever do a bloopers show
Randy_Harrison: I doubt it. There is a blooper's real in the DVD and that's the best you'll be getting.

KurisutaruOujo: was there anyone who encouraged you to audition or did you just do it on your own?
Randy_Harrison: I just did it on my own.

shygirl_132: Do you find it overwhelming that people love Justin and Brian's relationship to the point that they want them to be together always?
Randy_Harrison: No, I think it's cute. I myself, have somewhat romanticized Justin and Brian's relationship in my head.

wannabebritgrl: Now Gus is older and you seem not to have many scenes with him this season, but what was it like working with a baby on the set in the first season?
Randy_Harrison: It was difficult working with a baby. They always seem to cry at the wrong time and stare at the boom.

Cathy: What's your favorite movie of all time? I know this seems like a foolish question, but it says alot about a person sometimes...
Randy_Harrison: I guess it says a lot about me that I find that question impossible to answer. Two of my current favorites are Boogie Nights and Happiness. I loved Mulholland Drive that just came out. And I'm a huge Hitchcock fan.

CaptainVideoJW: Randy, what is the atmosphere on the set like?
Randy_Harrison: Our set is famous for being the happiest and most laid back set that most people have ever been to. I thank God for the feeling on set everytime I show up there, and for the entire crew.

brlewismd: Justin is already more mature and more courageous than Brian. Will Brian grow emotionally this season?
Randy_Harrison: I think Brian is surprisingly mature and courageous, usually when you least expect it. Though I feel he definitely has more demons to exorcise which I hope Justin and the other people in his life will help him do ... as the show progresses.

keithnyc: How many "takes" does it normally take when Justin and Brian are becoming intimate?
Randy_Harrison; It sort of depends on the type of intimacy involved. The type of coverage that the director wants to get. And the significance of the scene.

kaos what do u see yourself doing in 5 years....movies or tv?
Randy_Harrison: Film and theatre.

ILOVRANDY: WAS IT HARD FOR JUSTIN TO GIVE DAPHNE A CHANCE 2 LOSE HER VIGINITY?
Randy_Harrison: No, I don't think it was. I think it was an experience Justin was curious about and an intimacy that he was looking forward to sharing with someone he did love.

krisZ: Which scene, so far, has been the most difficult to shoot?
Randy_Harrison: It's usually the scenes that Justin is just kind of standing around. I had a really hard time doing the King of Babylon episode, just because I feel really, really uncomfortable dancing around in my underpants.

alwaysluv: How much did you know about the show before you began working on it?
Randy_Harrison: I knew the first three scripts. I was aware of the sexual content. And I suspected that the show would be a cult hit.

bbyemp924: Do you feel the the show is too explicit or not explicit enough? Tonight's episode definitely was an eye-opener!
Randy_Harrison: Initially, I don't think the show was too explicit. I think the amount of sexual content has begun to get a tiny bit redundant.

Jen450: Randy, How are you enjoying being a new sex symbol to the entire gay community?
Randy_Harrison: I don't feel like a sex symbol for the gay community. I've always sort of been an outsider among the gay community and I feel that my exposure on QAF has just exacerbated that.

Jim835: Will there be a third season for GAF, and if so would you still like to paly Justin?
Randy_Harrison: I don't know yet. We'll probably find out after the season wraps. I would play Justin again for a third season.

leighketchum: The show is already so good. Is it possible for it to get any better? How?
Randy_Harrison: The show still has an endless amount of untapped possibility. I feel there are so many levels of depth in all the characters' relationships that have yet to be explored. There are so many aspects of the gay experience that the show doesn't touch on. I can only hope that it continues to grow in those directions. Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. Keep watching the show and I look forward to talking to you all again.

Moderator1: Thank you for chatting with Randy Harrison. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and the third episode of season two of QAF. Tune in to SHOWTIME next Sunday, January 27 at 10pm ET/PT for an all-new episode. Keep visiting the all-new queer.SHO.com for more insight into QAF, and come back next Sunday to chat with Hal Sparks who plays "Michael." The chat room will open at 10pm ET (7pm PT) so that you can chat with other QAF fans during the episode! See you next time! Copyright (c)2001, Showtime Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.