AOL Q&A With Lou Diamond Phillips on "Stargate: Universe"

[JamesG]

He's played a 50s rocker, a lot of cops, a federal agent, Native Americans, a gunslinger, and the list goes on and on.

Following a film and television career that has spanned over 20 years, Lou Diamond Phillips has become a familiar face.

Now, he stands on the verge of nerd superstardom when he takes the role of Colonel David Telford on Stargate: Universe, the latest incarnation of the Stargate franchise.

AOL TV Canada spoke with Phillips about his lengthy career, his foray into the world of sci-fi, and his intergalactic sex scene.




I have to start out by saying I grew up watching La Bamba. I loved that movie! That was your big break back then, wasn't it?

Oh, definitely, 100 percent. That was my Cinderella story.




Your IMDB credits are impressive. I just kept scrolling...

Yeah, I can't even look at those. They make me tired.




What made you want to be a part of Stargate: Universe?

First of all, it's been such a successful franchise, and these guys really know what they're doing. They've got years of experience and not only that, but a very faithful following. It's nice to step into something that's already considered a success.

Also wonderful is the 'unknown' factor - the SG group is going into a new territory and trying new things. Not to be too punny, but they're expanding their universe.

When the script came to me, Robert Carlyle was already attached to it, and that was very exciting to me. I've been a fan of his for such a long time, and knowing that he'd said 'yes' to it, I expected a level of quality.




That's the thing. I had watched the previous Stargate shows and found them a bit too cheesy for my liking. This one is much darker, much more dramatic.

It's more realistic, and I think they've introduced a lot of characters that the audience can relate to, certainly with no disrespect to what's come before us. The drama is much more human.

It could be set in a hospital, it could be set in a police precinct, it's that kind of backdrop. In this case, it just happens to be in space.




You're aware of how ravenous sci-fi fans can be. Are you ready?

[Laughs] You know, I've dealt with La Bamba fans for 20 years! I think I'm up to the challenge. I hope I'm not naïve about it, but I'm very proud of this show and I'm proud of this cast. The writing is impeccable. Every script I've been involved with here is compelling, intriguing, and different.

I hope we can give the core fans what they want, and add on some new fans in the process. The writers and creators don't pull any punches - they take us places I never thought we'd go.




Yeah, there was already a sex scene [in the first episode] that was quite raw and unexpected.

I have to say, I'm also involved in one of the most interesting sex scenes ever to grace sci-fi later on in the first season. It's humourous but also mind-boggling. 'Shock factor' may be a bit of an overstatement, but I think people will be surprised at how far the creators are willing to go in this series.

It's in the episode called 'Earth'. I exchange consciousness with another character, and let's just say I pop up in a very inopportune moment.




You're not around very much in the first and second episodes. I assume your character emerges more as the season progresses?

Yeah, Colonel Telford is around later, in a big way. Not only does he have a future on SG:U, but I think he makes a very interesting foil for Colonel Young. He also provides a different point of view from those people on the ship.




What is Colonel Telford like? Is he a classic military man?

He's 100 percent a military guy, down the line. Very much by the book. Being a fighter pilot, he has a certain arrogance to him. His frustration comes from the fact that he's no longer in command - he thought he was going to be in charge.

He thought he was supposed to go through the Stargate, be a hero, all of this wonderful stuff, but instead he becomes frustrated at every turn. He's not very concerned with other people's feelings, either.




Did you have any influences for this character, or did you just go from your own point of reference?

I always go from my gut, and if I can see myself in the role, then it's something that I can wear comfortably. I've played military guys before, I've played cops before, and my father was a career Navy man, so it's a mindset that I've been around my entire life.

It didn't require a lot of research for me. I also had the privilege of doing Courage Under Fire with Ed Zwick, and we went through a mini-boot camp. It's something I stepped into relatively simply.




You're comfortable with firearms, then, I assume.

Man, you almost can't keep a gun out of my hand. It seems like every time I turn around, I'm playing a character that's very familiar with weapons and weaponry.

I'm currently popping up on Numb3rs as the sniper expert. In real life, I'm not a gun guy. I've never been in a fight in my life, so it's funny to play these relatively macho guys. I'm usually at home growing my herbs and cooking. [Laughs] I have four daughters, so I'm very much in touch with my feminine side.




The explosions and scenes in space on SG:U are impressive.

They didn't spare any money on this series, and they didn't cut any corners.




I've read that you're good friends with Edward James Olmos, who played Admiral Adama on Battlestar Galactica. Have you spoken with him about playing this role?

No, I haven't spoken with him specifically about this, but he and I have a wonderful history. We did Stand and Deliver together, and I actually got that job because I did a guest-star spot on Miami Vice way back in 1987.

Eddie and I have crossed paths so many times, and I have such respect for the man. I hope I can bring the same kind of intensity to my character that he did for BSG.




You guys can both play 'stern' pretty well.

Yeah, I think it's possible. It's like when I look at my IMDB credits, I can't believe I'm now an acting veteran. I still feel 27.




Well, you look pretty young for your age.

I've got good genes, it's that Asian thing. I'm Scot-Irish-Cherokee on my father's side. The funny thing is, my four daughters got all the white genes - I look like their gardener.




That's what great about you - you have a look that's undefined.

It's out of the box. I've been very fortunate to have represented several different cultures, whether it's the Native Americans, even the Inuk. I'm even enough of a cross-over artist that I get to play the white guy every once in a while, too.


Stargate: Universe premieres on Friday, October 2nd at 9 pm ET on Space.

http://insidetv.aol.com/2009/10/01/l...rse-interview/

[catlover79]

Awesome interview. But he will always be Ritchie Valens, in my mind.