Online Chat With David Boreanaz

12 November 2001

Host:  America Online is pleased to welcome back television and film actor, and the star of the hugely popular hit "Angel."  Welcome, David Boreanaz!

David:  Thanks.  It's a pleasure to be here.  I'm just on a break, too --- so it's a pleasure to be here talking to all the people out in cyberland.

Host: We have an auditorium filled with AOL "Angel" fans.

David:  Great!

Host:  Our first question is from Carmen.

Question:  This is the best season of "Angel" ever.  Any chance we might see an all -kareoke episode?

David: There's going to be some interesting things that happen to the kareoke bar itself.  I can't tell you what's going to happen, but stay tuned.  As far as an all -kareoke episode is concerned, I doubt that will happen, but you never know.

Host: O.K. We can wait and see. Our next is from Faithkeeper who asks:  Do you have a favourite episode or favourite side of Angel's character?

David:  Every episode is pretty much different and challenging every time you go into it.  This season has been great. I've enjoyed every episode so far.  I think the one where I switched the bodies with the old man from the old men's home was fun --- one of my top five, actually.

Host:  When you got wild and crazy?

David:  Yeah, that was fun...The writers give me a good opportunity with this character to play something different every episode, and it just keeps
expanding and getting better for me, which is exciting.

Host:  Great. Next, from AOL member Anya Bunny Hater: Which is more fun to do, evil Angelus, brooding Angel or funny, dorky Angel?

David:  You know, there's a side to every one I enjoy. I guess it just depends on the mood I'm in in my regular life. It can kind of turn into my characters I play on the screen.  But I enjoy them all pretty much the same.

Host:  This is a great question.  I have to ask it because I laughed so hard when I read it: How does Angel keep his hair so straight without a mirror?

David:  Good question.  With a lot of help from the hair people here.

Host:  Then she says --- just kidding --- and asks if you think that Cordelia and Angel's growing relationship will affect the Angel Investigations team's chemistry.

David:  I don't think it will.  Any kind of team, as it grows, will have its snags.  But we'll see what happens.

Host:  Next question...Nicole the Slayer asks: Is it true you got married a couple weeks ago?

David:  No, no, not true.  But thank  you.

Host:  Oh, it isn't true?

David:  No.

Host:  We heard that, too. Any hints about when any new characters will be added to the show or any current regulars will be leaving the show this
season?

David:  No current regulars will be leaving, as far as I know. It's almost halfway through. No changes or additions.  There will be a lot more different
types of recurring characters making their marks a little bit better.

Host:  Any chance Faith is going to be in there?

David:  You never know.  She's locked up in a cell, so you know where to find her.

Host:  O.K. Next question.  Do you have any movies coming up?

David:  I have a movie coming out next Spring, "I'm Lucky With Lucy," a romantic comedy starring Monica Potter, myself, Henry Thomas and Anthony La Paglia.  That will be a lot of fun.  That's the only one we have coming out next.

Host:  And Ripple's Mom asks: How long do you see yourself acting? Do you plan on eventually becoming a director?

David:  Well, I just take it...I'm having a good time now, and down the line, as I get a little more wise with the business and savvy with the sense of
directing, that could be a temptation.

Host:  Great. Evan asks:  What's the wildest rumour you ever heard about yourself?

David:  The wildest rumour that I've ever heard about myself? Jeez...Well, I don't know, because I guess I don't really subscribe to rumours.

Host:  Our next question is from Kallie, and she asks:  What are you most thankful for?

David:  My parents.  Definitely just my relationship with my parents. I'm very thankful and fortunate to have it.

Host:  O.K. Our next question is from Skylar, and she would like to know:  So if this baby is born healthy and normal, wouldn't that bring Angel true
happiness?  And what would that do to you turning evil again?

David:  Well, that's always definitely something to think about.  We can't kind of get into that, since that episode hasn't been seen yet. We don't know
what's going to happen to his character. So we'll see.

Host:  We've got just a ton of questions here.  A.J. Jaw says: I think you're an excellent actor, and my question is:  I was wondering if there's any
practical jokes on the set of "Angel." I'm sure you've done a few things that have made the other cast members blush.

David:  Well, thanks for that compliment.  I don't have any specific practical jokes. The only ones that really kind of happen are
spur-of-the-moment ones, you know, where a certain smell comes out somewhere or somebody pushes or they can't stop laughing.  There's not really any planned practical jokes.

Host:  No planned ones?  Just spur-of-the-moment ones, huh?

David:  Spur-of-the-moment.

Host: Leslie Kelly wants to know:  Is it hard to play Angel consistently when you have different writers on each episode who each have their own take on your character?

David:  Yeah, they do, but with that comes a great variety of what you can actually do with the characters. It keeps you fresh and inventive, rather
than boring and consistent.  You can see his consistency building just through being who he is, and build from there.

Host:  Angel certainly has shown growth, though  Do you enjoy doing that, adding to the character a little bit?

David:  Yeah, definitely. If I can continue to do that, it's definitely a plus for me.

Host:  O.K. Next question: Did you enjoy acting with Sarah Michelle Gellar? Is there any chance of an "Angel-Buffy" crossover?

David:  No, I mean, come on, guys, the crossovers are going to be pretty much limited.  They're two different networks, so we've got to kind of put those to rest. You miss those, because you miss working with those talented people. But the characters evolve, so who knows what the future holds?

Host:  Jaded Lover asks:  What's your Christmas wish for 2001?

David:  Just peace and happiness.  My wish has always been the same as everyone, just everyone to be a little bit more kind and gentle and
understanding with each other, and it would be a lot easier for people to get along.

Host:  That's very true.  Let's see.  Your comments about the "Buffy-Angel" relationship on KTLA (a Los Angeles TV station) --- you defined it as a
crush.  How do you define crush?

David:  The "Buffy-Angel" relationship as a crush?  Well, you'd have to, I guess, know the history of the two characters to understand that one.

Host:  O.K. Where would you like to see the season go, if you had any input on the direction of who picks up with whom?

David:  Well, definitely something's happening with this child.  What's going to happen we can't really get into, but I kind of let the writers do their
work and ride along and have fun with them.

Host:  Rider Rose wants to know: What is it like to know that women all over the world see you as a sex symbol?

David:  Well, I don't kind of read into it. Just let that be, that one.

Host: Here's a great question from France 9785 who says: David, do you think that "Angel" is taking on some of the personality traits of David?

David:  I think for any actor there's going to be some form of personality trait that spills over into the character you're playing, and, you know,
sense of humour, possibly a sarcastic look here and there, but not an extreme amount.

Host:  O.K. Our next question comes says: "Angel" seems to be wearing a lot of colours this season.  How much control over the wardrobe do you have? Or is it really just Cordelia's influence?

David:  No, we go over wardrobe changes for each episode, and I kind of look at each one and determine what I'm comfortable in and what mood he's in, so I have pretty much a lot of say in that area.

Host:  That's interesting.  Magic 339 wants to know:  What is the best experience you've had on either "Angel" or one of your other jobs?  Do you
have something in acting that sticks out in your mind?

David:  Well, there's always something that affects you as a person. All different types of experiences --- working with a specific actor, working
with a specific director on a specific scene --- that makes you a little bit more vulnerable and stretches you. That's a pretty general answer to a general question, but it's a pretty lengthy one.

Host:  Minot 2413 asks if there's anybody you'd like to have be a guest...any actors or actresses.

David:  Yeah, Rip Torn. I'd love to have Rip Torn come on.

Host:  He'd be great.  The next question:  Hello David, I'm a huge fan, ever since your appearances on "Married...With Children."  Any chance of taking "Angel" to the big screen?

David:  I don't know the answer to that.  It's definitely something that we would all love to do, and, depending on its likeability and strength in
numbers...how that could translate to a big screen would be fantastic.  I would love to do it.

Host:  I'm sure there are a lot of people that would love to see it, too.  Kelly G 18 asks:  What's the typical day like on the set of "Angel"?  What
hour do you usually end up being finished up?

David:  We usually average 12-hour days.  It's a long day. It's not an easy hour to digest.  It can be some late hours. And it's eight days for one
episode, and they're back-to-back, so multiply that by 22 throughout the year, you got eight months and --- which kind of takes away a lot of your
personal life.

Host:  Yeah, that's a big commitment. Next question: Hi, first off, I'd like to say I love the show, and I was wondering if you have a favourite co-star
to work with, past or present?

David:  The first that comes to mind is Eliza.  She was a lot of fun. Elisabeth Rohm was great to work with. There's always something in every one
of them.  I've enjoyed all of them...really.

Host:  Our next question is: After "Angel" finishes airing, would you ever consider another vampire role?

David:  Well, you know...

Host:  Do you worry about being typecast?

David:  No, I do the work for the work, and I don't really concern myself with that. But I don't think there would be one considered to be as unique
and diverse as this character when it was presented to me.  I couldn't see doing a straight vampire role. I doubt that would ever happen.

Host:  O.K. And Indy Ford asks: What was your first acting job?

David:  Paid acting job?

Host:  We'll go with that, yeah.

David: It was a beer commercial.

Host:  Was it? And do you have any advice for aspiring actors and actresses in the audience?

David:  Well, just to remain honest and truthful to what you want, rather than to what other people need; to take care of your own self first; and to
be patient and work hard in theater and get involved in smaller projects; and work your way up and really be patient.

Host:  Sounds like good advice.  We have more questions about the show.  Flair 0919 wants to know:  Do you think it's a good idea that "Angel"
develops a love relationship with Cordelia?  I think they're asking (for trouble?), do you think so personally?

David: I don't know, because I don't know what's going to happen with that, so I tend to stay away from that and let it evolve, rather than push it in
any one direction.

Host:  O.K. Another show question...this one from Slayer 1025: This has always bothered me.  Last year when Kate said to you, "I didn't invite you
in." I can't figure out what that means, and I've played the tape over and over again.  Can you clear that up a little bit?

David:  Yeah, well, that was the end of the episode, meaning his sheer will or the Powers That Be let him get in, because in order to get into a certain
place, you have to be invited in if you're a vampire, and he wasn't invited in.  So there must be something more to that spiritually.

Host: Great.  We have lots of slayers in the audience: I M The Slayer says:
Did you enjoy doing "Valentine" and would you like to see a sequel?

David:  I had a blast doing that movie. I don't think there will be a sequel, but working with the actors was great.

Host:  Here's a question totally out of the realm of acting. This one wants to know: What kind of music do you listen to?

David: All different types --- Blues, Classic Rock 'n Roll, old Rock 'n Roll.

Host: Another question:  Do you think that vampires ever existed?

David:  You know, I guess everyone has their own beliefs in that. I don't necessarily think they ever existed, but I do believe that the mythology of
them --- the storytelling --- it's a lore of interest and intrigue, so let it be.

Host:  O.K. You told us you were going to be in the movie "I'm With Lucy". Science Girl 33 wants to know if you could give us a little bit more about what it's going to be about...the story behind it.

David:  The film?  It's a romantic comedy based upon one girl's kind of research for the ideal marriage after she just got dumped.  So there's four
guys involved, me being one of them, and it's --- it starts from the beginning and goes to the end...where you wind up --- find out who she ends
up marrying.  It's very funny.

Host:  It sounds it!  Next question is:  What would the plots be like if you had your way with the writing?  Would it be completely different, or would
you follow the story lines?

David:  Probably follow the story lines, pretty much.  I don't have any problems with them.

Host:  Another member says:  David, I've watched you and "Angel" since you were on "Buffy", and it's been a real pleasure to watch you and the character evolve.  Thank you so much, and, for a silly question, what character from a
play or whatever would you most like to play?

David:  I'm sorry, I didn't get the end of that.

Host:  Is there any character from a book or a play that you would most like
to play?

David:  Well, you know, Heath from "Catcher in the Rye", but that would never happen for me. It would never be sold. You know, any kind of hero role. I love hero roles.

Host:  O.K. Let me see. Do you like the --- do you wish "Angel" would go back to acting less human and be more vampirish, or do you like the human side of him?

David:  Well, he's pretty much a vampire living in a human world, and he had to adapt to that.  And we don't really see much of his vampire tendencies until they come out.

Host:  Sleeps With Vampires wants to know:  What was it like doing "Mad TV"?

David:  It was fun.  I had a good time.  Good group of people. It's always fun to do other things like that.

Host:  This is kind of a question along the lines of something that you answered earlier, but...Is there any chance, or do you know of any plans, to
bring back Doyle?

David:  No, I don't think that will happen. I think that --- you know, fortunately it was a great character and a very good one to play and a good
connecion, but ---

Host:  It was so sad when he died.

David:  Yeah.

Host:  It really was.  Do you think "Angel" is going to like being a dad?

David:  Yeah. I think he's going to have to slowly understand what it means, first of all, and then take it from there. I don't think that it was pretty
much a sheer, blissful moment, the fact that he really wasn't expecting this. I don't think it was a true happiness moment --- pretty much definied as an
unpredictable, surprise moment. I don't think that was a moment of sheer bliss for him.

Host: O.K.  Our next question is: What's your favourite movie?

David?  You know, I like "Goodfellas", "Everybody's Fine", "Cinema Paradiso". I love foreign films, those three, and I love gangster movies, too.

Host:  Did you see "Buffy: The Musical", and if so, what did you think of it?

David:  I didn't see it, so I can't comment on it.

Host:  You didn't see it?  Do you ever watch any of the old "Buffy" shows on
the FX Network?

David:  No, I haven't seen any recently.

Host:  Do you watch your own shows?

David:  No, not really, no. Sometimes I might, but I don't prescribe to...

Host:  O.K. Amy 0802 says: Cordelia and "Angel" have a fabulous dynamic this season. Do you and Charisma get along as well as your characters do?

David:  Well, you know, we do at work, but we don't really socialize out of work. We're not getting together on weekends or anything like that. Just, you know, co-workers, but yes, we get along fine.

Host: Now that Giles is leaving the "Buffy" show, do you see him crossing over and back into "Angel"?

David:  No. No, I don't. I don't.

Host:  Have you always wanted to be an actor?  Obviously you like your career, but was there anything you ever wanted to do other than act?

David:  I liked animals...horses, race horses. I've always liked farming. I don't know --- building houses, you know. But I like the entertainment
industry, but other than that, probably anything with being outdoors.

Host:  Do awards mean a lot to you?  Would you like to take home the Emmy and...

David:  No, I don't really think of the awards much.

Host: You're in it more for the acting?

David:  Yeah. An award...the reward for me is just getting through a life situation, you know, seeing a beautiful event. I take it a little bit
differently. It's more of a publicity thing than anything else.

Host:  O.K. Our next question is: What is the weirdest thing a fan has ever
done for you?

David:  Ah, well, the weirdest thing?  That's a tough question to answer, because I don't...I don't have one that comes out in my mind.  I can't think
of one. I really, really can't.  It's tough, because, you know, it's just like you get some crazy things that happen, but I don't kind of think about
them much really, you know?  Nothing kind of really sticks out in my mind.

Host:  Here's a question from The Times:  What was your reaction to the terrorist attacks, and did you attend any charity events for them?

David:  Well, you know, it was a disheartening, unfortunate thing that happened. I went through --- I was in shock, like a lot of people, and had a
lot of confusion and bitterness.  I really didn't want to work until I had an understanding that a small part of what I do could give someone an hour of
--- out of their watching the news or whatever --- and being in such pain and trauma.  It's good of the entertainment industry to allow us to do that.  As far as charitable organizations are concerned, you know, we did some work
with the firefighter funds in New York and for the Red Cross, yeah.

Host:  That's terrific.  Kisses 1201187 says: David, we just want to say that you are great and gorgeous.  We live in Philadelphia, and we were wondering what you miss the most about living here.

David:  The people. You know, the sense of family, the blue-collar atmosphere, the history, the food. You know, it's a great, great city to be
around, and it's always something that I enjoy...going back to Philadelphia and visiting.

Host:  O.K. Next question is: My name is Mike, and which show did you like being on better, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or "Angel"? With "Buffy", you didn't have to work as long and hard, and "Angel" is obviously your own show.

David:  Yeah, I mean, I came from "Buffy", and I like both shows.  It's a blessing to be involved with them, as it is with "Angel", but it's a
different responsibility having your own show, one that I really prefer and enjoy a lot.

Host:  Here's a question from someone who obviously saw the show last week and says: How did "Angel" know that the baby had a heartbeat?  Did he sense it or hear it?

David:  Probably sensed it, I guess.  (laughter)

Host:  Let me see. We've got time for a couple more questions here.  What would you consider was your big break?

David:  Consider my big break?  "Buffy" was probably the biggest.

Host:  And did they see you from the beer commercial, or had you done other work?

David:  No, it was going in and meeting them and going through the process of auditioning, but that was my biggest break, meeting Marcia Shulman, the casting director, because she started this.

Host:  O.K. And our last question: What actor do you connect with most on the set and why?

David:  Um...

Host: It's a toughy?

David?  Yeah. It's different to work with every actor. I don't...um...Julie was always a very strong connection. Darla's fun. But other than that,
they're all great.  You know, there's no one I have more of a connection with than that, really.

Host:  And finally, is there any kind of inside scoop you can give us about the show, or is it pretty much up in the air?

David:  Up in the air.  I can't --- I 've got to keep you watching!  Can't give you all the info to it. But there's going to be a lot of changes after
this happens.

Host:  A lot of changes?  Oh, great, we can expect some new stuff, then?

David:  Yeah.

Host:  O.K. Well, thanks very much for joining us tonight.  Do you have any parting thoughts for your fans that are here tonight?

David: Just thank you for tuning in and coming in to chat, and just remember that kindness is a word that should be used more often, and that's about it.

Host: All right. Thank you so much, David.

David: All right.  Have a good one.

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