LIVE CHAT - Robert Leeshock
(Liam Kincaid)

Chat transcript from 11-13-99 (Content edited for readability)

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Welcome everybody! Before we start, I'd to thank everyone for their heart felt condolences on my father’s passing.

Lisa asks: Hi Robert, its nice to finally get the opportunity to chat with you. My question is, how much are the writers allowing you to input in to Liam this year and how much of Robert are we seeing in Liam? I am loving season 3 keep up the great job.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Lisa, I don't have much of say in the writing. However, I am bringing more of myself to the character this year which seems to, coincidentally, "jive" with what the writers are going for. The bottom line is I am having a lot more fun.

EmperorDalek asks: Hello, Robert! My question is, how do you feel about this season's movement away from relying on Liam's alien abilities as much as in the second season? Do you see this as a positive movement overall, and how does it affect the way you play the role?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: EmperorDalek, being more human is of course much more accessible. Through the end of last season my power became much more involuntary, which leads me to a lot more dimension, character-wise.

Ka'ri asks: Hello Robert, thanks for chatting! Even without much say in the writing, since you started work on EFC you've had a keen involvement with character development and script changes (i.e. In "Redemption" for example, you wrote the last line Liam spoke. In "Emancipation" you changed part of a conversation Liam had with Renee.) You said once in an interview that you have an interest in writing, are you planning on writing an entire script for the show? If so when and what ideas do you have for it?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Ka'ri, In regards to scriptwriting, I would never endeavor to bite off such a big mouthful. I'd rather leave it to the qualified writers we're lucky to have this season. Any writing I do will probably be a film of my own.

shikari_21 asks: Hello Robert. Just one short question. How would you describe yourself in one word?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: shikari_21, ...... hahhahahah .... hmmmm, (deep belly laugh) ..... Shikari, "SASSY!" Just kiddin, "VITAL", that's it, "VITAL"!

Morwen asks: Hi Robert! Thanks so much for coming and chatting with us! My question is, what is your favorite part of being in a sci-fi show like EFC, and what episode do you think really showed the fullest range of your talents. Oh yeah, and what's your middle name? Thanks!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Morwen: Michael is my middle name. The ability to use my imagination is my favorite part and I really enjoyed my work in "Redemption". It was a very challenging episode for an actor.

Dorsi asks: Real nervous here, bear with me. Robert I live in NY city and was wondering what's your favorite place to hang out there?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Dorsi, Elizabeth Street!

Eiregirl asks: Hi Robert. It's a pleasure. When will we finally see your one-man show? Are you enjoying living in Canada during filming and would you like to run away with me.... ;)

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Eiregirl: Ah, the one man show is on hold for a while. Yeah, I love living in Toronto, I've got a swanky pad. You name the place and I'll buy the tickets.

Agent Burke asks: Robert, I'd like to thank you for coming and talking, it's a great honor. My question is this: What truly made you want to become an actor? I'm like your biggest fan...

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Agent Burke, not to get too heavy but... Self discovery. In Greek tradition, there is a credo which states, it is ones duty to "know thyself".

zat asks: What do you think about the irritating mania of the producers to make disappear all the actors the audience prefers like Boone or Beckett?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: zat: It's a drag that these people had to go. Yet, I wouldn't be here chatting with you if they hadn't made the decisions they did.

Pas'kal (EFC France fan-club) asks: Nice to meet you Mr. Leeshock. I've a question from "EFC France French Fan Club" (I'm the President). Was it difficult for you to take the continuation after Boone? How did you feel the fans hostility?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Pas'kal, It was extremely difficult to step in as the new lead and I tried not to take the hostility personally. After all, I had a job to do.

Psycho Kimera asks: Hi Robert, my name is Dawn, um, you are an awesome actor and have a lot of talent, but you already knew that. Well my question is a simple one, is your character gonna use his powers this season? or soon?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Psycho Kimera: As I said before, my powers became more of an involuntary response. Also, the more time I spend on earth, the more human I become and hopefully these powers will manifest themselves in other ways.

Phoenix1 asks: Liam, I love your new hairstyle and was wondering if anyone has had controversy on your apparel? (wearing a black trench coat) By the way, if you're ever around Pocatello, Idaho, call me up and we'll go for bagels.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Phoenix1: No controversy so far. However, I think that someone is obsessed with The Matrix. I've been in Idaho, it’s a great state.

El asks: Ok. Robert, first of all, I'd like to tell you I am your fan from Greece. I wrote you a letter. Then, my question is a practical one, is there a pic that you feel represents you most, that is really you? and for one of my friends who couldn't be here, how would you like to see the relationship between Liam and Sandoval go? Thanks. Sorry I am nervous.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: El: Thank you so much for your sweet letter. I hope Sandoval and I wind up stranded somewhere and work our relationship out over a bottle of WILD TURKEY.

Cacey asks: Hi Robert, I love the season so far, congrats. How is Liam's relationship going to change with Da'an now that Liam is becoming more human and less Kimera?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Cacey: Not to give too much away, but my trust in Da'an lessens with every encounter. The more political he gets, the more I dislike him.

Delka asks: How important do you think the fans are to the show? BTW, it was nice to have met you and hope to get to do it again.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Delka, you're the reason why we're here. I am sincerely impressed with the critical analysis I've seen on PHILOSOPHYSPHERE. The intelligence of the fans is inspiring.

French emi! asks: Hi Mr. Leeshock! I'm one of your French fans! My question is, what is, apart from EFC, your favorite series, if you have one?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: French emi!: Working so much I don't really watch TV.

Korben asks: Hi, salute Robert, it is nice to meet you, I hope you will understand the questions (because my English is bad because I’m French): Will Da'an betray Liam? On what episode are you working now? Does a 4th season exist? Will you exist in the 4th season if there is one. Have you ever heard your French voice? Have you ever been to France? :-)

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Korben, As Da’an stated, above all he is Taelon and I ALWAYS have to keep that in mind when dealing with him. Right now I am working on the 16^th episode of this season and I'm almost certain I'll be here for season 4. I love France and have been there may times.

Enigma asks: I had a question earlier.... I think I was skipped---------" IS LILI COMING BACK?" -------[my Q]..........I think we might have had 60 people here tonight, a new record. I think our turnout tonight is quite a compliment. I hope Lili returns, and I know Kevin Kilner has the Broadway critics praising his play, I expect its long running....ergo,,, any tidbits about Boone or Quo'on will be appreciated...and any spoilers you can say about possible guest appearances by any of the people who had roles for either season will be appreciated.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Enigma, Let's put it this way. Lili is not gone.... Quo'on is history and for everything else, I really don't know and I don’t want to lead you on.

DreamerQ asks: Wow. I’m still awed by the presence of the master. hi Robert! I'm feeling a little bloodthirsty today (my fencing class tried to kill me) I was wondering what's going on with Renee. Will she ever be killed off? (I also represent Li'zel, she couldn't make it today, but she says hi.) Lots of love from your MASS fans! luv and hugs, -dove. oh yeah, if you're ever in Boston, drop by and say hi, please!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: DreamerQ: I think Renee is a real solid character and is essential to the future of the show.

Pascaline asks: Hi! Have you ever been scared during the shoot?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Pascaline: I’ve been nervous at times and scared doing a couple of stunts when Brenton (a great director who is here with us now) was directing. I think he was trying to get me killed. LOL

Lisa asks: Hey Robert, by what I can tell, you are the only American in between a Canadian contingent with the rest of the cast. What is that like? How do you like Canada? Have you had a chance to travel through much of the country? Have you filmed elsewhere other then Toronto?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Lisa: I'm in a room full of Canadians, as we speak. I'm having a blast up here. The Canadian sense of humor is unparalleled. I've been to Montreal, but that's about it.

Adrian UK asks: Hi Robert, have you had any plans to come to the UK for any conventions and have you been there before? (and can I also thank you for taking the time to chat to me when I went to Toronto in August - it was the highlight of my holiday - don’t know if you'd remember me)

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Adrian UK: I remember you very well. I've went to the UK last October and would be willing to visit during our hiatus if anything should arise.

Ka'ri asks: (SPOILERS AHEAD) Robert, (btw, I'm the Carrie you met while filming "Crackdown" and "Emancipation") anyway do you feel that the kiss between Vera and Liam in "Once and Future World" was in character? It seemed to me that there was nothing really leading up to it. If it was in character, then how do you feel it added to the show and Liam's development? Somehow I, and other fans, thought Liam's first kiss would be a major event! If it wasn't in character, did you attempt to change it?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Ka'ri: Personally, I think it was totally out of character. All last year I was looking for an episode where Liam would, in essence, lose his virginity. I was looking for a much more interesting exploration of sexuality… through my character.

Psyko4God asks: Hello there Robert, I was wondering, do you do your own stunts? (specifically the sword fight in "Thicker Than Blood")? And, do you like Toronto? (yes, I am a Torontonian!)

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Psyko4God: I do some of the stunts but not the sword fighting. Let's face it I don't want to get hurt out there. My stunt double is world champion martial artist. He's had his head kicked in so many times he doesn't know any better. I’ll let him do the dirty work.

Liam or Memorex? Asks: I am a true fan and glad you could make it Robert. Will you ever know what happened to Lili? And will you and Da'an have a physical confrontation?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Liam or Memorex?: I suspect I'll find out about Lili at some point. I think the battle between myself and Da'an is more philosophical with much broader ramification.

Agent Sandoval asks: Robert, what is your relationship with Renee going to develop into?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Agent Sandoval: We both have the same goals in mind. However, the means to achieve them will lead to moments of controversy. Plus I have to deal with her sexual persona which, you've probably noticed, is a powerful force.

EmperorDalek asks: Thanks again Robert, for being with us tonight! You said earlier that "Redemption" was one of your favorite episodes because it allowed you to stretch a bit. What would you consider your LEAST favorite episode to work on so far, and why?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: EmperorDalek: There were a few at the end of last season that I couldn't wrap my head around. The one thing I can't stand is when there is no respect for character, it drives me nuts.

Schor'an [Germany/Berlin] asks: Hi Robert, I've only 2(or 3 ;-.) questions. First: Have you ever seen a German episode with yourself in it? And the second: Did you know that the name for EFC in German is "Mission Erde" (that means "Mission Earth" in English), what do you think about this "new" title? Thanks for answering and sorry for my English! My best Greetings from Germany.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Schor'an: No I haven't myself in a German episode of EFC. The title sounds much more dimensional in German.

EmperorDalek asks: Thank you! Robert, is there any particular writer on the staff whose scripts you like best?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: EmperorDalek: Yeah, I really like George Geiger’s sensibilities as well as his sense of character. However, the whole team has done a fantastic job.

Ka'ri asks: Robert, we've heard about a lot of fun things and bloopers that have happened on set from seasons one and two. Any bloopers from Season Three that you can share with us?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Ka'ri: One time, Von Flores (Sandoval) took 14 takes to get his lines right and dropped his pants on the last take...but then he always does that. Coincidentally Von is here and typing my answers for me right now!

Psyko4God asks: Do you ever add lib when you act, or do you work straight from the script? Second question: where do you stay when you are in Toronto?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Psyko4God: We pretty much have to stick to the script. I live downtown.

pentium asks: Hi Robert and thanks for taking the time to chat with us. How is it working with Jayne Heitmeyer and how do you feel about Liam's relationship with Renee and the direction that is going?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: pentium: Jayne is a very strong presence and sweet passionate girl. The relationship will be collaborative yet bumpy.

Stella asks: Thanks for chatting with us Robert. Which emotions do you find the easiest and hardest to portray?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Stella: The easiest to play are the more light comedic moments, even though they are few and far between. The difficult ones are shown in "Thicker Than Blood" which I'm afraid to watch again.

Myth asks: Mr. Leeshock, thanks for coming. I'm not sure if this was asked or not: What do you like most about the changes to your character, which ones, if any do you dislike? W hat are your hopes for the future of your character?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Myth: I like the fact that I am more human. As far as dislikes, I wish I didn't have to be so damn serious all the time. But then again, saving the world is not a picnic.

French emi! asks: Mr. Leeshock, thanks for chatting with us. Can you describe to me a normal day on EFC's set? What cast members do you get along with best and hang around with most off camera? Do you often watch a rough copy like for crackdown? PS: big kisses from France!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: French emi!: Normal day: Coffee, breakfast, hair and make up, then off to set for about 12 to 13 hours with a few breaks in between. Von is probably the guy I hang with most. We went to Europe together last October and have stories we can tell you about but would then have to kill you.

ENigMa asks: monsieur ROBERT LEESHOCK: as I type this I am at my computer and listening to EFC on a small TV set. possibly in ten years will we have the devices out there in the marketplace like the ones on this excellent program, Taelon arrival or no Taelon arrival....?????? Thanks for your patience. I’m still open to spoilers! wink wink wink!.......my compliments to Rod, Carl and Von Flores for this chat! I think season three is off to a fine start.....!!!!! you and Jayne are very "avengers" duende+cool!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: EnigMa, thanks for your comments. As for spoilers, watch out for the Jaridians, they are getting closer. They'll be here before you know it!

shikari_21 asks: Mr. Leeshock, who do you think have been and are the most inspiring people of this century and why? Thank you.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: shikari_21: Albert Einstein, Elvis Einstein and Larry, Curly and Moe Einstein.

El asks: Robert, do you have any other plans after EFC? Will you continue acting? Would you prefer to find a job back in N.Y.? And does EFC leave you any time for personal life?? Thanks!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: EL: Hopefully some movies after EFC. I do wanna go back to NYC. My only free night is Saturday night so I try and pack a lot of sex, drugs and rock n roll into one evening. Then church Sunday morning and a high collonic and I'm ready to start work Monday!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Time to have some fun with the Qs

Adrian UK asks: I read in a UK sci-fi magazine interview with Anita La Selva that Anita and Leni would like to appear on the show as human, would you like to appear as a Taelon? And how does EFC compare to your other acting jobs in terms of your favourite job? And what date is your birthday?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Adrian UK: Taelon? yeah but without the painful 4 hours of makeup. The use of the imagination in Sci-fi is awesome something you don't find in naturalistic acting. My birthday will remain a mystery to me because I was found in a cabbage patch by elves.

Radgast asks: Thanks for being here Robert, You should know that I almost never miss an episode. You mentioned the Jaridians earlier. What is with their website? I've noticed things flashing on it like "Boone Lives" and "Sandoval" but I've also noticed things like "Hololili" and "Roddenberry." Are the things on this site clues for future episodes?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Radgast: I suggest the expresso high collonic. Come to Toronto and we'll talk about it.

Korben asks: Sorry Robert but the question is for Von Flores, Salut, Hi from France Von, nice to meet you! Do you like your character? I think Sandoval has become more and more strict especially in season 2 with Lili, don't you think? Is it hard to play Sandoval? He doesn’t smile, always serious . Are you like Sandoval in your real life? LOL. (sorry for my English) :-)

VON FLORES: Korben: I am the devil incarnate. I don't really know what's happening half the time. They just pump me full of caffeine and let me rip.

Tra'el asks: What is on your mind right now?

ROBERT LEESHOCK: Tra’el: MMMMMMMM.. What is on my mind? It's not drugs and it’s not rock and roll.

ROBERT LEESHOCK: In closing, thanks for you all your sincere questions and I appreciate all your support. We can't do it without the fans. Thank You!

ROBERT LEESHOCK: As I part I will leave you with these words.....Live, love and get a little crazy!!!!!!!!!!!