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MODERATOR: Welcome! Chatting with us tonight is actress Stacy Edwards. Stacy Edwards plays Dr. Lisa Catera on the Emmy nominated CBS drama Chicago Hope. Stacy is one of today's most beautiful and talented artists who is well on her way to becoming a household name. Stacy's movie credits include Primary Colors, Houdini, Dinner at Eight among others. Her TV credits include "Santa Barbara" and guest appearances on "Silk Stalkings", "L.A. Law", "Quantum Leap", and "21 Jump Street" among others! Stacy Edwards can currently be seen in Universal Picture's "Primary Colors" with John Travolta, Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates and Emma Thompson. She plays Jennifer Rogers, a volunteer/intern working in the campaign office in the South who holds a very pivotal role in the storyline. Please welcome Stacy to Lycos chat!
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Good evening everyone thanks for tuning in!
Mad Regent: Quantum Leap was a good show!
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh I loved doing that show!
northernlitesgal2: Have you chatted in this type of forum before Stacy, or is this new to you?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Well, I still feel it's pretty new to me. I've only done it one other time and I'm pretty computer illiterate, unfortunately.
drummr: I really liked you in Primary Colors.
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Thank you drummr. that was a big thrill to be a part of that. I got a chance to work with many actors whom I've admired for a long time.
Chicago_Hoper: I'm a huge-everyday-can't miss an episode watcher so this is so cool that your here.
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Thanks for watching Chicago Hoper!
Mad Regent: What did you think of John Travolta?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh! A true gentleman. He was so pleasant to work with and very kind, supportive.
smiles100: Stacy, I have acted in lots of plays and I wanna bean actor. Got any advice?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Well, I think you're starting off on theright foot. I always recommend to people to read as many plays as they can. And, if there are any theaters available to audition and try to do as many plays as they can fit into their schedule. I think that's the best way to learn. I think you're doing the right thing and I guess it depends on where you live. Unfortunately, most of the work in film and TV you have to be in LA or NY. But, if you love theater, you can go to Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Austin, Washington D.C. as well as NY, LA, San Francisco. So, there are more places to live where the work is.
smiles100: Who all did you work with?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Wow! I've had the pleasure of working with really wonderful actors. I think the cast of Chicago Hope is exceptional.
MODERATOR: Welcome! For those of you just joining us, today we are chatting with Stacy Edwards. Stacy is the star of the CBS drama, "Chicago Hope."
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I feel lucky to work with Adam Arkin, Mark Harmon, Christine Lahti, Jayne Brook, Peter Berg, Vondi Curtis Hall, Eric Stoltz. Just that ensemble alone is quite impressive.
SKERRIES: STACY DID YOU TRAIN AS A NURSE?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: That's a good question! Fortunately, on CH, we have this wonderful RN who is on set everyday and she tells us how things work and how to pronounce certain words and makes us look good. On top of that she also provides doctors for us to go observe and I had the opportunity to go observe a neurosurgeon. Follow him around and watch a surgery. So, we can do that as much or as little as we like depending on everyone's gore factor. So, I didn't train as a nurse, but I tried to study as much as I could in preparing for the role of Dr. Katera.
Chicago_Hoper: How do you feel being compared to ER?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: You know, a lot of people ask me that. It doesn't bother me. I think they're two extremely different shows. I enjoy ER myself. Maybe because I came on the show in the 4th season I don't feel any competitiveness. I just think of us as two different medical shows.
northernlitesgal2: Stacy, in your role on Chicago Hope ... how do you wrap your tongue around all those tongue twisting medical terms?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: haha Not very well! It is a challenge, sometimes you have to do many takes just to get it right. But, luckily we have Linda Klein who is our RN and she cracks the whip... she's tough on us. Which is great cause we get a lot of kudos from the medical community, which is exciting. They're thrilled that we try to portray everything as accurately as we do.
ericka_mccarty: Stacy, did you like working with Mandy Patinkin on Chicago Hope?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: You know I never got a chance to work with him.
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: He left the show before I got on and has come back two times to visit and popped in on the show. But, I never had the opportunity to work with him.
astrid2: Is CH, ever going to go live like ER?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Wow. I haven't heard of anything like that. I saw the live ER show and really enjoyed it. Here's an interesting little fact, Tommy Schlammy directed that episode and he's married to Christine Lahti!
Mad Regent: What type of music do you listen to?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh I love music! It's pretty varied. I love Alanis Morrisette, Soundgarden, and then I'll even go to the other spectrum of listening to Louis Prima and Nina Simone and Dwight Yoakum .... it's a varied CD collection that we have.
northernlitesgal2: You and your colleagues certainly give the appearance of being a very cohesive team ... Was this something you all had to work at, or did you find it came quite naturally?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: For myself, I came in the show last season .. the 4th season. And, everyone had already been working together for several years. So, I being the new kid on the block, was the only one that had to adjust to the pace and the demands of the work. So, they were great with me .. they welcomed me with open arms and tried to make it as easy and painless as possible. So, they already had that groove going when I got there.
MODERATOR: Do you find that acting on Chicago Hope is more demanding than other series? The pressure to learn the medical aspect and all?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I know it's probably been the most challenging role that I've had, ... TV and film alike. The medical jargon as well as the simulating the medical acts is quite a challenge and I, even to this day, still don't feel as comfortable with it as I would like to.
northernlitesgal2: Christine won an award for a short film she directed did she not? Do you have any aspirations in that direction?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: She did! She won, I believe, an Oscar for a short film. I have not seen it ... but that's quite admirable of her. I do have aspirations in that direction. I'd love to produce and direct one day. And, hopefully in the near future. Right now I'm pretty much just concentrating on my acting. But, hopefully in the near future, the next five years, I'll be able to try my hand at it.
Chicago_Hoper: What was your most embarrassing moment ever?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Gosh, I think it must go back to junior high ... I'm sure there are many others .. but the one that's coming to mind ... I was in junior high and someone slipped me a love note and I thought it was from a particular boy, and it wasn't ... So I answered it and sent it to the wrong person .. quite humiliating! And, I never lived it down that entire year! Haha. Kids are a bit cruel.
sherfrdy: What's it like working with Mark Harmon? He is just too cute! //heart
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: He IS just too cute. He's so much fun. I really love working with him. He makes me laugh and he's incredibly supportive, I really trust him. So, we have a great time I think.
smiles100: Stacy, how do you do all of your shows and spend time with your family too?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: That is a good question! Last season was a bit difficult, being the new kid on the block was working very long hours and having heavy storylines. This season, now that my storyline has leveled out and we have Eric Stoltz, who's the new kid, my workload isn't as heavy. So, it does allow me time to spend with my husband, which I love. Luckily, though, he's an actor. So he understands the demands and there are times when he's working and I'm sitting at home. So, it's something we have to constantly work at.
Chicago_Hoper: Have you ever really bonded with any cast members?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Yeah ... Mark Harmon and I .. I feel we have become good friends. And, I enjoy spending time with he and his wife. And, Jonathan Scheac (sp?) who I worked with on Houdini. He and I became fast friends. As well as the writer/director Pen Denfham .. it was a wonderful experience cause I felt I made some good friends as well as having a good time working with them.
SKERRIES: DID YOU EVER DO ANY ACTING IN EUROPE?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: No! I haven't had the opportunity. I hope I can. I've done a little travelling through there and lived there, but never worked there.
ericka_mccarty: Who is you favorite character on ER and on Chicago hope?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I love Julianna Marguilles character on ER, think she's great. And, on CH, I find all the characters interesting and unique I can't say I have a favorite. I think they're all fun complicated characters.
Floater11: Where do you see your character going?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Well, you know, your guess is as good as mine! The writers, believe it or not don't really tell us what's going to happen. So, each time we get a script it's a mini adventure for us as well. We're learning more and more about our characters and watching the paths and directions they're taking. So, I can't reveal too much because I don't know myself.
Lovsapassion: You type fast Stacy:)
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: No! My dear friend, Michelle, is typing for me!
ericka_mccarty: Do you have any children?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: No children. I have three dogs, two hamsters and a slew of fish.
northernlitesgal2: Stacy, to date, what has been the Chicago Hope episode which has meant the most to you?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I really loved last season's episode where I ballroom danced with Mark Harmon. Not only was it fun dancing, which is a passion of mine, but also Kenny Ortega, someone I admire was the choreographer and played the dance instructor. So, I not only got to dance with Mark Harmon, but with Kenny Ortega and it was a lot of fun!
drummr: Is there a lot of joking around on the set?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: haha You bet!
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Adam and Peter and Mark and Hector LOVE to tell jokes. And, Mark Harmon is a huge practical joker. So, you always kind of have to look over your shoulder when you're on set.
SKERRIES: WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE GONE TO COLLEGE AND STUDIED NURSING?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Hmm .. funny that you should ask that. I have always been very squeamish around blood .... However, having worked on CH, has made me appreciate the medical profession even more. And, I find it so fascinating and intriguing that I enjoy learning more and more about it. I know I'd be a lousy doctor or nurse cause I am so squeamish, but there's a part of me that wishes I wasn't. Cause I think it'd be a fascinating and noble profession to be a part of.
pretybug: Man, Lisa, Mark that guy looks really good! Would you ever go out with him in real life?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: haha Who wouldn't go out with Mark Harmon!
MODERATOR: Welcome! For those of you just joining us, today we are chatting with Stacy Edwards. Stacy is the star of the CBS drama, "Chicago Hope."
Chicago_Hoper: After shooting an episode, do you go straight home or do you hang? If so, who do you hang with?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Usually I go straight home. It's been a long day and I wanna see my husband.
Chicago_Hoper: Cool.
Real_Man_B: How long have you been acting?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Good question. I think about 15 years. I started studying theater in Chicago at 18 and I'd say about 15 years.
astrid2: Do you prefer movies to television or vice versa?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Mmm ... I like them both for different reasons. Film usually is a bit more .. you have a bit more luxury time-wise than TV .. TV is fast-paced. So, that is a nice element of filmmaking. But, it's also fun on TV developing a character over time and it's a little similar to a rehearsal process of theater .. yet that's entirely different as well. So, I actually love all three. And, I hope I can continue to work in all three.
Justin_Boots: How did you know you wanted to act?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I just always KNEW. I guess when I was in third grade is when I found it could actually be a profession. I put on plays and shows for my parents in the livingroom. And, my mom took me to see "That's Entertainment" and I fell in love with Gene Kelly and thought, "Wow! I can do this for a living!" So, from then on I wanted to act and dance.
Crowlo: Have you found your role as Dr. Catera fulfilling?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Definitely fulfilling and extremely challenging. I love Dr. Catera, wish I were more like her. And, it's fun discovering her and I hope I get to do that for a long period of time.
northernlitesgal2: Stacy, do you shoot on a sound stage, or do you occasionally use a real hospital for some of the scenes?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: We do shoot on a soundstage .. the soundstage is amazing ... LOOKS so much like a real hospital. Quite impressive.
ericka_mccarty: Where is CH filmed?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Occasionally we'll shoot exteriors in Chicago, but for the most part we're at the Fox lot on soundstages. The majority of it is filmed in LA and twice a year we'll go to Chicago and shoot some exterior scenes to give it that Chicago look.
pretybug: So how did you come to be in Chicago Hope?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I went the traditional route of auditioning and then after the initial auditions for producers and director you do a "test." Which means you're auditioning in front of the network and FOX producers and it's narrowed down to a handful of women and they decide from that group who they want ... I got the job on a Thursday night, Friday was in wardrobe and Monday I was on the set!
northernlitesgal2: Do the writers allow you to give input into your character ... or do you act out whatever your script calls for?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: We act what's on the page. By the time we're actually filming the script has gone through many rewrites. But, before that if we have ideas, questions, concerns we're able to talk to the writers and work it out with them.
sherfrdy: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: OH! I love to cook. I love to hang out with my friends, cook a good meal and sit and eat and talk. I think that's probably my favorite thing in the world! haha
smiles100: Stacy do you have an e-mail address?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I'm embarrassed to say I do and I don't even know it!
Chicago_Hoper: If you walk down the street, do people really notice you as a star?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh that's sweet. I get recognized occasionally, not very much. And, those that do recognize me have been very supportive and kind. It's been nice.
SKERRIES: DO YOU RECKON THAT GETTING LINKED TO WITH TV FOR A WHILE MAKES IT HARD AS AN ACTRESS TO BRANCH INTO OTHER AERAS?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I feel that there used to be a stigma about five years ago that if you did TV you wouldn't be considered for film work. But, it really feels like now the bridge has crossed the gap and the people are going back and forth from film to TV and vice versa. So, I don't feel limited by any means by doing TV.. I feel blessed doing both.
astrid2: Do you ever get mistaken for a real doctor?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: haha NO! Luckily. Cause I wouldn't be of much use to anyone.
pretybug: Do you and your Chicago Hope character have different personalities?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: She's smarter than I am! And, she probably is a bit more confident and those are the qualities I admire. I think I'm a pretty confident person but I'd love to have more of Dr. Catera's sensibilities.
northernlitesgal2: Being an actress you have the opportunity to step into some unique roles ... if you could write a role for yourself, what would your "plum" role be?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh, I could spend hours on that! I would love to do a good period piece, to play the next La Femme Nikita role. Acting is so much fun and that's what's great about it. I call work "playing doctor"... I'm getting to play doctor and I'd love to be a cowboy and an astronaut ... just so much fun. I can't nail it down to one particular character, I'd just like to explore different professions and types of people.
KellyBobwa: What is your favorite meal to cook?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: I go through phases and right now I'm doing the grilling phase. It's easy and healthy, I have a little gas grill in the backyard and throw chicken, steak, fish, veggies on there and try different seasonings.
Real_Man_B: Do you really learn anything useful from acting as this character? I'm sure it broadens your knowledge in the subject of medicine.
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh definitely! You learn a few tidbits here and there about medicine .... absolutely. You learn a lot about yourself acting ... so I think with each role I walk I'm always learning a little bit more about Stacy.
chuckhoffmann: Do you feel that film gives you more opportunity to refine your performance versus TV?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Well, the beauty of being on a series is I get to work out weekly. Whereas films take longer and there are oftentimes larger rest periods between your next project. But, the beauty of film, there are no restrictions on the content, so you can stretch yourself and be a bit more creative than the standards in which we have to be aware of for TV.
Real_Man_B: Do you ever regret any day that you have been acting?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Not at all .. I feel privileged. This is such a great business. I love the acting world and any chance I get to actually do it is quite a blessing cause it's not easy to be given that opportunity. So, I feel quite lucky to be a part of it.
Chicago_Hoper: Do you ever use your e-mail to mail fans? Do you get any fan mail?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Nope. And, no.
northernlitesgal2: Have any of the CH cast members ever directed an episode of CH?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Yes. As a matter of fact, Adam Arkin, Christine Lahti and Peter Berg all have directed an episode or two.
pretybug: So can I ask who are the famous people that you have met while in the acting business?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: haha They really wanna know! Well, I got to meet Kathy Bates, she's amazing. Emma Thompson, the nicest human being I've ever met in my life. John Travolta. I think those are the types of people they're thinking of. Lauren Bacall. Marsha Mason, John Mahoney. Joe Pantolioni. He's really cool. Chris O'Donnell and Rene Zellweger. They were all really cool, too.
MODERATOR: Is there an actor or actress that you haven't worked with yet that you really want to?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh you bet! There's so many. So many actors whom I admire ... Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins, Dennis Franz .... Juliette Binoche, Daniel Day Lewis. There are many many many.
Ashley Morgan: What do you do if you have a cold during filming?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Ah, good question! We load up on the vitamin C and the Echinacea, drink more water than any human being can stand ... and avoid too much contact with the others as not to infect them.
MODERATOR: How long does it take to film an episode of Chicago Hope?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: It takes 8 working days to shoot one episode.
tiffany34: What about all the publicity that actors get.. when they print things that aren't true... how do you deal with that?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Hmmm ... boy, that's a tough question. I don't .. haven't firsthand had to my knowledge things printed that are out and out lies. Sometimes things are worded differently or twisted a bit to have a different meaning and that can be aggravating. If it actually affects any one person I'd call and explain to them. But, it's part of the business you don't have that much control of. And, luckily, most journalists are reputable and won't do that, but occasionally you run into someone who disregards their true vocation. So, it's just the nature of the beast.
MODERATOR: Thanks for coming everyone. This has been an interesting chat. We will take just a few more comments or questions.
possi1136: Were you scared the first time you were o tv?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: You betcha!!! Haha I still get scared.
Chicago_Hoper: Have you ever gotten emotionally involved with an episode, a tearjerker.
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Yes. There was an episode on CH last season where an elderly woman was opting not to have surgery, to allow herself to die. And, I was trying to convince her to have it so she could live longer. And, it was difficult for me cause my mother had died herself, not too long before that ... and that reminded me of her and her ordeal. That was a tough one for me to shoot.
pretybug: THAT WAS A GOOD EPISODE!
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Thank you so much!
Ashley Morgan: How do you cry during serious scenes?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: You know, when you live in the moment, which means you truly commit to the scene and take in your other actor and you have good writing. It just comes naturally. That's the beauty of working with good actors and having good writing. Makes it effortless for you. When it's not like that, they're probably tears of frustration.... haha
northernlitesgal2: Have you ever been star struck Stacy?
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: Oh sure!!! I remember when I was ... I think I was 19 and waiting tables in Chicago .. and Dustin Hoffman walked in and he was sitting with his wife at my table and I could not wait on him! I was stammering and stuttering and I asked my boss to have someone else wait on him. I did get up the nerve to ask for his autograph and then I ran away!
MODERATOR: Thanks for coming everyone. This has been an interesting chat. We have been chatting with actress Stacy Edwards, Dr. Lisa Catera on the Emmy nominated CBS TV series Chicago Hope. Thanks for chatting with us Stacy!
pretybug: You're a good actor and keep up the good work in Chicago Hope. Best of luck to you and the whole cast!
SPEAKER_StacyEdwards: It was a lot of fun, thanks for the interesting questions! And, happy New Year to all of you!
Ashley Morgan: You are just amazing!
Chicago_Hoper: Thanks for talking with me. I loved meeting you. You're an exceptional person.
pretybug: Well, bye Stacy and keep up the good work in CH!!
Lori100: I love Chicago Hope.....it is better than ER.
ericka_mccarty: Goodbye, Stacy. I have to go. I hope you have a great night.
Messengerman: Best wishes...
