Jennifer Beals (01/18/04)

sho_moderator:   Welcome to tonight's event, a chat with Jennifer Beals. Jennifer Beals began her acting career while still a freshman at Yale University, when she auditioned for the role of Alex Owens in Adrian Lyne's "Flashdance," resulting in a performance which earned her a Golden Globe(R) nomination and an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress. Also while at Yale, she starred in Franc Roddam's "The Bride," costarring Sting and Geraldine Page. In recent years, Beals has had starring roles in a myriad of films, including "The Anniversary Party," in which she plays a character who gives her photographs away to her subjects (Beals, an avid photographer in real life, actually does this.),"Twilight of the Golds," "The Last Days of Disco," "Roger Dodger," "In the Soup" (winner of the 1992 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Deauville Film Festival), "Four Rooms," "Vampire's Kiss," "Doctor M.," "Caro Diario," "The Madonna and the Dragon," "Catch That Girl," and "Runaway Jury." Jennifer is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

jennifer_beals:   I was actually ready to start speaking with you guys at 11:35, but there are so many of you (what a delicious surprise) that the System had trouble accomodating you. The System is now ready and I am anxiously waiting your questions.

ars2434:   Jennifer, what made you chose this role?

jennifer_beals:   Ars2434, when I first read the script, I loved how complicated Bette was, that she was this Type A personality with this core vulnerability, that she was trying to balance work and family, which seemed to be a tenuous act. Then I met Ilene Chaiken, the creator of the show, and she had such wonderful ideas for the character and was such a delightful person herself that I immediately signed on.

boygeorge:   What is the most difficult aspect of working on lword?

jennifer_beals:   Boygeorge, probably the most difficult aspect of working on The L-Word, is that normally as Jennifer, I would wear Tina's clothes, so to have to be in suits and high heels for most of the day is a little daunting.

wooly:   Did you have any reservations about playing a lesbian?

jennifer_beals:   Wooly, I had no reservations whatsoever about playing a lesbian. The only reservation that I would ever have for any character were if it were not very well-written, and this part is very well-written. And what is so incredibly interesting is that I've played vampires, murderers, and morally bankrupt people and no one has ever asked me if I had reservations for playing those characters. It's funny.

komisch:   Jennifer - did you have a favorite scene from the pilot episode, and if so, which was it, and why?

jennifer_beals:   Komisch, I don't know that I have a favorite. I remember laughing pretty hard around the table in The Planet, when we were discussing the donor who insisted it was ze penis, ze pussy, ze baby.

royce_05:   Do you feel pressure b/c this is the first show with predominantly lesbian characters?

jennifer_beals:   Royce_05, I don't feel pressure, I think probably the writers feel more of the responsibility in that way, but I do feel a great amount of pride.

jon01:   Has this character been one of the most challenging of your career?

jennifer_beals:   Jon01, I feel like the characters I've played have been equally challenging, and challenging in different ways. I think this role, however, has such an impact in a historical way that it's almost ... stunning. I don't even know how to express it.

kymberleigh:   I think it's very cool that the storyline related to your own Black/Irish heritage. Was that added to the storyline specifically because of your involvement in the show?

jennifer_beals:   Kymberleigh, i don't know if ilene chaiken had thought of it originally, but I had I requested it in the initial meeting with her.

cms1435:   This is a great show! Have you received mostly a postivie or negative response from choosing to do the show?

jennifer_beals:   Cms1435, I have received only a positive response in choosing to do the show.

michelle26:   How did you go about creating your character?

jennifer_beals:   Michelle26, it's such a complicated process, one that involves mystery and intuition. There were a few basic technical things that I could learn about, such as what it takes to become the director of an art museum in Los Angeles, and as for playing a lesbian, in the words of Einstein, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

lola:   If you could play any other character on the show who would it be and why?

jennifer_beals:   Lola, I would love to play a character that had yet to be introduced. Her/his name is Ivan. He's played by Kelly Lynch. I think it would be interesting to straddle the feminine and the masculine just like the finest rock stars do.

dita93:   Were you trying not to laugh when you were shooting the scene in the doctors office?

jennifer_beals:   Dita, I don't remember trying not to laugh. I do remember struggling with the evil paper that I had to put over my head.

titimae:   Jennifer, how has this role contributed to you personally?

jennifer_beals:   Titimae, Bette is an incredibly organized person and on a superficial note, it's pointed out to me how disorganized I am. On a more important note, having never really thought about gay issues before, it's pointed out to me the extraordinary inequities there are in the world. I learned that sexual orientation is not even a part of the federal hate crimes law. That blows my mind. Having walked in this person's shoes, I see the world differently and I feel personally insulted when I hear slights against a gay person.

sho_moderator:   Please enter all the questions you have for Jennifer Beals in the bottom submission window. We receive thousands of questions during the chat, so yours may not be answered, but we are definitely receiving them and putting through as many as we can. Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans. Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website. Log on to SHO.com next Sunday, January 25 after the episode to chat live with Laurel Holloman, who plays "Tina."

brooklynsoul:   Jennifer, I didnt know you were an avid photographer...as i am. Can you elaborate on what you enjoy shooting?

jennifer_beals:   Brooklynsoul, I mostly enjoy shooting people I don't know because it introduces me to worlds I know nothing about. But lately I've been working quite a bit, so I've been shooting on set, and recently I took a trip to Patagonia and I was shooting a lot of landscapes there.

elise:   I have been a fan of your director, Rose Troche. What's it like working with her?

jennifer_beals:   Elise, I LOVE working with Rose Troche. She's incredibly honest and funny and passionate.

miamichele:   What is it like working with the legendary Pam Grier? Will we see more of her in future episodes?

jennifer_beals:   Miamichele, it was unbelievable having Pam Grier playing my half-sister. Her character continues throughout the series and our relationship only deepens as time goes on. She is so wise and funny and she schools me every day. Later on in the show, the character of our father appears, and he's played by Ossie Davis. Imagine that for a family.

jonatham:   What is it like working with such a large female ensemble cast?

jennifer_beals:   Jonatham, what was interesting about this cast and about this crew is that people actually listened to one another. We spent time rehearsing on the weekends and when there were times when I didn't know what to do in a scene (and the poor director didn't know what to say to me), I would turn to my cast members for guidance.

chiforce:   Speaking of 'hate crime laws'...are you keeping an eye on the caucus in Iowa?

jennifer_beals:   Chiforce, a bit. I'm generally very wary of politicians but know that I have to be aware of the process.

mubirshu:   Does filming in Toronto affect the "L.A." show?

jennifer_beals:   Mubirshu, we actually film in Vancouver and it doesn't seem to have affected the "L.A."-ness of the show because we've been allowed to shoot so many exteriors in L.A. itself. And actually, what's nice about shooting in Vancouver (as opposed to L.A.) is that there are so many fewer distractions. As a cast, we're quite insulated in Vancouver, and as a result, I think it's allowed us to grow closer to one another.

lorigav1964:   How many episodes have been taped? we need more.

jennifer_beals:   Lorigav1964, you're so kind! It's really nice to hear that! We've shot 13 episodes, I believe, including the pilot, though I'm not completely sure because it seems like some incredible dream.

mindy33:   Did you do the love scene with a closed set?

jennifer_beals:   Mindy33, we did do the love scene with a closed set. It's actually a lot less intimate than it appears because it is so highly choreographed. EVERY SINGLE THING IN THE LOVE SCENE IS CHOREOGRAPHED. At one point, Laurel Holloman said in exasperation, "I feel like Fred Astaire."

sho_moderator:   Please enter all the questions you have for Jennifer Beals in the bottom submission window. We receive thousands of questions during the chat, so yours may not be answered, but we are definitely receiving them and putting through as many as we can. Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans. Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website. Log on to SHO.com next Sunday, January 25 after the episode to chat live with Laurel Holloman, who plays "Tina."

andre:   As an Ivy League graduate you are WAY more intelligent and educated than the average actor. (Believe me I know.) When are you going to put that brilliance to use behind the camera?

jennifer_beals:   Andre, thank you for the compliment but I have to say that in my experience, intelligence among actors has nothing to do with their education. I may be well-educated, but sometimes I feel like a moron. Having been married to a director for ten years, I have no desire to direct. However, I would like to produce one day. The stories that I would like to see. I have to say, some of the most intelligent people I know are self-educated and I don't believe that going to a university is a necessity for everyone. There are many ways to learn and to come at the truth and they are all valuable if they service that person in their journey.

naughy_boy:   I'm sure you've gotten this question repeatedly, but I'm curious about the comfort level of doing same-sex inimacy scene...do you find it awkward or does it seem natural, or are you able to detatch yourself from the whole thing?

jennifer_beals:   Naughy_boy, in the very beginning, I wasn't sure how I would approach the scene, but then when I thought about it, I realized it's a scene like any other and I had to figure out what it was that my character wanted or needed in that moment. And in that moment, Bette needs to reconnect with her partner and bridge a chasm that's been created. Realizing that, it made this scene much easier because it became more specific. Naugh_boy, love scenes are not always about love, sex scenes are not always about sex. Sometimes they're about exploitation or possession, and sometimes they are genuinely about love. Doing the scene with Laurel Holloman was relatively easy because we communicate well together. And frankly, in some ways, doing a love scene with a woman is easier because they understand intuitively and explicitly some of the body issues you may have as a woman. So, when you ask a woman to put her hand in a certain area of your body that you're not so thrilled with so that it'll be covered from the camera, or, when she asks you to put your hand in a certain place to enhance a part of her body that she may be less than thrilled with, the hands don't move. Whereas with a man, they don't always get it because most men don't have the same kind of body issues that women do. And most couldn't even spell cellulite.

latinamimi:   Jennifer, what is Bette's worse trait? how do you identify/understand her?

jennifer_beals:   Latinamimi, her worst trait is her impatience and her anger, both of which I have in spades so it's really not so much of a problem. I just try to control it more than she does.

2luvnbluvd:   What have you not been asked that you would like us all to know?

jennifer_beals:   2luvnbluvd, I would like to be asked how the other cast members influenced me. Every day when I went to work, it seems like the bar got higher and higher. I work with such talented people who inspire me every day and who push me to try to find what is truthful. Every single actress on the show has such authentic gifts. I don't even know how to describe it. It's like we're the Fantastic Four and we all have our special super powers and we all use them to help one another.

ange65french:   Jennifer, many productions use consultants to ensure a high degree of realism when telling a story; does the L-Word have a consultant or 2 on board? If so, to what extent do you and the other cast members rely on them?

jennifer_beals:   Ange65french, we don't really have a consultant per se, but we do have Rose Trochet and Gwen Turner and certainly the ever-present and delightful Ilene Chaiken who answers all of our questions with unfailing generosity.

sallyh:   What have you been up to since you wrapped up shooting the season of The L-Word? Any projects in the works?

jennifer_beals:   Sallyh, my biggest project was preparing for my 40th birthday in December. I decided to do what makes me happiest, so my husband and I (with two of our friends) went on a horse-packing trip in Patagonia where I spent the nights in a tent and the days on horseback. My 40th birthday was blessedly spent galloping across the pampas with the vaquianos and dancing to the cumbia by the fire at night. Thankfully, I was not thinking about face creams. I think it's really important to celebrate your existence. I'd like to say thank you so much for having taken the time out to share your response to the show. It really means so much to all of us in the cast and in the crew because, though we enjoy our work so much and we do it because it pleases us, we also do it for you. Especially in this instance.

sho_moderator:   Thank you for chatting with Jennifer Beals. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of The L Word. Keep visiting SHO.com and be sure to stay a part our community by sharing your thoughts on The L Word message boards. Log on to The L Word message boards right now to discuss your thoughts on the cast and the premiere episode with other fans! Thanks for joining in on tonight's chat. Copyright (c)2004, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.

Laurel Holloman (01/25/04)

sho_moderator:   Thank you for participating! Laurel Holloman will be joining us following the episode. Welcome to tonight's event, a chat with Laurel Holloman. She will be joining us following the episode. We're sure you have plenty of questions for Laurel Holloman. To participate, type your question in the text box at the bottom of your screen and hit Enter/Return. Your question will be submitted. If it is responded to, it will appear in the chat window during the chat, followed by the response. Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. Laurel is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

laurel_holloman:   I'm just really excited to talk to everyone because I know that the tone and the style of this episode is very different from the pilot, and I would love to know what people think.

ebb2002:   Laurel, thanks for taking the time to chat. What would you say is the biggest surprise to you about your experienc of doing the show?

laurel_holloman:   I would say the biggest surprise was how amazing this ensemble of women fit together. I had no idea that that many women could be that cohesive.

kitkat:   Do you feel like your character is defined by her quest to get pregnant?

laurel_holloman:   As the series moves on, I think you'll see that there are moments that my character does define herself by the quest to have a baby, and she sees how dangerous that is. I wanted to explore what happens to a woman, and Eileen Chaiken wanted to explore this also, what happens to women when they have high-powered jobs and they quit them, all just to get pregnant. And I think that the mistake that Tina might be making is that she's quit everything in order to be pregnant, instead of just continuing her work and letting her pregnancy fall into place. I think what will be explored in the entire season is the ramifications of what that does to somebody.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

mostlywild98:   What about your role as Tina do you find to be the toughest to portray authentically?

laurel_holloman:   I find the hardest thing to play about Tina is her centeredness and her easiness and her lack of fight for control. Because I'm a control freak, and I'm very different from Tina in a lot of ways. So there are some elements that I find very difficult, some of her softer qualities. I'm more brash than Tina. I have a much quicker temper.

latinamimi2:   Laurel, what qualities do you like about Tina's character?

laurel_holloman:   The best thing about Tina is her loyalty. She is fiercely loyal in her relationships and in her friendships. I think she has a soulful quality and a spiritual quality that is often lacking in Los Angeles. I think those qualities are lovely and fun to play.

kimtowin:   How did you prepare for the role of Tina?

laurel_holloman:   I was cast in this very quickly before it shot, so sometimes you do a lot of preparation and sometimes you don't do as much, so you hope that whatever you bring to it is going to be good. The majority of my preparation was in conjunction with Eileen Chaiken and Rose Troche in creating a history for Tina. The history for Tina was very different than what I thought in would be, in terms of her sexuality. I can't say anything else more because I would reveal some of the aspects that will be revealed later in the season. But other than preparing the history for the character, basically I just started working out like crazy because I knew there would be nudity, and trying to learn all the dialogue I could. As far as playing a lesbian, I had no issues, because I had already played the lead in The Incredible True Adventures of Two Girls in Love, and it basically jump-started my career.

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cruise13:   What direction would you like to see your character go in?

laurel_holloman:   I would like to see my character become more independent. I'd like to see my character find more balance in her life. But the beauty of being able to find those things, to me, is great, because all of these characters are flawed. For an actor it's really great, because it's really boring to play picture-perfect television characters. And that's not what anyone's going to see on The L Word.

oxymoron:   What is your response to the criticism surrounding straight women playing gay women? Personnally, as long as a man isn't playing us, I don't care.

laurel_holloman:   Yeah, in a perfect world, maybe there would be an all-lesbian cast playing all lesbians. I kind of feel we get back to the same place, which is why does an actor's sexual orientation have to match the character? Should gay actors only be able to play gay characters, or shouldn't they be allowed to play straight or gay characters? I feel like it's important to focus on the characters and celebrate the show, and hopefully we will create an atmosphere in Hollywood where people are comfortable with being out.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

oswegomv:   Was filming the Country Club Mission scene as much of a hoot as it came across on screen?

laurel_holloman:   Yes it was a complete riot, the whole day that we shot in the country club. Making out with Jennifer in the country club was delicious. When we had to walk down and see Tammy Lynn Michaels, she cracked us all up by mooning us. And that was the tone of the day, just to really have fun.

beth:   How much imput do you personally have in Tina's character?

laurel_holloman:   We all have a lot of input in our characters. Eileen is a great listener, as I should say, are Rose and Gwen. And we're allowed to bring a lot to the table.

slzsu:   What areas of the relationship between Tina and Bette would you like to see explored this season?

laurel_holloman:   The power struggle that happens in same-sex relationships, or even hetero relationships, when one person is financially supporting the other.

semiaimes:   I'm sure most viewers can see parts of themselves in some or all, mayhaps only one of the characters, regardless of orientation. If you weren't portraying Tina, which character would you identify with most?

laurel_holloman:   I think I would identify with Shane.

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kendra:   From reading articles I can see that the cast and crew all realize that what they are doing is very important socially... have you been able to experience first hand the kind of positivity the show is generating for the gay and lesbian community?

laurel_holloman:   To me, the first sign of the social importance was in the New York magazine article and what the New York lesbian community had to say. And that our show, being a Los Angeles show, still could be celebrated in all other sub-cultures in the country, especially New York, which is a very different place from LA. From my own experience, when I did The Incredible True Adventures of Two Girls in Love, I had a huge response from gay teenagers, which was wonderful because the suicide rate is high for gay teens, and I think our movie did have an impact. But it was an independent film, so it reached a smaller audience. So to me it's exciting that a television show can reach such a broad audience. And hopefully pave the way for more lesbian characters to be on television.

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mam:   I loved the Mission Imposible/queer eye for the"Lesbian"scene of the show tonight. Do you prefer the humorous scenes to the more dramtic?

laurel_holloman:   I like a balance between the humorous scenes and the more dramatic scenes. There are some days when the really heavy dramatic scenes can be exhausting, so it's refreshing to go into a new day where there's a lighter scene. I think the writers mix the comedy in very nicely with the more serious subject matter, and as the season moves on, the show will explore more serious, darker subject matters, Then to be followed with a more playful episode.

scubachele:   Is this your most intense role?

laurel_holloman:   I can't say that there is one role more intense than the others. I've done a lot of independent films that people haven't seen, so there's been intense roles there. But this is the most intense television role I've ever had.

longtime_l_wife:   Will Tina and Bette tackle the topic of gay marriage?

laurel_holloman:   Keep watching. It could happen. I think it would be great to tackle that.

tkzoo:   Are you or any one else in the cast concerned about stereotyping, since it is so prevelant in Hollywood?

laurel_holloman:   I cannot answer for anyone else in the cast. As for myself, I am completely not worried about stereotyping. I feel that it is my job as an actor to have as wide a range as possible, and so if I were to be typecast too many times, I would only blame myself because I'm not a good enough character actress, which is what I would like to be. From my own experience, I did 25 features after Two Girls in Love, and I never felt anyone typecast me as an eighteen-year-old baby butch lesbian. I also believe that there's not a lesbian type, and that's what's going to show up on our show.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

turtle2:   Do you think that "butch" lesbians are portrayed on the show?

laurel_holloman:   In the episodes that you've seen, no, you haven't seen that many butch characters. Will you see more? Yes. Can we get a representation of everybody in two episodes? No, it's impossible. But I hope that people will continue to watch, because I think that there's going to be a large mix of everything, and it's a shame to judge it so quickly. Just see how it unfolds.

carriebomb:   You would identify with Shane? How so?

laurel_holloman:   I identify with androgyny, tomboyism, fear of intimacy, and a sense of freedom.

blueberry:   Are you prepared for your sudden status as an 'icon' in the gay community?

laurel_holloman:   No, I'd have no idea how to prepare for that. I'm way too shy.

warriorgrrl:   Will there be a time that we get the back story on Bette and Tina's relationship for the past 7 years?

laurel_holloman:   Yes! Stay tuned. There'll be an episode where you'll get to hear everyone's coming-out story. You'll get lots of history on more than just Bette and Tina, but you will get their history. It's an excellent episode.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website.

foxmists:   Is there a particular social statement or message that you want to get out to society in this show?

laurel_holloman:   I think the main statement is to show that alternative lifestyles are not that different. I think that our show will show that these lifestyles are not to be judged, feared, or pigeon-holed. For me personally, I'm really proud to be representing a possible alternative family on screen. To show other families that this lifestyle isn't so different.

soccergrrl:   Laurel, great job on the show. I love it! I would like to ask who would you like to see make a guest appearance on the show?

laurel_holloman:   Angelina Jolie. Selma Hayek. Diane Keaton. Jodi Foster. I know, it's a big wish list, but what can you do?

hawkeye:   What do you personally think the L Word stands for?

laurel_holloman:   Love.

heroinhairweave:   When will you know if there's going to be a season 2?

laurel_holloman:   I don't know. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Watching helps!

foxmists:   Is there a lot of improvisation on the show as we've heard in various ads?

laurel_holloman:   Yeah, there is. The more important, more dramatic scenes are less improvised, and small things like telephone calls, driving, talking on the cell phone, little blurbs that seem really natural, can be improvised. But if we have trouble with the scene, we may improvise to work it out, but then we lock it in with permission from the writer.

ber:   Once the season is over with, what do you personally take away with you. Not objects, but emotions.

laurel_holloman:   I took away a lot from this first season on an emotional level. Exploring Bette and Tina's relationship had a profound emotional effect on me. Exploring Tina's desire to have a child and the journey that her and Bette take to have a child hits very close to my heart. Because I want to start a family. I'm really grateful that people are watching and that we are having such a positive response. I hope that we have many more seasons, because I think we have many more stories to tell.

sho_moderator:   Thank you for chatting with Laurel Holloman. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of The L Word. Keep visiting SHO.com and be sure to stay a part our community by sharing your thoughts on The L Word message boards. Log on to The L Word message boards right now to discuss your thoughts on the cast and the premiere episode with other fans! The chat room will be closing in two minutes, but you can head on over to The L Word message boards and share your thoughts about this week's episode. Thanks for joining in on tonight's chat. Copyright (c)2004, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.

Mia Kirshner (02/01/04)

sho_moderator:   Thank you for participating! Mia Kirshner will be joining us following the episode. We're sure you have plenty of questions for Mia Kirshner. To participate, type your question in the text box at the bottom of your screen and hit Enter/Return. Your question will be submitted. If it is responded to, it will appear in the chat window during the chat, followed by the response. Welcome to tonight's event, a chat with Mia Kirshner. Mia will be joining us following the episode. We're sure you have plenty of questions for Mia Kirshner. To participate, type your question in the text box at the bottom of your screen and hit Enter/Return. Your question will be submitted. If it is responded to, it will appear in the chat window during the chat, followed by the response. Please enter all the questions you have for Mia Kirshner in the bottom submission window. We receive thousands of questions during the chat, so yours may not be answered, but we are definitely receiving them and putting through as many as we can. MIA KIRSHNER began her acting career at age 17, playing a clairvoyant dominatrix in "Love and Human Remains." Kirshner was recently seen in "Not Another Teen Movie," "Century Hotel" and "Now and Forever." Other film credits include "Exotica," "The Grass Harp," "Mad City," "The Crow: City of Angels," "Saturn," "Spencer," "Dark Summer," "Anna Karenina," and "Murder in the First." Her other television credits include "24," where she portrayed mysterious would-be presidential assassin 'Mandy.' Log on to SHO.com next Sunday, February 8th after the episode to chat live with Pam Grier, who plays "Kit." Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. Mia is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

mia_kirshner:   Hi everyone. How are you guys? Thanks a lot for loggin on. I'm really excited to talk with you guys.

comettail:   Thirty years from now, what do you think people will remember about the L word and its messages?

mia_kirshner:   Commettail, that's an amazing question. Thanks so much for asking something that thoughtful. I hope that thirty years people will remember this show as the first of its kind, but more importantly, I hope that television, film and music will reflect the fact that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual is a non-issue. And that people are judged by their achievements in life.

sunata:   What has been your favorite scene to film out of the episodes that have aired?

mia_kirshner:   Sunata, I would say the scene with most of the girls--the girls meaning Leisha, Erin, and Kate and Jennifer and Laurel-- the party scenes were the most fun to film, because we were always playing pranks on each other and being very silly. Lots of gossip and dancing together.

lisa4peace:   How would you describe your character -- Confused? or Wanting it all??

mia_kirshner:   I guess I would describe her as somebody at this point who is completely morally conflicted. She is completely in love with two people at the same time. She is caught off-guard, and she genuinely wants to be a good person and do the right thing.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

supergrovey:   What was your first reaction when you found out that the show was the fastest renewal of any show in the history of Showtime

mia_kirshner:   I was so excited and so grateful that the people who log on and go onto the message boards, I mean it's because of them the show was picked up. I'm so grateful because it's because of them that the show exists. The first person I talked to was Jennifer, and then I spoke with Leisha, and I spoke to Kate the next day, and we're all so excited.

kymberleigh:   Looking at the multifaceted nature of your character ... other than the obvious, what do you see as your character's most significant challenge?

mia_kirshner:   Kymberleigh, that's a really great question. I think her most significant challenge is being true to her heart, and really deciding to follow her heart rather than trying to do the right thing. I think at this point she's so completely lost and hopelessly in love that she's faltering completely. I think she realizes that being true to herself is going to be extremely painful. I think before we met Jenny in the show she had a very dark life and had gone through a lot of pain. I think she's just hoping to have a life that's a little easier.

mack:   You said you played pranks on each other, what kind of pranks do you guys do?

mia_kirshner:   We would crank-call each other constantly. We would do really do stupid things on set, Kate and I especially, like tie people's shoes togetherk and this is Kate, she would tie tails to people while they were walking, completely utter stupid things. One of the makeup artists once dyed my dog blue with vegetable blue. We were dying to play a prank on Ilene Chaiken, the executive producer. We would desperate to move all the furniture out of her office, because she's so organized that would have given her a complete heart attack.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website.

liverwurst:   Mia, saw you on Jay Leno earlier this week and you were great! Do you still play any musical instruments?

mia_kirshner:   Liverwurst, that's so nice of you, but I was such a spaz. I was so nervous and desperately shy that I just wanted to sink into the chair. My hands were shaking. And, thankfully, I don't play any musical instruments now. I'm not going to inflict that on other people.

dddpiston1:   Which character would you like to have more interaction with?

mia_kirshner:   It's hard to say because all of the girls are my friends in my own life. But because Leisha Hailey and I live together, I would say I would love to work more with Leisha.

darkangel579:   will we know more about ur characters past?

mia_kirshner:   Darkangel, yes definitely. As the season goes on, you'll find out why she's so desperate for a peaceful life, that things have been so tough for her because we meet her. She's trying to keep it together because otherwise she'll fall apart completely.

diana:   I was actually wondering if you had any specific questions YOU might want to ask fans of the show/your work? Since you have a group of us here live right now.

mia_kirshner:   That's a great question, Diana. I think a lot of people are really upset with Jenny right now, and I wanted to know why, aside from the obvious reasons why. (People should go into the message board to answer that question for Mia.) What would you guys like to see more of on the show next year?

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

times9:   What's it like playing a character with so much sexual duality?

mia_kirshner:   Times9, it's complicated. A lot of it is sometimes based on my own experiences, or my friends' experiences, so the most challenging thing is to be as truthful as possible, even though sometimes it doesn't make Jenny look that good or that nice.

christi:   Being a heterosexual woman, I'd probably have a bit of a rough time in a role like yours...is it a challenge?

mia_kirshner:   No, not at all. The way I approach the character isn't about being gay or being straight. It's just about who you love and who inspires you. For me, gender has very little to do with it.

fanfromny:   Do you have any questions that you havent been asked but want to answer yourself?

mia_kirshner:   Fanfrommy, yeah. I think that what I've realized with Jenny is that she's just struggling so much to find a purpose in life and to be inspired through love. I think when we meet her, she doesn't realize how much pain that's causing other people. The issue of being gay or being straight was never an issue for Jenny. I think that she related to people and had people in her life because of their achievements and their desires, not because of their gender or their sexual identity. Only now does she realize that being gay or being straight does have something to do with it.

shakeitsheila:   How are you handling all the sudden media attention and infatuation with the show?

mia_kirshner:   Shakeitsheila, I like your name! That's a great question. It's really wild. It's actually brought the cast even closer together. We call each other almost every single day, and it's made our group so unbelievably close. That's been one of the best things about the show. We'll call each other to say, 'Did you see that billboard on Sunset?' or 'Did you read that magazine article?' Those friendships have been the most rewarding thing. The other rewarding thing is being a part of something that has so much meaning for other people, and that helps tell stories of their identity that the viewers seem to relate to. I'm just so hnored to be a part of that, and I feel in great service to that.

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irene:   Mia I love your character. Do you feel that you are similar to her in any way?

mia_kirshner:   No. I think there are parts of me that are similar to Jenny, but I'm not as quiet as Jenny is. And I hope that I'm not as socially awkward as Jenny is! And I think that I try to have more moral responsibility than Jenny has.

duncecap11:   Hey Mia, you seem a bit shy in iterviews...do you find it difficult doing all the p.r. stuff for the show?

mia_kirshner:   Duncecap, yes, completely! I am an extremely private person. And I always feel that I come across as a caricature of myself whenever I do interviews. But I hope it's something that I never become used to, because I'm determined never to let my personal life be defined by my professional life. But I have to say, that I'm not that shy in my personal life--only when I do interviews! I think it's just like a defense mechanism or something.

mplsgirls:   How would you like to see your character grow??

mia_kirshner:   mplsgirls, I think that I would like to have her think before she acts from time to time. I would like to see her being sillier, because she's really silly and she has a great sense of humor, and that's why I like Episode 10 so much actually, 10 and 7, because you get to see Jenny's really silly side. This is Mia speaking and not Jenny. I would like to see her have very meaningful relationships with women.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

hrowstanley:   How has the L Word impacted your own life?

mia_kirshner:   Hrowstanley, it's the first project that holds this much meaning for me. THe fact that these stories reflect people's stories about coming out, or their relationships with women, or just trying to find themselves, it fucking rocks my world to be a part of that.

kristirutledge:   Does filming in Toronto affect the "L.A." show?

mia_kirshner:   Kristi, that's a very sly question. Are you trying to figure out what Jenny would do or is trying to do? Leisha says that if she had a friend that was in Jenny's position, she would say 'You're gay, get over it.' I think I would just tell my friend that if she's genuinely in love with someone, she should go for it. Cause life's way too short. But be careful, because sometimes love can be a little deceiving.

wer2girlsnlove:   If it were up to you, would you choose for Jenny to end up with Marina or Tim?

mia_kirshner:   I would say that she should go for the person she loves most, who inspires her the most. I think Marina really inspires her work and makes the world seem like there are infinite possibilities. But Tim makes her feel safe and grounded. And at this point in Jenny's life, she's been unsafe for so long, I think she's just scared of losing that. Even though I think it's being unfaithful to what she'll ultimately want.

themdoubleose:   What does the L word mean to you?

mia_kirshner:   Longing. Love. Lost. Libido. Luscious. What does it mean to you, doubleose?

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

sexygirl:   Mia, You mentioned on Jay Leno that the L word was the best job you have ever gotten, How come??

mia_kirshner:   As I said before, I've never worked on something that has so much personal meaning for me. Or worked with a cast of all women before. Or worked on something that we genuinely think impacts people's lives. Even though sometimes the portrayals of characters aren't necessarily flattering.

doujuvix:   do you spend tons of time with the writer of the script? is she on set everyday?

mia_kirshner:   Doujuvix, there are actually several writers. There's Gwen Turner, Rose Troche, and Ilene Chaiken. And yes we do spend a lot of time together, especially Ilene and I.

justy:   Why does the L word have so much personal meaning for you?

mia_kirshner:   Because I think one's sexuality can be the center of life, and coming out and discovering your sexuality is something that really can define your existence. To be part of that means so much to me. Because I've certainly grappled with those things. I just want to thank you very very much for asking amazing questions. Please keep on writing. These message boards are amazing. We're listening to you, and we want to hear what you guys think, because you guys are so smart. It's because of you the show was picked up, and because of you the show is successful, and we can't do this without you.

sho_moderator:   Thank you for chatting with Mia Kirshner. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of The L Word. Tune in to SHOWTIME next Sunday, February 8th at 10pm ET/PT for another all-new episode, and chat with Pam Grier who plays "Kit" immediately following the episode. If you missed tonight's episode, tune in to SHOWTIME on Wednesday at 10:45pm ET/PT to catch the encore play. Keep visiting SHO.com and be sure to stay a part our community by sharing your thoughts on The L Word message boards. Log on to The L Word message boards right now to discuss your thoughts on the cast and the premiere episode with other fans! The chat room will be closing in two minutes, but you can head on over to The L Word message boards and share your thoughts about this week's episode. The chat room is now closed. Thanks for joining in on tonight's chat. Copyright (c)2004, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.

Pam Grier (02/08/04)

sho_moderator:   We're sure you have plenty of questions for Pam Grier. Thank you for participating! Pam Grier will be joining us following the episode. We receive thousands of questions during the chat, so yours may not be answered, but we are definitely receiving them and putting through as many as we can. PAM GRIER (Kit Porter) began her acting career and achieved fame in the early 1970's when she starred in a series of films including "Coffy," "Foxy Brown," and "Sheba Baby." In the 1990's, she made an impact as the title character in "Jackie Brown," and was honored with Golden Globe(R), Screen Actors Guild, and NAACP nominations. Grier's feature film credits include "Holy Smoke," "In Too Deep," and "Snow Days." She was recently seen starring in the telefilm "First to Die." Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. Pam Grier is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

pam_grier:   Hi! Whassup? I can't imagine anyone at this very moment is waiting to chat with me. I have the feeling that everyone has their television on the Grammys, and they're saying, 'Pam who?' Maybe two people who can't keep rhythm and don't watch the Grammys.

bruniegrl:   I love the show. How do you and the cast deal with the controversey in the press over the subject matter?

pam_grier:   The subject matter is very easy for us, and I can only speak for myself, but it's a subject matter that's long overdue to be explored. As it is being explored and chatted about at water coolers and at people's homes after the show, people will realize this is a segment of life that, as we have our show, it will create a comfort zone for most people and quite possibly a comprehension for those who may not have an inkling of why someone is gay. And is being gay a choice, or is it more organic or biological. And interestingly enough, you have had in the past, through entertainment, through the literary world, through the evolution of a world that has been predominantly male, speaking of the gay male community, you have projects produced such as Birdcage, To Wong Foo, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Queer as Folk, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. You had a marketing and advertising machine geared toward a huge population that demands attention. If you think about it, there are more affluent male gay people in the world--the gay male society is extremely affluent. If you look at all the designers, fashion, furniture, studio owners, record label owners, there's a huge gay male population that's wealthier than the female. And people say that it's been easier to watch women being intimate and holding hands in public in certain societies. Then why wasn't the L Word produced before Queer as Folk? We're finding out that women, gay or straight, are not as affluent as men. So as we continue with the show, various aspects of a gay society will be revealed. And most people don't realize that people in and out of closets are probably some of the most outstanding people in our society. And have been long before we began to count how many and when people began to count. So I can say for most of us as actors we want to be informed, we want to learn more to be able to give great depth to our characters and we can never know and learn enough.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

pam_grier:   I've learned so much more than I ever could imagine from my research, from my new-found friends who are gay and bisexual, many negative myths and stereotypes have been shattered, and as a society learning more we only get stronger as we gain more information. And as a society, in this democracy, we need information more than anything.

pchic:   Hey Girl friend , how did you get your expieriance with AA did you research it?

pam_grier:   Pchic, not only did I research it but firsthand I have friends who are in AA, and they're not only from Hollywood and the industry, but in many other industries, as pedestrian industries as CEOs to race car drivers to aerobics teachers to some of my friends in the music industry, and I went to some of the meetings, and I have literature, and it helped me to understand a lot about my character Kit and friends of people who do have problems and addictive personalities, and how can you not be an enabler. So it was great information for me, and reflecting upon my childhood growing up, moments of absolute fear and tragedy of certain family members who had problems with drinking. Because some of my family members are Native American, and for me personally gin is extremely toxic. I can turn a club or a party out, in fact I did turn my debutante ball out. My debutante ball gown was turned around, ripped to shreds, and my maturity and research lets me know that there are some things in my past that I have to address and watch out for because certain emotional moments will make me extremely vulnerable.

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music:   Will the L Word also address the issue of gay women needing to practice safe sex as sexual diseases are being passed among them now? I worry about the activities of Shane misleading young gay women into believing they are safe out there giving them a false since of security..

pam_grier:   I hope they will address it, and I think they will. I think the producers and everyone are extremely responsible, and it's not something that they will overlook.

danwad:   This show is very emotionally powerful. What are your thoughts about the responsibility that writers, producers, directors and actors have regarding the impact they have on society?

pam_grier:   Danwad, our impact is reflecting society. These aren't stories that have never been told and are just conjured up. A lot of people I think will reflect and have moments of elation, pain, moments of fear and anxiety from watching the show. We hope to show a wide cross-section of women, not only this one particular group, which is a microcosm, but other groups of gay women, who have different agendas, dress different, and look different. There are even Muslim gay women, and I think even this season we will have a great storyline about them being gay and being Islamic. I found a story about these two women in Toronto who are part of a huge gay population in Toronto and are dealing with their sexuality and their religion. Because Islamic women--just being a straight woman is different-- and being gay is even an additional restriction. ANd it would be very interesting to see how they explore their dynamics. And now that there is a neo-gay women's group called Bois, they are kind of like the Shane character in the show, they are a new group with a different agenda. We hope to reflect and not pontificate or preach but strictly entertain and allow everyone to have the freedom to make their own conclusions.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

tkzoo:   Your career has had such longevity, do you attribute that to taking chances on roles that have an edge to them?

pam_grier:   No I've just been lucky! TKZoo, I like reinventing myself and my characters to not be predictable, and kind of reflect who Pam would be in the time. In other words, not being stuck in a time warp and always being curious about what is happening around me, and breaking stereotypes. Most casting and producers who don't get out of their world much assume that I'm from an urban environment, and not even reading my bio and knowing my military upbringing. I've had an international education. From military bases, urban projects (like Cabrini Green), and then family's rural farms where we would be in the rodeos, I'd ride horses, I'd drive the John Deere tractors, and my family is from part of the black West. I'd rather be riding a horse when I'm not working. My best friend is Wilford Brimley, the cowboy actor and the Quaker Oats pitchman. We talk rodeo-riding and roping.

wildkat69:   Do you think it's unfair for the show to be critazed for using straight actors to play lesbians

pam_grier:   Of course it is. However, there is one actor who is gay and playing a bisexual. There could be other actors in the show who are gay but who have chosen not to come out. And we do have other actors in the show, and writers and producers, who are gay, but that is not the issue. There are a lot of gay actors who play straight characters and should be allowed to.

lady:   Pam I know the Blacksploitation movies have a bad rap... but they were important to young Black children, like me... Do you have any regrets about your work in them?

pam_grier:   Lady, not at all. The term Blackspoitation was a marketing term, and we reflected on a subject matter of action and all they wanted to do was get films to the black community, which for me was short-lived, I only did four of them. Coffee, Foxy Brown, Sheba, and Friday Foster. And it was the first time a woman was allowed to be a lead and a heroine, which was very important for everyone to se because in our communities our mothers, our grandmothers were the greatest of heroes and heroines, and were overlooked in historical books and documents and in society,period. Men just didn't recogize what women had done and could do. So it was very important to see women on equal ground. And it was very important to see me riding a Kawasaki Jetski in Sheba Baby. And to know that black women, and white women who weren't as active then, could ski and scuba dive and do things that they didn't expect us to do. Because growing up I was not allowed to join 99% of the Girl Scout troops because of racism. I remember trying to get into some troops and going back and getting my aunts and uncles to say, 'We hunt and camp, and we'll teach you.' You'll be your own Girl Scout, in a way. There were so many things I was shut out of growing up, so many groups and organizations I was shut out of because of race. The women's movement, by the time I was a teen, was really opening up the door for all of us. It was helping women to accept each other. There was a sisterhood that rose up from the oppression and just made different changes. So to document where I have been was a positive thing.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

latinamimi2:   Pam, what do you think about the backlash ag. Janet Jackson?

pam_grier:   Latinamimi2, well, the backlash represents a cross-section of thinking in America. Sometimes what you personally accept, others don't, and the responsibility is the entertainer's, to know 'Is this something I should do?' With error, or if it works, in a sports event, where there are a lot of children and families watching, can I ensure there won't be any accidents? And if I can't, is this something I can do? Would Janet do that in front of her children? So I think if everyone asks themselves, was this appropriate, or was this a mistake? She has apologized, and she is quite conservative, if you look at the history of her shows, she has never done anything this extreme, and knowing her personally, I think it was an error and it was embarrassed. If anything, they should have sympathy for her, I would, but that's not the case. We're always going to have a cross-section of opinion and it will never be settled, it will never be resolved. It's unfortunate that there is so much angst over the incident. I mean, when Diana Ross patted Lil Kim's breast, when Lil Kim had a pasty on her nipple, the brouhaha was not as intense, and it was at a family hour. So maybe it was because a man ripped off the fabric, and if it was a malfunction I don't know. I just think it was at a family time and some people might find that inappropriate. I was hoping Justin would rip off his shirt! Or pants.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website.

wer2girlsinlove:   Pam, was there a reaction from the cast after the Massachusetts court decision earlier this week?

pam_grier:   I don't know, I haven't spoken with them! We're trying to get in touch with one another because our show was picked up for another season. I'll beseeing them tomorrow, and of course that issue will come up, and we'll talk about it and hopefully we can incorporate some reality stories into our scripts regarding the issue. It will be more widely talked about and discussed in every home across America and the world because these issues are important to people, people who have families and need the equal opportunity protection, rights, protection of heterosexual couples. Until people get that consideration in every state, there's going to be an intensity in acquiring, exploring litigation. The fight is on. Whatever it takes for people to win rights that they need when they couple.

q_tip:   Pam you do a great job on the show. When do we get to hear you sing?

pam_grier:   Q-tip, I will get to sing in episodes 110 and 111, the episodes in which Snoop Dog appears, and he samples one of Kit's songs. In episode 9 I will be writing a song that I play for my son in the show. I hope to play as much as I can, play keyboards, I'll play percussion, I'll play drums, I'll keep my nails short I promise, to play the guitar, and hope to invite other musical guests to the show, gay and straight. Overall, Kit's world was the music of the 80s, and the song I sampled was by Angela Winbush, and it was 'It's the Real Thing.' She at one time had married Ron Isley of the Isley brothers. And Angela WInbush was a prolific songwriter of the eighties. Her peers were the late Minnie Ripperton, Chaka-Khan, Patrice Rushin, and DOnna Summers. She wrote half of the Isley Brothers' songs. Wrote most of their songs.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

suncolors21:   Hi Pam, I heard you are going on tour with Snoop Dog? What will you be doning? I hope to see you!

pam_grier:   Suncolors21, I've asked Snoop, I've begged him to play drums in his show, his summer concert. I told him--he's travelling with a band--and I know most of his songs, and we already talked about it, and if I get some time off, and I can find the city he's in, I'll sit in with him, and I'll play. And just have fun for a couple of songs in his show.

deborahl:   I heard that the cast goes into the messages board, do you go in and read the fans comments

pam_grier:   No, I don't. I haven't had the time. I have been working on a musical of my life, the book of my life, writing songs for The L Word, doing a movie last summer after The L Word with Ja Rule and Ving Rhames and Frank Langella. I'm about to do two movies before I start the next L Word season which begins May 29. I don't get any sleep.

dddpiston1:   Hi Pam. You have been in the business a very long time. Does fame feel different today than it did 20 plus years ago?

pam_grier:   DDD, does it feel different? No. Fame is, for me, much of trying to comprehend why people make such a fuss over it, and why do I have to dress up and act grown up? All I know is if someone says, 'You've done well,' then I know I have to do better than that. I have to continue to do better, continue to grow, for myself, and hope I am interesting enough for others to appreciate. I would hate to bore any of you. Especially my mama.

reignofcain:   What do you think the L word stands for?

pam_grier:   Living the Life you Love and Loving the Life you Live.

jesslisa99:   Pam, I saw showtime picked up the "the L word" for another season. Congratulations. How would you like to see your character grow in the up coming year.

pam_grier:   My character, Kit, has a lot in her past, her very checkered past, that will catch up to her. I hope, and I know, that it will give my character depth and dimension that creates the challenge and, for me, the performance that I need to feel that I have reached the level of performance I need to feel that I have-- because the character Kit--there isn't always resolution in real life. There will be mistakes that Kit has to live with and pain that Kit has to live with every day. Often the actor has to carry that pain with her. That will be the level of performance that I will feel very grateful to have and be satisfied as the actor. It could be bittersweet all the way. And I'll find myself in AA at the end of the season! As long as I don't drink any gin I'll be okay.

sho_moderator:   Any closing comments?

pam_grier:   I hope you enjoy the winter season and extreme skiing and snowboarding. Good health for all. Watch The L Word and continue asking questions and being curious. When you stop being curious you stop growing and you stop living.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website. Thank you for chatting with Pam Grier. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of The L Word. Keep visiting SHO.com and be sure to stay a part our community by sharing your thoughts on The L Word message boards. Log on to The L Word message boards right now to discuss your thoughts on the cast and the premiere episode with other fans! Thanks for joining in on tonight's chat. Copyright (c)2004, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.

Leisha Hailey (02/15/04)

sho_moderator:   Thank you for participating! Welcome to tonight's event, a chat with Leisha Hailey. We receive thousands of questions during the chat, so yours may not be answered, but we are definitely receiving them and putting through as many as we can. LEISHA HAILEY (Alice Pieszecki) is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and has appeared on television and in independent films ("All Over Me"), but her focus to date has been on music. As one of the pop-rock duo The Murmurs, she recorded three albums for MCA Records during the 90s, and is now a member of the LA-based band Gush, whose first album will be released in 2004. She makes her television series debut with THE L WORD. Log on to SHO.com next Sunday, February 22nd after the episode to chat live with Eric Mabius, who plays Tim. Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. Leisha Hailey is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

leisha_hailey:   I guess I just want to start by saying hello to everyone and I hope you enjoyed tonight's episode. I'm looking forward to answering any questions that you have. And at the same time, I'm curious about all the questions.

timeless:   Leisha, love you on the show - was it hard for you to decide to taks such a controversial role?

leisha_hailey:   Timeless Angel, no, in fact, I was really excited to take this role because it's very different from myself. Also, the subject of the entire show was exciting to me.

calsgrrl:   You all seem to get along so great. Have you or any of the others had feedback indicating people have changed their thoughts or attitudes about homosexuals in a positive way?

leisha_hailey:   Calsgrrl, we haven't as a cast gotten feedback about changing anyone's opinions, but we feel like what we're doing on the show will eventually open the minds of people in the world and hopefully show them that being gay is nothing different from anything else. But I feel like gay people are happy to finally be represented on tv.

xdream1:   I loved you in The Murmurs and Gush and was wondering if there was any chance that the character of Alice will ever sing on the show?

leisha_hailey:   In the tenth episode, we tell our coming-out stories, and you'll learn that Alice had a band in college. But I don't want to give away too much more than that. It was actually one of my most favorite scenes to shoot the whole season.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

marianne:   Is it hard to split your time between the show and the band Gush?

leisha_hailey:   Marianne, it was a very difficult decision when I took the show to know if I would have time to do both. Eventually it turned out that it's too difficult to straddle the two careers. But when I get home after shooting, like right now when I'm on hiatus, I have plenty of time to write and will eventually put my own band together. Because Heather and I have decided to let each other go our separate ways musically. For those who don't know, Heather's been my music partner in the Murmurs and Gush, and I'm really stoked that you like the bands, by the way.

chey2000:   Leisha, was this the first gay role that you have played?

leisha_hailey:   Chey2000, no it wasn't. I was in an independent movie in college called "All Over Me," where I played a young gay girl named Lucy. That movie was so much fun to work on.

dao10:   Does it bother you that many (men and women) may be watching the show for the sexuality rather than the characters/stories?

leisha_hailey:   I feel like people might tune in for one reason in particular and that could be the sex, but I feel like one they get sucked in by the characters, they'll find themselves not caring so much about the sex scenes, and getting more invested in the people. And just to add to that, one of my biggest wishes is that the show succeeds across the board and reaches not only the gay community but the straight world as well.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to sign up for The L Word email newsletter by clicking on "Email Updates" on the The L Word website.

leznurse63:   How was it going on the Olivia cruise now that you are a true lesbian icon?

leisha_hailey:   Leznurse, that's funny, I don't consider myself an icon at all, but it's very flattering, thank you. The Olivia cruise was really really fun. I don't know if you were on it yourself, but I went with Mia and Kate. It was the night the show opened, so we got to view it with the women on the cruise. And that was really special. It was also inspiring because there were couples on that cruise that have been together for 50-some odd years. That was really sweet to see. That was especially meaningful to me because my parents have been together for 38 years, and it's beautiful to see two women last that long.

smedj:   Will the L Word tackle the hot topic of gay marriage in future episodes?

leisha_hailey:   Smedj, I'm sure it will, because it's such an important topic to deal with, but I can't say for sure because, as you know, I have nothing to do with the writing. But I'm sure Ilene and the writing staff will deal with that. But I can't say for sure it would be my character. Oh wait, I just remembered something-- it does come up in this season. I was completely spacing out just then. But I definitely can't give it away.

jop82:   Leisha, if you could write an episode of the show, where would you like to take your character? Would you make it a funny episode involving Alice or would you want to explore some more difficult, more dramatic sides of her?

leisha_hailey:   That's a really good question. I do crave Alice diving into some deeper issues. But I completely enjoy being funny on the show. I guess I would really love to see Alice fall madly in love in a real way. And try to have a real relationship with someone

tangy119:   How do you feel about portraying a bisexual character, since it is controversial in the lesbian and straight community?

leisha_hailey:   Tangy, it's really fun for me to play a bisexual, because I had to learn so much about that sexual orientation. For me, labels are like a comfort zone. I've always embraced the word "gay." It's always felt natural and safe to identify myself to a word and a community. So bisexuals were challenging to understand. But now I realize that it's just as legitimate of a sexuality as calling yourself gay or straight. It's not what people usually think of, which is a sort of flighty, non-committal person, who can't decide between gay or straight.

sho_moderator:   Please enter all the questions you have for Leisha Hailey in the bottom submission window. We receive thousands of questions during the chat, so yours may not be answered, but we are definitely receiving them and putting through as many as we can.

daisy25:   Do you feel any added responsiblity as the only openly gay women on the show?

leisha_hailey:   Daisy, I can't really say that I feel an added responsibility that would be bigger than any other cast member. I feel like we all have a huge responsibility as a group to represent the gay community properly, because the whole cast cares so much, and the writers, about portraying people correctly. Although I'm aware that we're not representing every lesbian in the world. But I can say that I'm proud to be out. I think it shows that being gay and being out in Hollywood is okay. There's nothing to be scared of.

llaughlovelive:   Do any of the other actors ask you advice on how to portray a lesbian?

leisha_hailey:   That's really funny. I have to say the answer's no, and that they all seem to be doing an amazing job on their own. I think that they care so much about what they're doing, and that when you put two women together in a love scene it's really no different from a scene with a man, and I can say that because I'm used to being with women, and when I did a love scene with a man it wasn't that much different either. Because love is love, and that's what we're all trying to portray.

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meganpage:   Do you think it is more important for alice to fall in love with a man or a woman, or does it matter?

leisha_hailey:   Meganpage, I don't think that falling love with either a man or a woman is gonna matter. I think as long as Alice feels that it's true love, that's what's most important. I personally would like to see her fall in love with a woman, because I feel like it would feel more natural to Alice, but then again maybe that's just me.

sobriquet:   Are we going to be able to see more background on these characters via flashbacks etc, throughout the season? I'd love to gain a deeper understanding on what these women went through previously in their lives.

leisha_hailey:   Sobriquet, that's a great question. I think because there are so many characters on the show, and we had only 14 episodes to shoot, that there's a lot of information that needs to be filled in, and I think there was only so much we could do in one season. But that's what's so exciting about getting picked up for a second season. Now that you know the characters on one level, by next season, when you learn more about them, it will be that much more exciting. And p.s., yes, there are some flashbacks.

buddy:   Do you have a significant other in your real life? What does he/she think about your role?

leisha_hailey:   Buddy, yes I do. I'm very much in love. She's very supportive of the show and very excited to see me doing something so special. But I gotta say, the long distance is wearing.

flashyheels:   Were you surprised when showtime renewed the show so soon?

leisha_hailey:   No I wasn't surprised at all, because from the beginning they've been behind the show 100 percent. And I think they're just as excited to be at the forefront of a subject matter that's so cutting-edge. I think they realize there's been a void in tv for gays and lesbians, because they've already show the support in "Queer as Folk."

billarox:   Do you feel that, like Dana's character, many athletes and actors in high profile professions are being forced to stay quiet about who they are?

leisha_hailey:   Billarox, I really believe when it comes down to it, it's a personal choice whether you want to come out of the closet publicly or not. I don't believe that people are forced to stay quiet in Hollywood. I believe it's just an old myth that if you come out your career will plummet and people won't accept you. But I think that slowly that's all changing, and I think that the more people who are brave enough to be themselves, that people will follow in their footsteps.

nichole:   If you could make the President watch one episode of the show, which one would you choose? Or which storyline? And why?

leisha_hailey:   Well, if I could have the control to sit him down for one show, I might as well make him watch the whole season. I can't necessarily pick which character I would make him watch, because I feel like each character and each storyline has something to offer, and that through those characters he might learn something.

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fembutch1:   I understand that a few of the cast members live near each other does that help in your working relationship.

leisha_hailey:   Fembutch, yes, it was a huge help. Because we were all uprooted, mostly from Los Angeles, into Vancouver, it felt like a tiny town. It helped all of us to be able to go to each other's apartments or houses and cook dinner and watch movies and bicycle around and just be girlfriends. It felt like sleepaway camp when I was a kid.

flamenco:   The opening scene of every episode doesn't seem to involve the characters on the show. Is it supposed to be a form of social commentary that sets the tone of the episode?

leisha_hailey:   Flamenco, if you watch closely, the random acts that happen at the top of each episode, eventually tie in somehow to the storyline. Sometimes it's really obvious and sometimes it's harder to figure out. But that's what's so cool about it.

rychusbabe:   The QAF cast tours the country making appearances at Pride festivals... do you think the cast of the L word will be gracing our celebrations this summer?

leisha_hailey:   I sure hope so. Gay pride festivals are so much fun. I've been to tons of them because my band used to play a lot of them. Actually, one of my biggest wishes that I keep telling Ilene about, is that i want the whole cast to go to the Women's Michigan Music Festival. I don't know if you've ever been, but it's a complete blast. I would love to film an episode there.

sho_moderator:   Be sure to log on to The L Word message boards on SHO.com to share your thoughts on this week's episode with other fans.

itsinthekiss:   Leisha, do you read the message boards like Mia had indicated on the last chat?

leisha_hailey:   Yes I do. I try not to look at it too much because sometimes it feels overwhelming. It's so exciting to hear what people are thinking about the show, it makes you feel like a fly on the wall. But we've all talked about it, and we're going to try not to read it so much, because sometimes the negative sticks in your head, and I think that could carry into the second season when we're up there. You could have too many opinions ringing in your head.

snoopy1214:   You are a very inspiring person, do you have any advice to people wanting to come out?

leisha_hailey:   Snoopy, that's so sweet of you to say, thank you. I guess giving advice seems silly coming from me. All I can really offer is that I believe when you're true to yourself people respect you more and treat you differently. I've only had good things happen to me because of being out. It's moved me forward personally and professionally. And I have my parents to thank for that, because they always taught me to be honest with myself. And that whatever I was in life was gonna have great outcomes as long as I was truthful.

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velvetboo22:   I think the show is great because it steers away from so many stereotypes. How do you feel about being part of such a great, break through show?

leisha_hailey:   Velvetboo22, It's honestly one of the biggest thrills of my life. I've always wanted to be a part of something really important, and I never really knew what that was going to end up being. So the fact that I'm a part of the first lesbian series on tv fills me with great pride.

cyndy:   So here is a question for you... do you prefer your new blonde hair to your dark strands prior?

leisha_hailey:   That's really funny. I actually went blonde just for fun before I auditioned for this part, so that's how the casting directors met me, so they all assumed I was a real blonde and wanted me to stay like that for Alice. But I actually like myself as a brunette because that's how I know myself, and it just feels like me. I would actually like to buzz it off, but I know I don't have enough time to grow it out for second season.

wow:   When did you first realize you were gay, and how was your coming out process???

leisha_hailey:   Wow, I started having feelings for my best friend in high school, but I wasn't sure what any of it meant. But immediately after high school I moved to New York City, and I used to go to a bar called the Cubbyhole, which is now Henrietta Hudson's, after school all by myself. I had a fake ID cuz I was only 18, and I guess you could say I just entered into the world of women. And then eventually in that year when I realized that all this meant I was gay, I told my mom and dad first. And then it was really no problem to come out to any of my friends. But I have to say it was really fun sending women beers across the bar.

blkandwhte:   Where can we send you and the other cast members fan letters?

leisha_hailey:   Gosh, I have no idea. I guess for now you could send them to the message board, and I could have Showtime maybe tell you guys where you can send fan letters. It's probably going to end up being the production office in Canada, but don't quote me on that, because i have no idea.

sho_moderator:   Any closing comments?

leisha_hailey:   I can't believe the chat's over! That flew by. I guess I just want to say thank you very very much for watching the show and supporting the show. Keep the faith! We all care so much, like I said, and we hope that we're doing you justice. You guys are great, and thanks again. It was great chatting with you.

sho_moderator:   Thank you for chatting with Leisha Hailey. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of The L Word. Keep visiting SHO.com and be sure to stay a part our community by sharing your thoughts on The L Word message boards. Log on to The L Word message boards right now to discuss your thoughts on the cast and the latest episode with other fans! Thanks for joining in on tonight's chat. Copyright (c)2004, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.

Eric Mabius (02/22/04)

sho_moderator:   Welcome to tonight's event. ERIC MABIUS was born and raised on the East Coast and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College. He has starred in more than a dozen films, including "Resident Evil," "Welcome to the Dollhouse," "The Crow III: Salvation," "Cruel Intentions," and "Lawn Dogs." Among his previous television credits are lead roles in "Extreme Team," and "Harvest of Fire," and guest roles on "Fastlane" and "Chicago Hope." Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. Eric Mabius is now ready to begin the chat. Let's get started!

eric_mabius:   Thanks everyone for watching. Please don't judge my character based on tonight's episode alone! I'm glad I could be a part of this.

willow213:   What's it like working on a show this controversial?

eric_mabius:   Willow213, I've enjoyed working on the show more than I ever thought possible. When one signs up for a project like this, it's not because of the controversy that it's interesting, but because it's a well thought-out, well planned, hopefully well acted, enjoyable, inspiring project to be a part of.

dddpiston1:   Hi Eric. I read that you originally passed up being a part of the L Word project. What changed your mind?

eric_mabius:   I had originally read the script for the pilot episode and thought that Ilene was really creating som