Forwarded message: From MAILER-DAEMON Mon Oct 5 11:29:43 1992 Date: Mon, 5 Oct 92 11:29:43 CDT From: MAILER-DAEMON (Mail Delivery Subsystem) Subject: Returned mail: Host unknown Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]> To: lshell ----- Transcript of session follows ----- 550 ua1vm.us.edu.tcp... 550 Host unknown 550 screen-l@ua1vm.us.edu... Host unknown ----- Unsent message follows ----- Received: by ti.com (5.59/LAI-3.2) id AA21474; Mon, 5 Oct 92 11:29:43 CDT From: lshell (Lezlie Shell) Message-Id: <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Fans/stars To: [log in to unmask] Date: Mon, 5 Oct 92 11:29:41 CDT X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.2 PL16] Andrea, Which came first, the chicken or the egg? I think we are looking at the character/actor blending from opposite sides of the omlette. Scott Bakula had 2(?) previous series before QL (he as also Annie Potts' ex-husband Ted on Designing Women) but no fandoms sprung up around those shows on the strength of Scott Bakula's physical charms or "nice-guy". For me is is always a shock to see an actor who has made such an impression on one show in an earlier recurring role in which he made no "fan" impression. First comes the show and having good relationships on that show is as integral as having a good premise. Once one is hooked on the characters the desire to know aboutthe actors kicks in. When I said you were overestimating the characteristics of actors in the fan construction of characters I wasn't denying that bleed-through occurs. I meant to convey that the bleed-through first occurs from the actor into the character when portraying the character. I've read interviews with actors talking/moaning about playing the same character for 12 hours a day, etc. Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins ad-libbed a lot of their character exchanges. Also, shows tend to use a stable of writers who become familiar with the actors which colors what they write. ANd, lord protect us, the actors who want their characters to care about their personal political agenda. When a fan starts delving into the background of an actor, collecting old interviews, doing literature searches, and generally devouring every scrap of info, a synthesis does take place. But the first and strongest deciphering is looking at the characters, comparing what has been learned about the actor and playing the "aha!" game. It's more of It's more about feeling like an insider to the production. Look at Alien Nation. The fandom sprang up before anyone knew much of anything about the largely unknown cast. Unfortunately, the show disappeared before the publicity machine produced much material. What happens when a character is portrayed by an actor who does not share the sterling qualities of the character? Here is where you see the very real division between character and actor. Basically, nothing gets in the way of likeing the character. William Shater has had a checkered relationship with fandom, but despite really dislike Shatner's attitudes, Kirk has not suffered for it. I made the trip to CHicago to see Lewis Collins at a con. I hadn't attended a con with a guest actor in years, but I was still in the throes of newness with Pros and I couldn't resist. Basically, I came away with a whole new respect for Lewis Collins' acting ability because that shorter than average, reserved Brit in the short-sleeved polyester safari jacket was NOT my Bodie. I do think think this is a very interesting question. However, the inter- pretation by fans is already pretty far down the food chain. I guess I like thinking that fans have "figured it out" as opposed to having manufactured it from wishful thinking. Best of luck with your work. Lezlie