TVGchat 9/1/1999 Catherine Bell from "JAG" and TBS' "The Time Shifters." Thanks for coming to chat

Catherine Bell: Hello, everyone! Thanks for coming! Question: Do you watch your show when it's on, or would you rather not watch yourself? Catherine Bell: I always try to watch myself when I'm home. It's almost become a ritual for me to sit down with my husband and my family. And if I miss it, I watch the tape the next night. It's still very exciting for me. Question: Hey, Catherine. You're an amazing actress. I've got a question for you. What's it like with you and Carrie Turner (I think that's her name) being the only main females with a bunch of guys? Catherine Bell: Well, first of all, thank you! Carrie Turner and I are great friends, and it's fun working with her. It's definitely a boys' show, but that works out fine for Carrie and me because we're both tomboys. Question: What's your new movie about? Catherine Bell: It is called "Time Shifters," and it's on TBS. It's a time travel adventure movie with Casper Van Dien, Martin Sheen and myself. Question: First: Great work! How much did you know about the military before joining "JAG"? Catherine Bell: Not much at all. I didn't even know the difference between the four branches. I had to do a lot of research before I started working. Question: What did you do on your hiatus from "JAG"? Catherine Bell: Well, I actually went to Toronto and shot "Time Shifters." Question: What is there to do for fun during downtime on the set? Catherine Bell: What downtime? LOL! We don't have a lot of downtime. It's pretty fast paced. Full days, half-hour lunches, that sort of things. But when I do have free time, I read or catch up on lost sleep or make phone calls. Basically, just catch up on things. Question: What will you miss about the 20th century? Catherine Bell: Nothing, because it's not going anywhere, is it? I don't divide it up like that, so I hadn't really thought about it. Question: Will this season focus more on the court aspect or on the action aspect? Catherine Bell: Well, we started off with a lot of action the first few episodes, but there's going to be a lot of courtroom drama. There will be a lot of back and forth, along with some character stories. A little bit of everything. Question: If there was an event you wanted to change in history, what would it be? Catherine Bell: You know, the first thing that comes to mind is JFK. Keeping him alive, if that's possible. Question: First, let me say, you are one of the greatest actresses. What did you write in that letter you sent to Donald Bellisario that got you on "JAG"? Catherine Bell: It was the most bold and direct I had been in a letter like that. I just went for it. It was a part that I really wanted, so I said exactly that. I was very honest, very forward. Telling him how much I liked the show, and how much I wanted to be a part of it. Question: Is it true that you speak fluent Farsi? Catherine Bell: Yes, it is. My mother is Iranian, so I grew up speaking it with my whole family. Question: Do you have any pets? Catherine Bell: Yes. I have two little Italian greyhounds. Question: Nick in Florida asks: Did you have input in having Mac a recovering alcoholic, and do you relate to that aspect of her life? Catherine Bell: I didn't have any input on that, but I was really glad when it came up. I think it's pretty important, because a lot of people have that problem. I did have some problems with it in college, getting a little out of hand and having to deal with that. So, it was really good to have a chance to express that. Question: How long does it take to complete one episode? Catherine Bell: Usually eight days. Sometime eight and a half to nine. Question: How do you and your costars get along in real life? Do you and your husband socialize with any of them? Catherine Bell: Actually, none of us have time to socialize off set. We get along great on set, like an extended family. But on the weekends, we tend to hang out with our own families. Question: Are you a fan of science fiction? Catherine Bell: Yes, actually I am. I've always liked science fiction, action, time travel, all that. Tugchat: What was it like working with Casper and Martin? Catherine Bell: Great. I didn't actually get to work with Martin, because we didn't have any scenes together. But I did get to see what he did. Casper was an absolute doll. He was a real gentleman and great to work with. And a great kisser too! :) Question: Do you have any other projects in the works? Catherine Bell: Yeah, I have a few things that I'm developing, some that I may be producing as well as starring in. It's a very busy time. It's looking like it's going to be a great summer. Question: Catherine, my son was born in Russia, so my husband and I were thrilled to see the "JAG" episodes in Russia! Did you really film there? How much of the language do you speak? Catherine Bell: I wish we really filmed in Russia. We talked about going there, but we ended up shooting near our sound stages in California. And no, I don't speak the language. I had to learn it, and had a coach who taught me how to say the lines I needed to speak. Question: Is there any element to the stunt work for the show that the actors are allowed to do themselves or are trained to do? Catherine Bell: I'm allowed to do a lot unless it's really dangerous. But I try to do as much as I can because it's fun, and it looks better. In the movie, I pretty much did all that myself. Question: Have you ever been shot off the carrier by catapult? Catherine Bell: Yes, I have. The first three episodes were shot on a live carrier at sea, so we had to be catapulted off on the way home. It was wild! No matter how much you brace yourself. It's really interesting. Question: Did you or have you gotten input from women in the military who are in the same line of duty as your character? Catherine Bell: I've gotten lots of letters from women in the military. And I've gotten some from JAG lawyers. Most of my mail is positive, and they like how everything is portrayed on the show. But the JAG lawyers do say that they don't leave their desks as much as Harm and Mac do. Question: Who has been the greatest influence in your life? Catherine Bell: That's a big question.... There's been a lot of people. The one that probably comes to mind is my acting coach, Milton Katselas. He's been very inspirational and has really pushed me to be the best person and actress that I could be. It was basically his idea to write that letter. That's what he teaches, and that's what he's taught me. Question: When will your movie be on? Catherine Bell: It's premiering this Sunday, Oct. 18, on TBS at 8:00 Eastern and 7:00 Pacific. Question: Your character was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel. Are Mac and Harm now the same rank? Catherine Bell: Actually, we were the same rank when she was a major. So now I outrank Harm. Question: What are your hobbies? Catherine Bell: I actually have too many hobbies. There are so many things I like to do. The big one right now, wakeboarding. It's basically like waterskiing, but on a more snowboard-type thing. Question: Do you think you will go on "Celebrity Jeopardy" again? Catherine Bell: I would love to. Question: Who influenced you to become an actress? Catherine Bell: No one, it was really just doing commercials and modeling. I decided to take an acting class to overcome my shyness, and I ended up loving it. Tvgchat: Thanks for chatting with us, Catherine. Catherine Bell: Good night. It was nice chatting with you guys. Tvgchat: Catherine's movie, "The Time Shifters," will be on TBS this Sunday night. "JAG" can be found on CBS Tuesdays at 8PM ET. Good night.