EXCLUSIVE Q & A WITH TERYL ROTHERY

Teryl was extremely kind and generous with her time, and answered a couple of questions for The Abydos Gate.

How do you approach a new role? Do you create a backstory for your characters?
Yes, I do create a backstory for my character if one is not provided for me.

Do you ever 'take' your characters home with you? Are certain roles more emotionally challenging than others?
I don't usually take characters home with me. Althought if on a particular day I'm filming very emotional scenes, I tend to come home farily subdued... which is most unusual for me! (smile) It can be quite exhausting to have to turn on and off emotional triggers.

As an actor, what do you feel are the most compelling kinds of stories to tell?
The most compelling stories to tell... For me, the most compelling stories to tell are ones that bring about some kind of emotion for the viewers. Laughter... crying... questioning... the best stories are the ones that have an audience talking about it on the way home and for the next few days after.

How do you prepare for the technical challenges like the props or terminology of a show like Stargate?
As much as I hate computers, I do turn to mine when researching some of the "technical babble" I've had to say over the years. I also rely on our technical advisors on set. I'd be lost without them!

How taxing is it to do juggle all that you do - work, conventions and travelling? What do you do to unwind?
To unwind I usually go for long walks along the ocean. I'm a real water girl. And I take my dogs along with me. One loves the water, the other one thinks she's made of cotton candy and shys away from it. I also enjoy yoga. I was doing Ashtanga yoga for awhile, but because of a previous neck injury, I had to stop. I'd like to go back to a less vigorous form of yoga again.

Each and every person who has met you, has a story about meeting, seeing you - what are the challenges in being that open and generous to your fans, and what are the rewards?
I love meeting the fans. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have enjoyed seven years on Stargate SG-1 and I wouldn't be here answering your questions... so THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!

 

Special thanks to Teryl Rothery for participating in this Q&A, and to Bruce Ward for his assistance.