Dana Delany Chat on Prodigy 5/20/97, 2:57 PM ET Dana Delany, 05/15 Moderator (Speaker) Good evening and welcome to the chat. Best known for her starring role on ABC's critically acclaimed series China Beach, Dana Delany is here tonight to chat about her upcoming mini-series, TRUE WOMEN, various other projects and just about anything else on your mind. So without waiting any longer, let's welcome our guest, Dana Delany! Dana Delany (Speaker) Hi everyone! Check out my web page on Prodigy, and I hope you have fun watching True Women Sunday and Tuesday... Yee-hah! Moderator (Speaker) Yee-Hah is right! We're glad to have you here and are looking forward to the mini-series! Lets start with a question from knowmystuff knowmystuff (Prodigy Member) Dana, what is TRUE WOMEN about? What is your role in the mini-series? Dana Delany (Speaker) True Women is about three women who settled Texas; it's a true story. I play Sarah Ashby McClure. She is a woman who came from Kentucky and headed west in the 1830s and lived there until her 80s. ChinasBeach (Prodigy Member) Hi Dana, I saw you on Rosie today! Great clip from TRUE WOMEN! So did you have to learn to ride a horse, drive a wagon train, or anything new for this series? Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes! I had to learn to ride a horse, because I was a terrible rider. I'm proud to say that I've now gotten over my fear of horses! And I also learned how to drive a wagon, which I loved. Much easier than riding horses. DriedFlower (Prodigy Member) How was it working with Tina Majorino? She used to be a neighbor and sing with my daughter about four years ago in a little "singing group" before she started acting. What a doll! Dana Delany (Speaker) : ) I think Tina is extremely talented. She's going to be a great director. And I've already asked if I can be in her movie. reachinout (Prodigy Member) I saw you sing with Rosie today--you really have a great voice! Looked like you had a lot of fun with her... do you have any funny memories to share from working on a film with her? Dana Delany (Speaker) The problem with Rosie is that she knows so many songs, you can't get her to shut up! : ) She is a lot of fun... lowbattery (Prodigy Member) Dana, do you get offered parts that you turn down? What would they be? Dana Delany (Speaker) Let's see, the two that I can remember turning down that were hits were: The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Independence Day. : ) MurphysFlaww (Prodigy Member) Dana, do you have brothers or sisters? Anyone else in your family in the entertainment business? Dana Delany (Speaker) I have a brother, who is an Attorney General, and a sister who is an interior designer. No one is in the business. likeanything (Prodigy Member) Hi Dana, I heard that you are into alternative medicine, is that true? Do you take vitamins, herbs, and such? Dana Delany (Speaker) Are you from Oregon? : ) And yes, I take herbs and vitamins, and I do acupuncture bi-monthly. toridog (Prodigy Member) Where did you attend High School? Years ago I read somewhere that you had attended Westhill H.S. in Stamford, CT is that true? Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes, I attended Westhill, the first year it opened! I went there for one year, which was the year of the race riots. Tuskan (Prodigy Member) I saw you on the "Rosie O'Donnell" show and just wanted to say that you have a beautiful voice and was curious if you've done any recording in the past? Dana Delany (Speaker) Ha! I am embarrassed to sing in public. The only reason I sang was because I didn't know I was going to. And there is an album, if you can find it, of China Beach, and I sing a song on that. CooIIce (Prodigy Member) Dana, what do you like to do in your spare time? Dana Delany (Speaker) I like to read, go to the movies, and eat, like everybody else! But my greatest love is traveling... Moderator (Speaker) Don't leave now, but after the show, head on over to our SPOTLIGHT webpage! You'll find a fabulous photo of our guest, Dana Delany. Click on the "View Image" button and it will enlarge to download and save. Tuskan (Prodigy Member) What type of roles do U have lined up for the near future? Also how long do U feel you will keep acting? Dana Delany (Speaker) Do you want me to stop? : ) I am about to start a movie for CBS again, based on a book called "The Patron Saint of Liars." And also I'm developing my own series for ABC. SweetShari (Prodigy Member) Did you enjoy making Exit to Eden ??? Dana Delany (Speaker) : ) I did have fun making it. It wasn't an experience of great depth. Hugh32 (Prodigy Member) Dana, is it hard for you to stay to stay in great shape, or does it come easy? Dana Delany (Speaker) After 40, it's all harder! : ) I do yoga regularly, and I just started kick-boxing, which I really like. likeanything (Prodigy Member) Who else is in TRUE WOMEN with you? How long did it take to shoot? Dana Delany (Speaker) Tina Majorino and Annabeth Gish play my sisters, younger and older. And Angelina Jolie plays a southern belle. And it took three months in Austin, Texas. Moderator (Speaker) Dana Delany stars in the upcoming CBS mini-series, TRUE WOMEN, which airs May 18th and 20th. The mini-series tells the story of three generations of women who changed the face of the American West in the 19th century. Tuskan (Prodigy Member) I saw "Exit from Eden"... and of course U had a few revealing scenes..... do you feel comfortable doing those kind of movies or would you prefer to stay away from those kind of parts in the future? Dana Delany (Speaker) Let's just say I got that out of my system... : ) Moderator (Speaker) Is it on video? [g] Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes! Moderator (Speaker) (grin) CooIIce (Prodigy Member) Where was Dana originally born and where did she spend her childhood? Dana Delany (Speaker) I was born in New York City, and I was raised in Stamford, Conn, and Charlottesville, Virginia. CooIIce (Prodigy Member) Has Dana ever done plays? Dana Delany (Speaker) I did a play on Broadway two years ago. It was a bit frustrating, and I have to admit that I prefer doing film. I like the intimacy of the camera. Hugh32 (Prodigy Member) Dana, when I saw that you were going to be on Prodigy tonight I canceled all my appointment. Thank for coming. Dana Delany (Speaker) Thank you! I hope you didn't miss anything good! : ) Moderator (Speaker) It was worth it, huh, Hugh32? Tuskan (Prodigy Member) How did U get your start? Also, would you want your children to get into the business one day? Dana Delany (Speaker) My first job was a commercial for Carefree sugarless gum, and my first acting job was for Love of Life soap opera. And IF I have children, I suppose it's that clich'd answer, it's up to them... But I don't believe that children should be actors. I've seen too much damage done. With the exception of Tina Majorino! SMACKDEN4 (Prodigy Member) Dana, that HBO movie, The Enemy Within, I was pretty disappointed, how do you feel about that project? Dana Delany (Speaker) I think that they shot it before the script was ready. Tobias Hawk (Prodigy Member) //What is your favorite thing about acting?// Dana Delany (Speaker) Those rare moments when it's pure truth. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it's magic. mauimare1 (Prodigy Member) Are you sure your 40??? you look much younger!!! : ) Dana Delany (Speaker) Actually, I'm 41! Aquabear (Prodigy Member) Hi Dana......I just wanted to say that I think you are wonderful..........ever in DC? I'm single too......... Dana Delany (Speaker) : ) I love D.C. in the spring and summer. Couldn't take the winters. Are you in the government? SMACKDEN4 (Prodigy Member) I also hear that Steve Martin is a pain to work with. Your analysis of Steve? Dana Delany (Speaker) : ) I think Steve is very sweet. He has a combination of genius and innocence. And he's very shy, which is why he probably has that reputation. Tobias Hawk (Prodigy Member) // Do you have any pets?// Dana Delany (Speaker) No, I travel too much to have pets. : ( Hugh32 (Prodigy Member) China Beach was a super TV show! Why was it canceled and do you think they will make a movie? Dana Delany (Speaker) It was canceled because some people at ABC didn't get it, and they thought they could get better ratings in the timeslot.... So they replaced it with CopRock. : ) My next series, which I am developing and producing, is with Jon Sacret Young from China Beach. Dawn in NJ (Prodigy Member) Dana, is there a chance that there will ever be any sort of China Beach reunion show? I know alot of people think they're hokey, but I bet the ratings for it would be fantastic. Dana Delany (Speaker) It would be fun to do a reunion show, because we're now all the ages we were in our China Beach "reunion" show! : ) You have to be a fan to get that one... Moderator (Speaker) You are singing to the fans, Dana! Smiley1987 (Prodigy Member) Do you have any favorite actors and actresses you like to watch in films? Dana Delany (Speaker) I love John Malkovitch. Judy Davis is great. I just worked with Martin Donovan, I like him. It's hard to have a favorite female actor, because they're rarely given the chance to show what they can do. Hugh32 (Prodigy Member) Do you do any of your stunts in this new mini-series? Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes, I do most of my own riding, and I do my own falling! : ) I'm very good at falling. Tobias Hawk (Prodigy Member) What is your favorite movie? Dana Delany (Speaker) In a Lonely Place, and They Live By Night, both by Nicholas Ray. Also, A Place in the Sun, by George Stevens. Dana Delany (Speaker) All of them, very romantic and very tragic! : ) SMACKDEN4 (Prodigy Member) Were you gonna be the First Lady or the chick that is the Chief of Staff in Independence day? Dana Delany (Speaker) The Chief of Staff. Did I make a mistake? : ) I chose Fly Away Home, which I thought was more life-affirming... Tobias Hawk (Prodigy Member) //Btw these // things are to imitate thought-speech........ Who is your favorite actor/actress to work with?// Dana Delany (Speaker) Well, I'd have to say my boyfriend, since I met him acting. Henry Zcerny. Dana Delany (Speaker) I'd get in trouble going further... : ) x Lily x (Prodigy Member) What does it take to become an actress? Dana Delany (Speaker) You have to really need to do it. Otherwise, you shouldn't. RDY2 (Prodigy Member) Where do you like to travel? Dana Delany (Speaker) I love the far east, I like Brazil, I like Europe. Basically, I'm a travel whore! : ) Dawn in NJ (Prodigy Member) Speaking of traveling, isn't it true that you went to Vietnam w/Jeff Kober (Dodger) before or while filming China Beach? Do you keep in touch w/ any of the other actors? Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes, I went to Vietnam in 1989 with Jeff, then again in 1991. And I would like to go back again... Dana Delany (Speaker) And, yes, I see Marg once in a while, and sometimes I run into other people. Chloe Webb and I are still great friends. TweetiePie17 (Prodigy Member) What is the address for the Spotlight web page? Dana Delany (Speaker) The typist tells me its http://spotlight.prodigy.com! :) Moderator (Speaker) Or, you can JUMP: Spotlight Darknight37 (Prodigy Member) Who was the best leading man kisser? Dana Delany (Speaker) Haa! It's a tie between Tom Selleck and Kurt Russell... : ) Tuskan (Prodigy Member) R U married? If not do U see yourself soon and do U want children? Dana Delany (Speaker) That's kind of personal, isn't it? : ) I'm not married. I don't really care about being married, and children is a good thing, but not necessary. : ) So I'm ambivalent about the whole damn thing! Disco Doll (Prodigy Member) How do you make your parts seem so real? Dana Delany (Speaker) I just believe what I'm doing, and I'm very clear about what my character wants. And if I find myself acting, I stop. Dawn in NJ (Prodigy Member) Dana, I know you like to keep your private life private, I was just wondering if you've found the great love of your life and if so, is he in the business? Dana Delany (Speaker) I don't know what the great love of your life is! That whole idea confuses me. It seems kind of limiting... Classiclover (Prodigy Member) Dana, you are a great actress. Which film was the hardest for you to make and which one did you learn the most from? Dana Delany (Speaker) Hmm... A good question. The ones that seem the hardest were the easiest. Light Sleeper and For Hope were very easy for me. The hardest ones were probably the least well-written. I'd say, Exit to Eden... I learn the most from my mistakes. Although when it works, it's like you're flying. tazgirly (Prodigy Member) What's your favorite show? Dana Delany (Speaker) I like Larry Sanders! I don't watch a lot of TV... I know there must be something I like... : ) Well, that's tough... Ha! I used to like Murder One... tazgirly (Prodigy Member) Moderator, do you act? Moderator (Speaker) No, I just play a moderator on PRODIGY :) Darknight37 (Prodigy Member) Dana do you ever surf the net? Are you a Prodigy member? Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes... I email all the time. And I check out my web page regularly. And I answer messages posted there... It's called The Official Dana Delany home page. And I would like to give my thanks to Francis Hartley for being a splendid webmaster! CarolRDLD (Prodigy Member) Dana, have you been to the Vietnam Memorial Wall? Or to the Vietnam Women's Memorial in DC? Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes, I've been to both. I know the women who got the women's memorial put up. It's always a moving experience to go there... Darknight37 (Prodigy Member) No question....Dana I think your a sassy...sexxy...woman!!!!! gameboy314 (Prodigy Member) Dana, what part did you play in Tombstone? Dana Delany (Speaker) Josephine Markus. deepthots (Prodigy Member) Are your glances naturally so incredibly sensual, or do you practice them? Dana Delany (Speaker) : ) I try to never look in the mirror! And I rarely watch my films... Smiley1987 (Prodigy Member) Do you have any favorite foods you love to eat? I love Italian food. Dana Delany (Speaker) Oh man! I love to eat! I like Italian. I have a big sweet tooth. I love to drink wine. And I like Asian food. bitconloose (Prodigy Member) Loved EXIT TO EDEN ! yamahadog4u (Prodigy Member) You have done all facets of acting, Drama with China Beach, Sitcom with Cheers, comedy Exit to Eden, Broadway etc... Which do you prefer, or do you have a preference? Dana Delany (Speaker) I think I'm best at dramatic acting. It seems to come the most naturally. But I really do love to do comedy. In my day-to-day life, I'm much more comic. Dana Delany (Speaker) I think that film acting comes more naturally to me. I've always felt like I was overacting in the theater. lilCamper (Prodigy Member) Is there any one story/movie you want to do before your career ends? Dana Delany (Speaker) Everyone's trying to get me to stop acting! : ) Oh boy... I'm already too old for some of them... I would love to play Lady MacBeth, having said that I prefer film! : ) calkb2 (Prodigy Member) I have a tape that was recorded with China Beach era songs and a lot of real dialogue. Is that really you singing on the tape....it is a beautiful song. Dana Delany (Speaker) Yes, I'm singing a song called "Far From Home." And it's my one professional singing gig... XX777 (Prodigy Member) I thought Tombstone was one of the better movies, I've seen. The scene with the soon-to-be-ex Keno dealer was one of the greatest tough guy scenes of all time. Did you enjoy doing the movie and did you spend much time researching the role? Dana Delany (Speaker) It was a very tough shoot, because we lost our director three weeks into the movie. I think that it came out well, but there's a lot of material that was lost. And yes, I did do a lot of research. lilCamper (Prodigy Member) Did you always want to be an actress when your were growing up? If not, what did you want to do? Dana Delany (Speaker) I've wanted to be an actress since I knew I could get my father's attention! Which was about three. : ) The only other thing I've fantasized about was being an FBI agent. I read a lot of mysteries as a kid. Moderator (Speaker) Dana has time for one more question.... Dawn in NJ (Prodigy Member) Not to harp on China Beach but I was wondering if the intensity of making it took any sort of emotional toll on you b/c I know that hardly 1 hr. of it went by w/o me having a good cry! Dana Delany (Speaker) I always feel like when I'm working hard, it's the most enjoyable. So at the end of the day I'd be exhausted, but I'd feel calm, like I'd been well-used. And that's a good feeling. I think we should all feel that way about our work. Dana Delany (Speaker) Bye everybody, I'm going out to drink! : ) See you on TV! Moderator (Speaker) Good luck with your mini-series, Dana. We will all tune in and check out TRUE WOMEN. Thanks for chatting with us tonight on PRODIGY and sharing a fun hour together. Lets do this again! Goodnight everyone, see you tomorrow night. Copyright (c) 1997 Prodigy Services Corp. All Rights Reserved. 14:51ET |