Hi everyone! I'm Patrizia DiLucchio,
this is PEOPLE Online on Pathfinder & we're very glad that you could
join us tonight-- because our guest this evening is actress Reneé O'Connor
who plays Gabrielle, Xena's spunky traveling companion on the wildly popular
series, Xena: Warrior Princess. So - how did a nice a nice girl from
Houston wind up rubbing shoulders with the, glitterati of Mount Olympus in
Sam Raimi's wildly popular send-off of ancient Greece? I guess we'll find
out tonight!
Hi there, Reneé! I know you've done a
lot of these cyberchats before. I've heard your mom runs your AOL site
(great job, Mom!) Why do you suppose Xena is so amazingly popular on
the Internet?
Reneé:
Yes. I think the internet provides a
community of interest. Having people meet Xena friends and their like
around the world owes alot to the Internet. The internet gives voice to a
community of fans.
Host:
You obviously KNOW how to ask
questions--so let's boogie! Guys --I've got to tell you that the MORE
questions you submit, the slower the server will be and the more problems
that Reneé will have typing....
* * * * * * *
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #586 from Ruggratt:
Question:
Will there be any more episodes like A
Day in the Life? That was my favorite.
Reneé:
Mine too! They're discussing one now
for the 3rd season. It gives lucy and I a chance to play off our comedic
silliness.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #592 from J_dale:
Question:
Reneé, my name is J'Dale and I have
been talking with your mum for a while now, and she seems very nice! I would
like to know what has your mum contributed to your career?
Reneé:
Hello there! My mom has always been
very supportive following my interests. It's been acting since I was a wee
thing. Acting lessons, dance lessons, etc. I always try to encourage new
mothers that I meet to do the same.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #598 from Mickim:
Question:
Why does your hair color keep changing?
Reneé:
(laughing) I never know what color it
is day to day. I've been told I'm a red haired person. I thought I was a
blonde! That's my natural color!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #612 from Kublakhan:
Question:
Hello Reneé, and thank you for
chatting with us tonight. I wanted to know, are there any wardrobe changes
planned for you this season?
Reneé:
It takes a keen eye to see the changes
this season. They're not cosmetic so much as functional! More arm movement
and my skirt is pinned to my underwear.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #619 from Sparky600:
Question:
Reneé, Hi!! What percentage of the
stunts do you do and how many bruises and sore muscles do you end up with?
Reneé:
I ALWAYS end up with bruises, but I
never know where they come from even now. I always do the choreography--but
must admit I can't polevault! Did you know that the big leap over the logs
in The Prodigal was a man?
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #621 from Zefff:
Question:
Hi Reneé, I'm an Aussie but I'm
curious as to how much time you spend in New Zealand and whether you make it
to the shores of Australia for some free time ever.
Reneé:
Actually, I went to Australia my first
week of winter break to Fort Douglas! To visit the Barrier Reef for some
snorkeling. I learned that every color on our planet is on some fish or
coral!
Host:
One from our Message Boards: Hey Reneé,
I really enjoy you on Xena. I just came from hearing Lucy in New York. My
question is: Are the Xena Scrolls or the X.R.S.(Xena Restoration Society)
real at all, or are they something the producers came up with? And one last
thing, will you ever be on The Rosie O' Donnell Show?
Reneé:
I have no knowledge of a Rosie
booking, but I will be on Vibe on the 25th. You're lucky to have seen
Lucy! The Xena Scrolls come from Robert Malette who has researched the
subject and formed the Society...and the scrolls exist!
Pdil-people presents the speaker
with question #637 from Sir_mulder:
Question:
What are your thoughts on the Joxer
character? There seems to be much negative fan reaction to him.
Reneé:
Hmmm...I think the fans believe that
Gabrielle and Xena dislike Joxer. He actually provides great comic relief.
He can do slapstick! Teddy is a fantastic person and deserves much credit
for Joxer!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #640 from Magspw:
Question:
You've said in the past that you'd like
to direct. Can we expect to see a Xena episode directed by you
anytime soon? (hopes!)
Reneé:
I don't feel capable of directing Xena.
I watched the frustration and it's more than I can handle now... I'd like to
try another venue first. Maybe work in short film.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #663 from Minaccia:
Question:
Xena's looking for redemption. What's
Gabrielle looking for?
Reneé:
She's reaching for unity and harmony --
a world where every one gets along.
Host:
A question from the message boards: I
totally love the show!! I think you're fabulous in it. Just wondering if you
actually do all the fight scenes yourself and you know how to use a stick as
a weapon? Also, are you and Lucy good friends off camera? One more thing.
Are you creative and enjoy storytelling/writing?
Reneé:
Where shall I start?
Host:
At the beginning??
Reneé:
I do fight with a staff. I use a soft
stick. Lucy is fantastic. She's my best friend on-set. I miss her right now!
I used to be a storyteller when I was young, Ghost stories at slumber
parties!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #688 from Xenaman:
Question:
Is there any truth to the rumor that
you're having a baby this season???
Reneé:
If I told you I'd have to kill
you...and I know your address!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #690 from Rocolli:
Question:
Hi Reneé! I am here from Austria...Is
it true that you said one day that you can speak a little bit German?
Reneé:
Hello from far away...I think you mean
Lucy! She speaks German. I may need to learn Spanish so that I can gossip on
set!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #697 from Lordvader:
Question:
Reneé, do you look at the Websites
dedicated to you?
Reneé:
I haven't seen anything is the last few
months. It's hard to follow--there are so many! I mostly make sure the
ROCWeb is accurate and visit the netforum ocassionally.
Pdil-people presents the speaker
with question #700 from Just_truly:
Question:
Many of the scenes on the show take
place out-of-doors. Do you prefer the outside shoots or the indoor shoots?
That depends on the weather! Thankfully we now have winter coats! I prefer
to be outside in the summer. I like heat, not cold!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #724 from Spikus:
Question:
Thank you for spending your time with
us, Reneé. Are you going to be able to see Lucy when you're on the East
Coast?
Reneé:
I'm going to see her to root her on!
Hopefully we'll have some time. The show is grueling. I'm enjoying time with
friends and family in NYC.
Pdil-people presents the speaker
with question #730 from Moondancer:
Question:
Not that we ever want Xena to
end, but what type of work would you like to pursue after X:WP -
film, TV or would you consider another weekly series?
Reneé:
It's funny that I've thought about that
recently...long term plans....I'm very confused about that. I would like to
get behind the camera!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #738 from Fanboy:
Question:
Reneé-there's so much controversy over
the Princess Di thing what's your take on it? Are you and Lucy in any kind
of danger now?
Host:
I think fanboy's talking about
paparazzi....
Reneé:
None that I know of! For me the show is
just starting to change my life, and people have been very polite. I know
there is a need from the fans to get to know us.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #744 from Kenshin:
Question:
Do you think that the Romans will be a
menace as the Borg or Dominion on ST?
Reneé:
Yes...we do battle the Romans this
season...but I don't think the theme is recurring.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #747 from Suszie:
Question:
Do you find the dialogue for Xena
any more or less difficult to learn and execute than what you've worked with
in other projects? Also, what is your training -- are you a classically or
stage-trained actor, or were you lucky enough to break directly into
TV/film?
Reneé:
I think the dialogue in Xena is
easy...very contemporary. The only theater experiece I've had was in
college. My strength is television acting. Difficult? Sometimes it's hard to
break through the wall of privacy I build up!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #752 from Rachel2:
Question:
What does she think of the large amount
of fans that think Gabrielle and Xena share more than a campfire at night?
Reneé:
I think one of the best things the show
does is give rise to everybody's imagination...a fantasy land!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #767 from Mickim:
Question:
What is your favorite type of music?
BTW, thanks for doing this chat!
Reneé:
I usually love solo vocalists...Tina
Turner...Sting//Elton John. Right now I'm listing to musicals...RENT! And I
like Webber's shows!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #784 from Sebroc:
Question:
Greetings from the Great White North,
Reneé! We all know your favorite type of food is Mexican, but is there a
dish in particular you love above all else?
Reneé:
I'd have to say green enchilladas...because
I can cook them myself...but I cook for 20 at a time, a lesson I learned
from my mother!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #775 from Suszie:
Question:
Which characteristics do you bring from
your own personality to the role of Gabrielle, and vice-versa?
Reneé:
Hmmm...Ummm...I think we're both
sympathetic. I like to see the best of everyone. We are both good listeners!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #789 from Jenny28:
Question:
Hello Reneé is there any special
person in your life?
Reneé:
There is...a wonderful man in New
Zealand.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #797 from Micksun:
Question:
Reneé, do people recognize you when
you walk down the street?
Reneé:
People have just started to do that on
this trip to the States. They call me Gabrielle. It's very strange...when
I'm running, sweaty with my hair tied back!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #807 from Iolobuzz:
Question:
Ms. Reneé O'Connor, what advice would
you have for someone who is addicted to acting as a hobby? Should I attempt
and/or continue this?
Reneé:
...If you have a passion for it beyond
all else...if it means you compete...by all means follow it. We can all do
anything! ...cliche, but true.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #812 from Spikus:
Question:
Would you please tell us what book
you're presently reading?
Reneé:
Sounds strange...but I'm reading The
Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying. I find it incredibly inspiring!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #822 from Ruthr:
Question:
What's a day on the set of X:WP
like for you?
Reneé:
It's basically a job...one that I love
to do. It does start too early...5AM. We film for 12 hours. Much of the day
is spent waiting. The set is like a family.
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #835 from Amandas:
Question:
Being a fellow Texan I wonder, what do
you miss most about Texas?
Reneé:
I miss the large cars! I'd love to have
a big truck! And I miss the armadillo roadkill!
Pdil-people presents the speakers
with question #854 from Marte:
Question:
Renee, What do you enjoy most about
working on Xena?
Reneé:
Hmmm...enjoy most...there are too many
elements to pin that down! The crew...NZ...the writers...and of course the
very classy Lucy!
Host:
Reneé--THANK YOU so much for coming
online with us tonight--& thanks to all Xena fans who came too.
We had over 400 questions submitted--Reneé would have to quit the show and
spend a WEEK in a dark room to answer them all.
Reneé:
Good night everybody!
Host:
Thanks again, Reneé!!! We really
really REALLY appreciate this. And thanks for such a wonderful audience.
This is Patrizia DiLucchio for PEOPLE Online wishing you good night!
