Fall 2000
An Afternoon with Steven
By Sandra Martinez
On Nov 5, 2000, two Webbies had the wonderful
opportunity to meet with our very own Steven Culp.
Steven is currently appearing in Art at the
South Coast Repertory Theater in Costa Mesa, Ca.
After the play we had the chance to talk to Steven
for several minutes. As always he was friendly,
down to earth and extremely nice.
We talked briefly about how busy he has been with the
play and filming "JAG" at the same time. As some of
you already know Steven will be in the two part JAG
episode "A Separate Peace" (Nov 21st & 28th). To the
delight of Webbies, he has just finish working on a
third episode. The episode is titled "Family Secrets"
and will air on Dec 12, 2000.
November and December will be busy months for Steven
with promotion work for the movie "13 Days".
(Opening Dec 20th, 2000)
During our time with him, Kathy presented him with a gift from "Totally Steven".
It was a framed poster of the movie "13 Days". Steven was surprised to see the
poster and was very appreciative of the gift.
He also thanked us for the work on the "Totally Steven!" web site and commented on
all the hard work we do. We simply said he was worth it.
We would also like to point out that during the opening weekend of the play, we
sent Steven some flowers at the theater, wishing him luck with "Art". He
recently acknowledged the flowers with a letter and wanted to thank everyone
who contributed to such a nice gift.
"Thank you so much for the flowers. They're lovely, and it was such a nice thing to
do. It was very thoughtful of all of you"
We want to thank Steven for a wonderful afternoon. We truly enjoyed having
the opportunity to talk to him.
I have met Steven on previous occasions, but I never get used to just how genuinely
caring he is and how appreciative he is of his fans.
Thank you, Steven, for taking the time to talk to your fans.
You're a class act!
By Kathy Arnold
This was my first time meeting Steven Culp. When we arrived, Sandy was dropping
me off at the entrance and was going to park the car when Steven walked by. I called
Steven's name, since he was ahead of me and he turned and walked over to where I was.
I introduced myself and explained Sandy and I had brought a gift from the Webbies
for him. We talked briefly and he was impressed with the "13 Days" poster.
I will not forget the look on Steven's face when he saw the poster. He
suggested that we leave the poster in the car and meet after the play.
After the play we met Steven outside. We discussed the play, JAG, Totally Steven!
and 13 Days. I was so impressed with just how friendly and down to earth Steven is.
I thought I would be very nervous talking to Steven, but I wasn't. He is very
easy to talk to.
We all know Steven is very good looking on TV, however in person, he is even more
good looking. Steven looks wonderful in green!! It brings out the color in
his eyes so much. He also looks younger in person.
Steven truly appreciates his fans and it was so nice of him to
take the time to visit with us. I don't think I will ever forget this afternoon
and meeting Steven. It was a very exciting afternoon for this Webbie!
Steven talks about "13 Days"
With the opening of "13 Days" getting closer, fans will probably get to see
and read more about this exciting movie and its stars. Here we have excerpts of an
interview with our very own Steven Culp by "BOXOFFICE".
Steven on Playing Robert F. Kennedy:
"You're playing these icons," he says, "And you really have to have a lot of
stuff in your bones just to show up, just to walk into the room. You're taking a
life at a certain point and putting forth an interpretation and trying to portray
it as true to the spirit of somebody as possible."
How did Steven "become" Bobby Kennedy?
"I had to shape myself into this wiry Bobby Kennedy
body," says Culp. "I'm naturally just a hair taller
and a hair broader than Bruce. That was one of the
reasons they wanted to see us together in the screen
test. They had him in a padded coat and lifts, and I
had to whittle myself down and pretty much spent five
or six months in training and had a very strict diet
regime."
How did Steven prepare for this role?
"Tons of reading, watching tapes and listening to
tapes" is how Culp describes the rehearsal process for
RFK. "I like to do a lot of reading on things anyway
because that's just the way my mind works. So I did a
lot of reading from different point of views...and I
found the best accounts were the ones that tried to paint the fullest three-dimensional
pictures."
In regards to Kennedy's accent:
"People have this sort of generalized idea of the Kennedy accent," explains Culp.
"One thing you find is that JFK and RFK's voices are different tonally -- there's a real
difference. Bruce and I found when we were doing the auditions together, we would start
drifting towards each other's voice, so we would call each other up on the phone and do
dueling Kennedys."
Working together on the set with Greenwood and Costner:
"I think there was a thing that we fell into where we really were older brother/younger
brother," he explains. "We kind of fell into that giving each other s -- t thing a lot,
which, as far as my understanding, was very much a part of the Kennedy brothers.
That was how they communicated, that sort of constant ribbing and cajoling, and
we really fell into that very easily. I think there was a certain enjoyment to the
fact that we were falling into it and we just kind of kept it going. There was a real
camaraderie there."
"Kevin was like the third brother," says Culp. "He's somebody who really, really
wants it all to be good. He was really focused on the work and how we can make it better."
Bruce talks about Steven:
"Steven was great. We worked well right from the beginning. We didn't know
each other at all, and "13 Days" is a big deal for both of us. We wanted to
treat each other with respect, and out of that good things grew."
Steven's connection to Robert Kennedy
"The more I researched him, the more I admired him, despite his faults,"
he says "A lot of people's views are that he was somebody who never stopped
evolving or growing....I know my mom was a real Kennedy person, and I was
probably influenced by that. She died four years ago, but they offered me
the deal in the screen test on her birthday, so I thought she was pulling
strings."
Steven on "13 Days"
"It's about human beings who, in the midst of a crisis situation, become better than
themselves, who surpass who they are, who work together to save the world from
possible disaster."
Legacy
By Cheryl Russell
The Time had arrived. The Day was here. Webbies
donned trench coats (mentally, if not physically) &
parked themselves in front of TVs, remotes at the
ready. For those Webbies who had other commitements
on this Night of Nights, VCRs (in some cases, several
VCRs), were programmed to record The Show. Officially,
it may have been titled "Legacy", but to that mighty
group known as "Webbies" it was known as "Webb's
Return-FINALLY!!". The end to WWS was about to begin...
JAG HQ. (Surely he's here; he's here too much! Ask the
Admiral!!) Harm is getting ready to leave for Russia with
the noble goal of revamping military law & Tiner is helping
him prepare. He's found Harm a English/Russian dictionary
(has the term Invading Army" in the title; don't leave that
laying around just anywhere Harm) and is reviewing it with
the Commander. (Where's Webb??)
Mac & Bud are doing final prep work in their preparation
of an espionage case they are prosecuting. (Where's Webb??
It's a spy case!!) We see all sorts of old, familiar faces
except one. No SecNav. Guess they couldn't work him into
the story line on this one. (OK. OK. Where's Webb??) Possible Webbie agitation in the works.
Not a good thing)
Harm leaves for Russia & all sorts of things happen to him while he is there. He is
supposed to be shuffling papers, but that just wasn't to be. Mac & Bud's espionage trial
comes to an explosive end, literally, when Commander Carlton and 2 Marine guards are killed
by a car bomb set off by remote control by an assasin who was watching. (Still no Webb!!)
As Mac & Bud are sifting through evidence, or as the Admiral calls it "junk", Bud finds
a new phone number. Mac dials... & wait! That Voice!!! Could it be?? Yes!! At long last!
It's our man Webb!! (Who's the blonde?) Whoa!! Hey!! Where's Webb??!! Where'd he go??
That was brief. Better not be all!!
Providence
Seeing Steven Culp turning up on an episode of
a non JAG TV show is always a treat and something
to look forward to. This "Providence" episode with
Steven in it was no exception. In this episode
Steven plays Dr. Roberts, a doctor who has come in to
take over the clinic for the lead character, Syd. Syd
is recovering from having been in a coma and is just
returning to work.
Syd is anxious to get back to work and ends up coming
to the clinic earlier than expected. Dr. Roberts is
surprised to see her. When a young girl shows up at
the clinic having suffered seizures, Syd prescribes
a medication that Dr. Roberts immediately questions.
Syd stands by her original order and reluctantly Dr.
Roberts hands her the medication. Suddenly the young
girl goes into respiratory arrest. Syd ends up being
blamed for giving the girl the wrong dosage of medicine.
Later that day Syd finds out that Dr. Roberts has plans
for expanding the clinic, something she is not happy about
at all. I definitely got the impression that Syd felt
Dr. Roberts wanted to perminitely take over the clinic.
"13 Days" Poster.
The poster for "13 Days" came out early last month. To the
delight of Webbies, the poster includes a side view of Steven,
along with Kevin Costner and Bruce Greenwood. (Photo at right)
However, we understand that the original poster was a picture
of missiles aimed at famous landmarks in USA, but New Line
cinema decided to change the poster. Why? The recent
incident of the explosion on the USS Cole in which 17
sailors were killed.
It seems the studio felt it would not be appropiate at this
time, to launch an advertising campaign using the original
poster. Therefore we got the poster of the three stars of
the movie instead.
"Art"
By Carol Preflatish
The South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, California,
presented the play "Art" about three friends who have
a difference of opinion about a 4x5 foot canvas painted
completely white. This production, a comedy by female
playwright Yasmina Reza, shows how the friendship of
three men can change so quickly.
All the scenes in the play take place in two of the
character's apartments. However, the only change in the
plain set each time is the painting on the back wall.
By using the same set, scene changes were quick, thus allowing more time for the
dialogue of the play without intermittent interruptions.
The play begins with Serge proudly showing off his painting,
that he purchased for 200,000 francs, to his friend Marc.
Marc is appalled that Serge has paid such an enormous amount
on such a worthless painting. He laughs hysterically in
front of Serge. Then, Serge becomes angered at Marc over
his reaction.
The third friend, Yvan, tries to arbitrate between his two
friends, only to become the target of their vicious, but
comical jabs. They insult his intelligence, his idea of
getting married, his relationship with his mother, and a
painting that his father had painted for him. Yvan becomes
upset running out of the apartment crying.
Each actor was cast perfect for the part they portrayed.
John de Lancie is best known as the character Q in "Star
Trek: The Next Generation.
In "Art," he played Marc, a sarcastic know it all, who
thinks he's always right and everyone else is wrong.
His perfect inflections of dialogue and on-the-mark
timing with his pauses, gave the audience ample time
to comprehend the jokes. Continues here!
Webbie Contest
We want to congratulate the winner of our Webbie Contest,
KathleenM.
Kathleen got all the questions right! She wins a Webb Script,
Navy/Marine sticker and a CIA pocket adress book.
The contest was a VERY close race! The difference between
First and second place was only 1 point! The difference
between 2nd and third was half a point. Well done Webbies!!!
The second and third place Webbies are CherylR and DianeM.
They were so close indeed, that we sent them consolation
prices for an outstanding job! They both received a "Webb" script.
Congratulations and thanks to everyone that participated.
New Contest
We have a new contest at the 'Totally Steven' Site! This is probably one of our
hardest contests. It will take Webbie knowledge and patience. Kathy has put
together a "Webbie Puzzle".
The prize for this contest is a special one, in preparation for the big opening of
"13 Days". We have obtained one of the Official Posters for the movie staring our
dear Steven, Kevin Costner and Bruce Greenwood.
The contest is open to everyone from Webbies to Costner fans. Of course Webbies will
have the advantage of the Webbie knowledge that is needed to find all the words in the
puzzle. There are a total of 24 words. (up, down, diagonal, backwards).
Whoever finds the most words wins the poster! Contest ends when the first entry
with all 24 words is received. If nobody finds all 24, then whoever finds
the most words will win. Entries must be received by Dec 20th.
Send your entry to us at: culpfan@yahoo.com
Good luck to all!
Finally Webb on JAG! Fans react
During season 5 we hardly got to see our favorite spook
on JAG, so it was wonderful to see Webb in both parts
of "Legacy", the season 6 opener.
The Webbies and even non-Webbies were happy to have him
back. There were comments on lists, boards etc... about
the return of Webb. These are some of the comments we
found posted around the Web.
"He was just showing off how good a spy he is!"
"Yeah.....Webb is such a smart-a**.....I *like* that in a man!!!!"
"I *loved* how Webb handled Sokol. If Bud's not going
to lock him up for espionage, then just pull out your
gun and threaten to call the feds. And don't forget to
block his only exit. I'm finally getting used to the "new"
Webb look. Yeah, I know it's almost a year old, but we saw
him a total of maybe seven minutes last season."
"Love the Spies!!! Webb is fabulous--smart, good looking, and
sarcastic... I love Falcon too... They are just great
characters that add so much to the show."
"If I was Mac, I would date Webb in a flash."
"I think it's one of a million good looking girlfriends he
has. I just think he's one of those kind of guys: suave,
good-looking, well dressed, family has money, that is
always being seen with a beautiful woman. I think it's
part of his legacy. What's a good looking spook without
a beautiful woman in tow?? (see James Bond..) "
Webbies from around the world
Recently on the Webb Mailing List we had a poll to see where the
various Webbies are from. We found them to be from many places in
the states as well as abroad!
From California to Slovakia, there are Webbies every where. The
most common places for our "operatives" to be from are: Chicago,
Texas, New Jersey, DC, Wisconsin, Arizona, Illinois, Tenesse,
Louisiana, New York and Indiana.
Another place where Webbies seem to hang around is Nevada, tied
in first place with California for the largest amount of Webbies
in one state. (Of course the most important biggest Webbie,
Donald Bellisario, is in California!) Tied in a very close
second place are Ohio and North Carolina.
Webbies are also from far away places such as Poland, Slovakia,
Netherlands, Colombia, Germany, Australia, Spain, Singapore
and England among other places.
After learning from how many different states and countries Webbies are from,
we got the idea to give Steven an "international" gift. Webbies from various
towns/cities are sending in small souvenirs from their states/countries, to put
together a gift with a personal touch from some of the places
Webbies are from around the world.
All the souvenirs sent by fans will be sent to Steven in a "gift package" as his
birthday present from his fans from near and far.
Webbies From California, Indiana and Missouri.
Webbie vacation
By Carol Preflatish
For five days in October, I had a wonderful time spending my vacation in
Los Angeles with my best friend and fellow Webbie, Sandy. And, what a
wonderful JAG vacation it was.
How could I spend that many days in LA and it not have been a JAG vacation?
Almost everyday I was there was spent doing something JAG or Webb related. As
soon as I arrived on Wednesday, Sandy and I headed to Paramount Studios where
we had a lunch date with Harriet (AKA HarrietJAG) at the JAG offices. What
a terrific lady she is and boy, what great stories she has to tell.
Harriet took us on a walking tour of the JAG offices and introduced us
to anyone that was in their office. It was lunchtime and many of the offices
were empty. My favorite office was Donald Bellisario's office. I was in the
office of "the great one." He has "Quantum Leap" photographs all
over the walls.
But, the best thing about his office was there on the hat rack was the Webbie
hat that we had sent to him. We were thrilled.
A Webbie Thrill
Last month two Webbies had the opportunity to visit the offices of JAG.
During the tour, a quick look at the office of "the man" himself, Donald
Bellisario, left the Webbies in shock! There on the hat rack was the
"Webbie" cap we got Mr. Bellisario last year.
Needless to say we were thrilled and excited to see our Webbie gift
displayed in his office! Way to go Mr. B!
Webbie hat
Of course, now that Webbies know of the special hat displayed in DB's
office, they all want to have one! The cap was designed over a year
ago by one of the TS webmistresses and it is available to all Webbies.
The cost of having the hat made runs about $14-15.00. You don't pay anything extra,
just the cost of the hat plus shipping Caps are available is solid colors (Navy,
Green, Red, Dark Gray, etc) and in two color combination (see photo). One size
fits all. If you are interested in ordering one, E-mail us for
Webb for President?
If Webb were running for president, how would he do on election day?
Unlike the rest of the country, the Webbies did not have a problem
electing who they would want as president.
It was no surprise to see "Clayton Webb" win with 82.2% of the votes! In second place
was George W. Bush with 13.3% of the votes, with Al Gore in last place with 4.4%
And no, we are NOT re-counting our votes!
Happy Birthday Steven!
We want to wish Steven a GREAT, WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!
Steven's birthday is Dec 3rd, and everyone at Totally Steven, The SC Fan Connection
and the Webb/Culp mailing list, wishes him a
VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Nurse Betty
Some of Steven fans were able to catch his cameo appearance in the film
"Nurse Betty" (starring Greg Kinnear and Renee Zellweger) Steven made
a short appearance as a friend of Kinnear's manager. He was hardly
recognizable with long hair and a beard. He looked good in a tux, but
very un-Webb like in personality and looks!
More on Steven and some Webbie fun!