STEVEN AT THE LCA 7
October 23, 2004
By Monika Page
Steven attended the "Lights, Camera, Auction - Take 7!" charitable event in LA
hosted by the 'Motion Picture Industry Charitable Alliance'. Although he has a
very busy schedule he accepted this special invitation and participated in a
panel together with Richard Burgi and Garett Maggart. Dressed in Blue Jeans, a
dark striped shirt and a brown suede jacket our Steven looked as gorgeous as
always. He answered every question fans asked with a lot of enthusiasm. You
could tell he loves his work. Here are some of the questions he was asked and
his answers (not quoted word for word because I can't write that fast):
"What would be your dream role?"
"I think I already had a few....You have to keep yourself open........There are
a few great Shakespearean roles I'd like.....I feel lucky because like I said
before I already had a few"
"If you could choose would you prefer an action/adventure or a romantic role?"
"That depends on the script.....I always read the script first.......we all
look for the stuff in the script'
"What determines which role you accept?"
"It's dividing....auditioning is no fun, you put yourself in kind of a
needyness, I like to choose.."
"If you were not an actor what would you like to do?"
"I don't know. My wife does everything. I am not very handy. There is only one
thing I am good at (big laugh from the audience). Maybe a disk jockey. But they
don't have those kind of radio stations anymore where you can just play music."
"What role did you enjoy most?"
"I have done so many plays that felt rewarding. 'Thirteen Days' was a big deal
for me, the JAG character, the West Wing and Desperate Housewives.
"Do you watch your own shows?"
"I feel compelled to watch. It can be very constructive. But I wish I could get
rid of that habit."
Comments from Steven to questions on his many roles:
Desperate Housewives - "It's funny and it's scarry. Sometimes Marcia (Cross)
and I are looking at each other asking "was that funny?" All the husbands in
the show feel very expandable. I figure the worst scenario would be: one year
on a great show, make some nice money, and then I can go on."
Enterprise - "I knew when I signed on that it would not be a lasting role."
When asked about the work atmosphere: " It was grim....There was a lot of
joking-around.....It was claustrophobic in there.....The whole cast and crew
were terrific."
The West Wing - "The scripts are better than 90% of the others. The cast is
great. You feel obligated to give them something to work with."
JAG - "I am a character actor. JAG was the complex tortured spy. I gave Harm
someone strong to go up against. When I read about Webb's death (at the end of
the 9th season) I didn't know if I was coming back and I didn't ask. I loved
doing JAG."
The question and answer session ended and Steven thought he could just say
'Thank you' and leave. WRONG! He had no idea what he had gotten himself into.
As sweet as our Steven is he couldn't say 'no' when asked to auction off one
item. Just one little item. A Coke can!
It's a tradition at LCA. Every guest signs a Coke can and auctions it off
trying to get the highest bid anyway they can. And since it was 'for the
children' Steven gave an impromptu performance that only a great actor can do.
First he asked "What if I smash it against my head?". The answer was "you get
more money if you rub it at another place".
Steven's finger pointed at the fan and his facial-expression, which he does so
well, said more than words ever could. Then he asked if he had to drink the
soda mentioning it was too much sugar. "No, you don't". He opened the can
anyway, took one zip and said "Now, I'm auctioning it off".
Well, the first bid seem to shock him. $500! When he realized this was for
real the actor in him took over. He walked down the aisle 'pleading' for
money. "It's for the childen! Please, it's for the children!" He started
crying, his hands covering his face, his body bend over from the heavy load he
seem to be carrying. He did the perfomance of his life and got a standing
ovation from the fans. They were cheering and clapping their hands.
And his effort paid off nicely. One very devoted Steven Culp fan was determined
to beat me. We had a bidding war going. I finally had to give up and she ended
up with the Coke can paying $1,000. A great victory for Steven! And his fan got
a hug from him.
Steven got the third highest dollar amount for his Coke can this weekend.
However, the only two guests who beat him did it in a way I can not describe
here because this is a family oriented site, no PG 17 allowed. So, IMHO Steven
was the real winner! BRAVO STEVEN!
Unfortunately, Steven had to leave right after that. I escorted him out of the
hotel. While we were waiting for his car he told me that he would only be in
the first three episodes of 'The West Wing'. After that it would be 'Desperate
Housewives' only.
ABC is not willing to give him permission for any other show at the moment.
Then I had to say 'good bye'. I thanked Steven for taking time out of his busy
schedule and wished him all the best on the show.
For me this was the highlight of the whole weekend. I got to see our wonderful
Steven again and I had the chance to talk to him. I am very greatful. THANK
YOU, STEVEN.
I talked to Jon Cassar (director/'24') and asked him about Steven. Here is
Jon's response (quoted word for word): "I love the guy. He was here? I am
sorry I missed him. Please, tell him I would love to work with him again."
I thanked him for his kind words and promised to pass them on. I walked away
very proud to be a Steven Culp fan.
Steven and the $1,000 Coke can!
Steven and the $1,000 Coke can!
