OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.
OnlineHost: Your host tonight is AOLiveMC11 (JackDL) and AOLiveMC8 (Karen KJW).
OnlineHost: Hector Elizondo recently received his second consecutive Outstanding Supporting Actor Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Dr. Phillip Watters on CBS' highest honored drama series, "Chicago Hope." Elizondo is one of those rare actors who continues to move back and forth freely between starring roles on Broadway, television and feature films. Elizondo is now filming his third season starring as Chief of Staff at Chicago Hope. Welcome to AOL Live!
AOLiveMC11: Please join us in welcoming Hector Elizondo to the Celebrity Circle!
HElizondo: I certainly hope that you all have a very healthful New Year and that you will greet the new millennium with the effort to solve the new problems of the world by not using medieval tactics, which we have been doing much to much in the twentieth century. It has been an exciting century, but also the bloodiest century in history, so let's all make a new start as we approach the next century.
AOLiveMC11: JULIEHOGU would like to ask you:
Question: Do you feel like you're best remembered for your role in "Pretty Woman?"
HElizondo: No, I don't simply because my work is so varied and my body of work is so deep that I am always surprised by what people remember. I have people come up to me and surprise me by remembering a play they saw in New York City in the sixties, so I didn't just fall off the turnip truck. I have been around a long time. I have done a lot of work on stage. Lots of work on Broadway. "Pretty Woman" is rather recent in my life. A recent phenomenon, though it was a commercial success.
HElizondo: I think one of the characters I'm remembered most for is the killer in "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3." This was in the mid seventies. Still, "Pretty Woman" was an indelible character that I enjoyed doing, but I think of it as a brief part of my working life.
AOLiveMC11: HEALFOTIA wonders:
Question: Do you think the previous season's shows are better than this season?
HElizondo: Difficult to assess from where I sit, which is usually in the eye of the storm, since I am sort of a cornerstone of the show, it seems to me that this year with the inclusion of Mark Harmon and Rocky Carroll, it gives us a certain quality and texture that in many ways is quite appealing. They are two fine professionals. Two fine people to work with. So from that point of view, from the new blood in the show, I find this season more exciting.
AOLiveMC11: Booboo445 would like to ask you:
Question: Is the set much different without Mandy Patikin there?
HElizondo: No. Everyone brings there own energy into their environment, of course. I suppose the answer would be yes, but then the set is different with or without many other people there. Mandy brought his own particular energy. But we have many, many other energies taking his place. So, we don't lack for energy! LOL It's a large cast and they are all quite talented and quite professional.
AOLiveMC11: Jedi914 asks:
Question: Hector, what do you do to get into a tough character?
HElizondo: LOL....a tough character...I am trying to guess exactly what you mean, so forgive me if I don't address your question directly. If you mean how do I get into the mood of a character who IS tough, then, that's relatively easy. In the movie "Turbulence" I play a character who IS tough. I can give you a long esoteric answer, but we don't have that kind of time!
HElizondo: If you mean, on the other hand, how do I play a character who is psychologically difficult to play, someone who is further removed from my nature, then that's another question. That takes a bit more doing. I am very rarely challenged to play characters that are, for me, a stretch. The last time I was really challenged was when I did my last Broadway play in New York City. It was rather recent. It was called "The Price" by Arthur Miller. I played the lead in that. He is probably one of our greatest playwrights. It takes the stage to challenge me. I'm rarely challenged in film. Except for comedy.
HElizondo: Comedy is the most challenging because it is the most difficult and the most fun. It is what I am most comfortable doing. More than half of the work in my life is comedy, and it is what I have been recognized for, vis a vis, nominations, awards, etc. About sixty percent has been comedy. That I find a lot more challenging than drama. Forgive the length of my answer, but I appreciate the opportunity to answer.
AOLiveMC11: Jul22bby would like to ask you about:
Question: Can you tell us about the L.A. Theater Works. What is it and what is your involvement?
HElizondo: That's a group that I am very proud to be associated with. It started in the mid eighties in Los Angeles. A group of "recognizable" actors who come from the theater, who now do film and rarely get an opportunity to do meaningful theater, decided to form their own repertory theater group. Already an impossible dream, since we were all busy, working actors. The group was quite a group! I'll just give you some of the names of the people who started it: Edward Asner, Richard Dreyfus, Albert Foxworth, Katherine Helmond, John Lithgow, Madeline Smith, it's a long list. There were about thirty of us.
HElizondo: We never did a play, but instead we did radio drama. We did it in order to raise revenue. We started by doing a highly produced version of "Babbitt" by Sinclair Lewis. It took a year to produce, with over thirty actors, and it was about fourteen hours of recording. There is a full set of it on tape which you can get from KCRW in Los Angeles. 89.9 FM in Los Angeles. It has been used as a fund-raiser for KCRW at least a dozen times.
HElizondo: Since we recorded "Babbitt," we have recorded numerous radio drama, both original and classic and we have added many people to our roster, so everyone has done this. Because it is pure quality -- it is not often you get an opportunity to do something for the quality of the material only. There is no money involved. It is a lot of work and it is a labor of love. When you have the unfortunate status, this is my personal feeling, when you have the unfortunate status of being a "Celebrity" and you love the theater, you rarely get the chance of doing something truly fine. That was my personal opinion.
AOLiveMC11: Sigpieces asks:
Question: Have you personally had any interesting feedback from real-life doctors about "Chicago Hope?"
HElizondo: Yes. Very positive. Overwhelmingly positive. They find it to be the most authentic of the medical shows ever. The AMA has given us their official recognition as such. We are proud of that. We don't take many liberties on the show. It is well researched and watched carefully by people in the medical profession. They especially like that our show is deeper in character writing. It doesn't move too fast, the stories are longer, and they like the moral and ethical issues raised by the show. They find them very current and relevant. So the answer is, yes we have had very good feedback.
AOLiveMC11: Markie 22 wonders:
Question: Hector, you seem to be quite accomplished in a variety of arts. I was wondering if you do any writing and if so, do you wish to act in anything you have written in the future?
HElizondo: Good question! I certainly am interested in many things and always have been. I have eclectic tastes in many areas, especially music, which is, of course, my first and original passion and will always be. I'm not chomping at the bit to much acting at all, if the truth be known. I guess I've done so much of it for so long, without any breaks, I have to find a way of refreshing myself. There used to be more spaces between the notes, as they say in jazz, for me, and it is those spaces in one's life that refresh you, make you whole, and give you constant intellectual and spiritual rebirth.
HElizondo: I love writing, but not scripts. I love to write short stories, which I forget about, I put them in my drawer and they lie there. Perhaps there's a story for me to act in, of my own. It would probably be a fictionalized version of what has occurred in my life. A little closer to my home than I would be comfortable doing -- that, or play Falstaff. or Thomas Merton. But he didn't lead a very outwardly exciting life. He led an exciting inward life, but that's not very good for film! LOL
AOLiveMC11: PAUL824 has a suggestion for you:
Question: I always have seen you in "The King and I," if Lou Diamond Phillips broke a leg would you take on the role?
HElizondo: LOL. The King and I have almost become one many times in the past. The fact that I was a dancer before I became an actor, and the fact that I have sung since I was a little kid, made it a natural, plus the fact that I have this rather exotic looking puss. When I have a goatee, I look very exotic, very Russian. So it has crossed my path many times, so it is no small coincidence that you should ask that, but I have not been available when the opportunity has arisen in the past. Perhaps in the future.
AOLiveMC11: Susphill would like a look into your future:
Question: What new project can we expect to see you in next?
HElizondo: I must confess something, and I am not one for public confession, mind you, but this is a very small public confession. My appetite has not been whetted for a new project yet. I'm looking, and hopefully it will be something that will make me feel passionate to do. I am looking very carefully. I hope it is something that I care about, or something that makes me laugh and cry, and without being pedantic or preachy about it, reveal something about what it is like to be a human being. A tough project to come by. That, or I would rather spend my hiatus (late April to July) hiking, reading, some traveling -- generally keeping my mouth shut and my heart, eyes, and ears open.
AOLiveMC11: JackieC21 asks:
Question: Hector, what do you consider your most satisfying work?
HElizondo: Hmmm. I am assuming this refers to acting. I will have to divide that into two different categories, film and stage. Two different experiences. Stage requires a particular craft and process and it is the realm of the actor. It belongs to the thespian. The stage is theirs. The curtain goes up and no one can drive you away or say "cut". You have to know the role from A to Z and there is nowhere to hide.
HElizondo: Film, on the other hand, for the actor is more like factory work. You go much too early, at dawn, you sit in the chair while they make you up, you rehearse if you're lucky, if not, you wait to rehearse which sometimes takes hours. And then you wait some more. Then you wait some more. Then you must stay concentrated on your work while 29 things are happening around you all at the same time. Lights, wires, people shouting orders of all kinds, crews of workmen, sound, costume, etc., etc. You have to keep your equilibrium, stay focused, and at the same time you must be aware of everyone's job and feel part of that process of many moving parts. Then maybe you can work! LOL
HElizondo: The days are very long. A workday on a film can be anywhere from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 20 some odd hours. Stage work may be two or three hours. It is two different worlds.
HElizondo: My most memorable film experience has to be my first movie for Gary Marshall. I have since done nine movies with that same director. The first movie with Gary Marshall was "Young Doctors" in Love. A comedy and a parody. The reason why I remember it so fondly is because of the improvisatory nature of that particular film. Everyone was excited by the challenge of working with Gary Marshall, a master of comedy. It was in 1980, although my first film was in 1969 and my first professional play was in 1960. Sorry for the longwinded answer!
AOLiveMC11: Markie 22 asks:
Question: The character that you currently play seems so perfect for you… did you feel that way when you first read for the part?
HElizondo: I never read for the part. I haven't read for a part in over twenty years. First of all, I do not read for parts for this simple reason: early on in my career, I found out that I was in a business. It is best to present yourself as strongly as possible. I discovered that I didn't audition well. My reputation speaks for itself. My body of work and the reputation I have as a person who is good to work with is the thing I value most, so at the risk of losing some opportunities, I decline auditioning. By now, the business knows that, so they don't bother.
HElizondo: I will take a meeting, I will chew the fat, I will listen to your stories about your grandchildren, and I will regale you with stories about my granddaughter. I'll talk to you about Theloneous Monk, about playing with a Latin Jazz Band at the Palladium in NY in 1955, I'll talk to you about good guys and bad guys I've known, I'll talk to you about ideas, but I will not audition. I hate it.
HElizondo: So, in answer to your question, yes, I found it a most attractive character because he seemed very deep, mysteriously flawed, and a man who did not let his personal problems get in the way of functioning as a man. I found him a necessary character to portray when you don't have many people you can look up to on television. This is a man who life does not come easy, he is not a frivolous man, a man of deep feelings, and a man that you want backing you up in an alley fight.
AOLiveMC11: Rcasza asks:
Question: Hector, are you frustrated in the lack of roles for Hispanic actors on television?
HElizondo: Forgive me for taking a deep breath. LOL. This is a thorny issue for me. As an American, since that is my nationality -- I was born and raised in New York City -- and as the son of, I suppose immigrants, though Puerto Ricans are naturalized citizens, it is a source of some sadness to me that we are such a difficult group of Americans, with "difficult" in quotations, to represent in the media. We are difficult to categorize, since we are multi-racial first of all -- it seems to make people confused. We are difficult to categorize because there is no general or generic Latin or Hispanic -- whatever in the hell that means -- I, for example, am not from Spain. I am from New York City. My father's father was from Spain. He was Basque. My mother's folks were from Spain, from the Canary Islands. My parents were born in Puerto Rico. I was born in New York City. Therefore, Hispanic to me means associated with Spain, other than an affinity historically, I am associated more with the upper west side of NYC. Therefore, how do you categorize me? You see the problem?
HElizondo: There are many slices of the Spanish/Colonial experience as the Mestizo experience Mexico, and the other Mestizo experiences throughout Central and South America. For example, Asians. President Fujimori is of Japanese ancestry. He is Peruvian by nationality. How would you categorize him as a Latin/Hispanic? So you see, there is no generic "Latino" person. They are all different. Very complex, rich culture with great histories. Does that further confuse you? I'm sorry! The short answer to your question is: Yes!
AOLiveMC11: On a related note, DarenAsia asks:
Question: Do you feel that the writers on the show explore issues pertaining to people of color enough and is the staff diverse?
HElizondo: No. Especially Asians, certainly Latins, certainly not represented in meaningful ways. Very rarely. As Americans, by the way, just as Americans who happen to have vowel endings to their names. The hospitals I have visited lately, most of the staff overwhelmingly are of color. I would like this to be reflected more in "Chicago Hope." Although they do a good job.
AOLiveMC11: Elizabdz asks:
Question: Your character seems to be showing more of your own talents and personality. Was this your idea or the writers'?
HElizondo: The writers write for the people involved. I have been very careful that Dr. Waters' life and full character is not revealed too quickly or too easily. This is now year three, so it is time for the onion to be unpeeled, slowly. So, yes, this is a result of my working with the writers. It is always a collaboration.
HElizondo: You will see more and more of the background of Dr. Waters; what made him become a doctor, how Vietnam shaped him as a person -- he was a young medic in Vietnam; he was not a doctor yet. How music is very much a part of his life, especially jazz, as is also an important part of mine.
HElizondo: There is something Falstaffian about Dr. Waters when he is away from the hospital environment. He is starting to break his mourning period. That will soon come to an end. Ladies are very attracted to Dr. Waters. He is a ladies' kind of guy and a man's man too. I think it is time to explore that. The feedback we have been getting from viewers is reflecting a strong interest in finding out about this mysterious Dr. Waters.
OnlineHost: All good things must come to an end. We have time for this last question from KACRN:
Question: Hector, I think you are a very sexy man. How did you feel about taking it all off on "Chicago Hope?"
HElizondo: Within the context of the scene, it was very easy since it was not a silly exploitative scene. Also, I have a very good bod and a very nice a** and I made all the younger crew jealous because they don't work out and I do! LOL!
AOLiveMC11: Thank you very much for taking the time to be with us tonight! Do you have any closing words for us, Mr. Elizondo?
HElizondo: Laugh much, think much, love much. Take care of folks who need a hand, and remember, most of the world is not like us, so there is a lot to learn. Save the planet and be kind to one another. Much love! And never, never, never overcook the pasta! LOL!
AOLiveMC11: Our thanks also to those of you who joined us tonight! We couldn't do this without you! And thanks again, Mr. Elizondo. We hope you can join us again soon! Good night everyone!
OnlineHost: Thanks for joining us in the Oldsmobile Celebrity Circle this evening. Remember, Oldsmobile brings an exciting guest Online every Monday through Friday, and transcripts from the events can be downloaded using keywords: "Oldsmobile" or "AOL Live" within 24 hours after the event has ended.
OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.
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More about this Event:
01/14 "Chicago Hope's" Hector Elizondo (Bowl)
Hector Elizondo recently received his second consecutive Outstanding Supporting Actor Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Dr. Phillip Watters on CBS' highest honored drama series, "Chicago Hope." Elizondo is one of those rare actors who continues to move back and forth freely between starring roles on Broadway, television and feature films. Acclaimed for his portrayal of the hotel manager in the mega hit film "Pretty Woman," Elizondo is now filming his third season starring as Chief of Staff at Chicago Hope.
During his hiatus, Hector filmed four back-to-back feature films. They are: Paramount's comedy "Dear God," which was released this past November. Hector starred as a Russian postal supervisor with Greg Kinnear. "Dear God" was Hector's ninth film for director Garry Marshall. In Rysher Entertainment's action-thriller "Turbulence" with Ray Liotta and Lauren Holly, he stars as a veteran detective obsessed with bringing a serial killer to justice. "Turbulence" was released this past Friday, January 10th. These will be followed by two cameo appearances: Film Quest's "Safe House" as Dr. Simon opposite Patrick Stewart, and Disney's "Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion" with Mira Sorvino, in which he is reprising his famed role as the hotel manager in "Pretty Woman" during a dream sequence.
Hector's other film credits include "Beverly Hills Cop III," "Getting Even With Dad," "Frankie and Johnny," "Final Approach," "Necessary Roughness," "Samantha," "The Flamingo Kid," "Nothing in Common," "Young Doctors in Love," "American Gigolo," "The Fan," "Leviathan," and "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3." But "Pretty Woman" is still his most renowned performance, winning him a Movie Award, as well as nominations for both a Golden Globe and an American Comedy Award.
In addition to his big screen successes, Elizondo recently starred in the critically-acclaimed Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "The Price," starring Eli Wallach. He received another Best Supporting actor Emmy nomination for his riveting performance opposite Anne Bancroft in the two-character drama "Mrs. Cage" for PBS's acclaimed series "American Playhouse." Hector's numerous television appearances began with guesting on now classic episodes of "Columbo," "Kojak," and "All In The Family."
He quickly moved on to numerous television projects opposite such leading ladies as Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Victoria Principal and Candice Bergen. He played the starring role in the ABC four-hour miniseries of Scott Turow's "Burden of Proof." Also, he has made several recent appearances on PBS' "Storytime."
A native New Yorker, Elizondo first gained recognition on the New York stage for his portrayal of God in "Steambath," which earned him an Obie Award. High praise followed for his Broadway roles in Neil Simon's "Prisoner of Second Avenue," "The Great White Hope," and "Sly Fox," for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination.
Hector is especially proud of his involvement in the prestigious L.A. Theater Works, a group of 40 top actors who are devoting their time and talent to reinstating classic radio drama as a contemporary art form for National Public Radio (N.P.R.). He recently co-hosted the Environmental Media Awards with Poet Laureate Maya Angelou, with the keynote speaker being Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet President. Hector has just received the prestigious Integrity Award at the Diversity Awards for the quality of the roles he has chosen during his career.
Hector is often asked to be a guest speaker and serve as a role model for children. He is an avid supporter of The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Amnesty International, The American Cancer Society, Pediatric AIDS, The Boys and Girls Clubs of East Los Angeles, and Ted Danson's American Oceans Campaign.
Hector is an accomplished singer and musician, performing on the conga, flute and guitar. He and wife Carolee Campbell, an Emmy-award winning actress, photographer and celebrated publisher, live in Sherman Oaks, California.
Event Keyword: "Oldsmobile"
Transmitted: 1/31/97 7:27 PM