An Interview with an Alien Baby

One of the most memorable episodes of The X-Files was the Season One finale which offered viewers information, surprises, and set the conspiracy arc in motion. But the fans were not the only ones to get a shock. Agent Scully went to a secret facility to obtain what Deep Throat claimed would serve as ransom to free her kidnapped partner. The "package" that she delivered into Deep Throat's hands contained a frozen alien fetus...the alien baby who is the subject of this interview. IWAXF found themselves at a lavishly furnished apartment in Vancouver, B.C. We were welcomed in by our host who was instantly recognizable as the alien baby, even without the special effects make-up. Getting comfortable in the window seat of the solarium, IWAXF began with some questions about working on The X-Files.

IWAXF: Hello, and thanks for inviting us. Nice digs.

Alien Baby: You like the place? You don't think it's too pretentious?

IWAXF: Hey, who am I to judge. If I had the money, I'd probably go all out.

Alien Baby: Yeah, that's what I figured. I mean, you struggle along for years getting the same old roles and slogging away at the daily grind. Then one day you get offered a role that leads to so many other offers. Since my turn on The X-Files, so many doors have opened and I decided to spend some of the money that's been pouring in.

IWAXF: How was it working on "The Erlenmeyer Flask"? Did you have any idea that the episode would be such a major turning point in the series?

Alien Baby: I don't think anyone did. At the time I just figured they weren't sure if they'd been renewed and decided to go out in a blaze of glory. I mean, killing off a return character like that. But by the second season I realized how important Flask was in the bigger picture. That just made me more marketable as an actor so I was thrilled. That one's out on video, ya know.

IWAXF: Exactly. So even though it was episodic TV, you get a video on the shelf of most major video rental stores leading to quite a boost for your resume.

Alien Baby: You've got that right. Some of my competitors were quite jealous. I know a few actors out there that turned the role down and they're grinding their baby teeth over my good fortune.

IWAXF: What was it like working with Mulder and Scully?

Alien Baby: Well, I really didn't get to work much with Mulder. The only time we shared the same set was when I was in a box and he was unconscious on the pavement. Not much interaction there. But I did have a great time working with Agent Scully and Deep Throat. Those two were real professionals on a difficult shoot.

IWAXF: Difficult how?

Alien Baby: Well, the bridge where the climactic scene was shot had been shut down during the night for the shoot. We only had so much time since once it was light we'd be up a creek. Everyone was so exhausted but there were no temper tantrums and no star-personality bullshit to be found. I'd love to work on a show like that again with everyone so dedicated and professional even in rough conditions.

IWAXF: I imagine your part that night was no cake walk.

Alien Baby: I admit, I had moments when I actually did want to throw a tantrum. But when you work with people like that you feel your own professionalism and performance go up a notch. I will say that after hours in a cardboard box, I really earned that paycheck.

IWAXF: Do you actually watch The X-Files?

Alien Baby: Sure. I've been a fan from the first episode. I think most of us feel compelled to tune in to see how realistic sci-fi shows are. If the portrayals are accurate. I mean, we nitpick as much as any other fan.

IWAXF: Most of "us"? Do you mean other aliens?

Alien Baby: What, you don't think we watch TV?

IWAXF: No. It's just that I didn't expect you to speak so freely about a subject that's still a question in most people's minds. Have we been visited, etc....

Alien Baby: Oh, you've been visited. I'm proof of that but I'm not exactly an isolated example.

IWAXF: So you know of other aliens and alien races here on earth?

Alien Baby: Sure. We don't have potlucks or sit around planning the destruction and overthrow of earth, but we mix and mingle. We've got our support groups just like most communities. Besides, you've seen us at work on many TV shows so you must consider that proof.

IWAXF: I assumed most of the "aliens" seen on TV were the product of special effects and makeup. Are you saying that's not true?

Alien Baby: Well, some of it is special effects but you'd probably be surprised how many of those "creatures" are actually my co-workers. We've got our own union.

IWAXF: There must be quite a bit of competition for roles since alien actors can't have the offers rolling in like human actors.

Alien Baby: That's probably true for most alien races but I'm lucky in one sense. You see, I'm not really a baby anymore. My race just appears similar in size and proportion to human infants. So I get all the alien baby roles and you'd be surprised how many of them are out there. Plus, I've even done several cover shoots for national tabloids.

IWAXF: You're pulling my leg?

Alien Baby: No. But if you believe all those stories they're sure pulling your leg!

IWAXF: That's amazing. I mean, it's not like I believe everything I read in the grocery checkout line. I guess other people might be fooled but I've always considered myself at least one step above the lowest common denominator and...

Alien Baby: That phrase about protesting too much springs to mind.

IWAXF: Well, I see I'm getting off track here. Back to my notes. I wanted to touch on these other aliens and possible visitations.

Alien Baby: I can't be too specific, you understand. But I will say that some of what's been tossed around is accurate and some of it is pure fabrication. I can tell you that my race would never "beam up" a human for testing or any other drivel like that. Of course, I can't vouch for some of the others.

IWAXF: Well, that's less than reassuring. What about your craft? Disc shaped or triangular?

Alien Baby: Definitely triangular.

IWAXF: Back to "The Erlenmeyer Flask". The scene where Scully pulls the alien from the liquid nitrogen tank was just amazing.

Alien Baby: It certainly was...and on so many levels. For one thing, it's a surprise because the audience has no idea what she is going to find at the facility. And she is just as much in the dark. But when she comes face to face with proof of what Mulder has been ranting about all season, it's such a revelation.

IWAXF: That was a real shock. How did you film that scene? Was that a stunt double in the tank?

Alien Baby: No way. That was me in every scene. I often sacrifice myself for my art and in this case I was willing to be dipped in liquid nitrogen if that was what the role called for. You have to be a professional and I wanted my reputation spotless. I also did all the scenes in the cardboard box. The director was willing to let me off the hook since the box was closed with no interior shots. But I wanted it to be seamless and as realistic as possible. I think it payed off in the final cut.

IWAXF: But the liquid nitrogen seems more than a sacrifice...and cold as hell.

Alien Baby: Luckily, we don't have the same sort of hot-cold receptors as humans but even so it was pretty chilly. On top of that, I had to be careful when I got out after the shoot. One slip and I might have broken an arm or leg off. You did see the episode "Roland", didn't you?

IWAXF: You mean the scene where the guy gets his head dunked in liquid nitrogen then slammed on a table?

Alien Baby: That's the one. Didn't want a mishap of a similar kind.

IWAXF: I did have one other question about those scenes in the tank but I'm not sure if they'd be too personal.

Alien Baby: Ask away. If it's personal or embarrassing I just won't answer.

IWAXF: Well, it had to do with the close-up shot of you. I noticed that, although you were "frozen" in a state of undress, there were no genitalia present. Care to comment?

Alien Baby: That's easy. Airbrushing. Actually, they probably used some sort of CGI to make it look as if there were no genitalia. I assure you, my lower torso is not as smooth as it appeared in those shots.

IWAXF: That answers that question.

Alien Baby: You know, you're not the first person to ask me that. In fact, most people who stop me for autographs or seek me out for interviews usually work their way around to that question.

IWAXF: I guess we're just curious about aliens in general.

Alien Baby: It's understandable. We find humans to be very curious creatures, as well.

IWAXF: So what are your plans for the future? Any big roles coming up?

Alien Baby: I'm going to continue pursuing acting until they won't hire me anymore. I love being in front of the camera. As far as upcoming roles... My agent has been looking into cable movies and it's really opened up a Pandora's box of opportunities. You would not believe the scripts that have been sent my way.

IWAXF: You mean, "I was impregnated by an alien!" type movies?

Alien Baby: You seem to know the type. I guess they figure, if it works once it will work again. I think there are about three in the works right now. I know I've got two in post-production alone. But I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. I act in them. I don't have to watch them. And they put food on my table so I'm not complaining.

IWAXF: Well, we'll keep our eyes open for your next movie. Thank you for the enlightening interview and good luck in your future endeavors.

Alien Baby: Thank you for stopping by. I enjoyed the X-Files experience and I told my agent to let them know I'm free for any additional work. Who knows, you might just see me in another XF episode or possibly the movie. Stranger things have happened. And, by the way, don't worry about that alien abduction thing. I've been told not to tease humans like that especially since they wouldn't really remember the experience. Well, not that clearly anyway...

February 28, 1998