NBC.com Online Chat
October 25, 1996

NBC HOST:
Hi. Welcome to the NBC.COM chat room on the web.
Tonight, we have a special guest here in our New York offices at NBC: MICHAEL T. WEISS of "The Pretender."
Before we begin this chat, here are a few background notes on our guest:
A native of Chicago, Weiss began acting as a child, appearing in local TV commercials. While in high school, he studied acting at the Second City workshop, and after graduation, he enrolled in USC's prestigious school of drama. Shortly after receiving his B.F.A. there in 1984, Weiss landed the role of Dr. Mike Horton on NBC's venerable daytime drama "Days of Our Lives."
After leaving "Days" in 1990, Weiss co-starred in NBC's 1991 remake of "Dark Shadows," playing dual roles. In 1992, he co-starred in "2000 Malibu Road," with Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Beals.
Last year, Weiss co-starred in the offbeat comedy film "Jeffrey." During the past winter, he completed the filming of "Freeway," a feature film produced by Oliver Stone, which won critical raves at the Sundance Film Festival.
Well, enough of this...let's get chatting! Michael is here with us in the NBC Auditorium. Welcome!
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Hey all you little "Pretenders" out there! What's up?

NBC HOST:
What do you like best about being the Pretender? Nghi Hoang Mission Viejo, CA
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Being able to chat with folks like you...

NBC HOST:
Do you have any plans to make movies in the future? Mike Lee Peoria, Illinois
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I've played in Peoria... Yes, I have a film out right now, called "Freeway" produced by Oliver Stone with Keifer Sutherland, Amanda Plummer and Reese Witherspoon.
NBC HOST:
Mr. Weiss, What is your IQ? Katherine Laney Dallas, Texas
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
It's just immense...
NBC HOST:
Hi! my name is Sean Beatty and i'm 12 years old ever since ive saw your first show ive been tuning in every week waiting for your next show but I was wondering do you think your charachter "Jarod"displays some of your real feelings and viewpoints on life on the show? well hope yu get to read this and who knows maybe someday I'll even get to meet you I live in Hornepayne Ontario of Canada.
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I think there's a little part of Michael in all the characters of "Jarod."
NBC HOST:
Debbie L. salt lake city, ut. I liked you a lot on "Day's Of Our Lives." Do you think you will ever go back to doing daytime?
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I had a great time doing it...I learned a lot...it was 10 years ago. I had a great time doing it, but I want to explore some other arenas. But I had a wonderful time.
NBC HOST:
The esteemed, Mr. Weiss: how does it feel playing the role of a genius? Does it come naturally? Andres, Seattle
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
ABSOLUTELY....I'm not really a genius, but I play one on TV. :-)
NBC HOST:
What first attracted you to the role of the "Pretender?" Chili, Cupertino
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
The fact that I could play a different character every week was very intriguing.
NBC HOST:
Do you think you will ever have to play the role of a gay man in the "Pretender" as you did in "Jeffrey?" And do you ever worry about the public perception of you when you take on such a role? I thought "Jeffrey" was an great movie! Nick, Santa Clara
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
As an actor, I never try to place any judgment on any character I play...if you're an judgmental actor, you'll give judgmental performances. You should have an open mind.
NBC HOST:
Did you ever perform "Jeffrey" on stage? How is the stage performance different than the movie? Theatre buff, broadway
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
No, I never did. And being on stage is a much more immediate reaction from the audience. It's a lot scarier. But I love it!
NBC HOST:
I hear that you are an avid environmentalist. What issues are you must concerned about? Granola in Santa Cruz
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I believe that everybody on the planet, should take responsibility for their own little planet--their home. If everybody would change one or two things about their life, we could make a drastic change, so that we could have a sustainable future for our planet. Ask yourself if you really need blue toilet water, if it means that fish will be killed because of toxins that will go down the drain. Can you live without bleach? Does it matter if your underwear is really not white, if the ecosystem of our rivers and lakes will be destroyed. Is it really that much effort to recycle? Is it possible to switch household cleaners to something that's non-toxic, by reading the labels? Is it difficult to switch off the light switch so we could conserve electricity? Basically, what I'm saying: is that if we could become a little bit more aware of our actions...
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
We could all make a HUGE difference in our ecological problems. Get involved locally, in an enviromental organization. Call one of your local enviromental organizations and they can give you a few tips.
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
A few examples: The Sierra Club, ECO (Earth Communications Office), Heal the Bay (in the California area), Greenpeace...
NBC HOST:
In the future, what sort of theatrical things would you like to work on? Noriko in NY
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Noriko, if you're dad is Martin Scorsese, tell him to give me a call!
NBC HOST:
Since the "Pretender" is kind of new, people haven't really defined Jarod Russell's role. How would you like your character to be seen? Jerod at UCLA
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Nice name :-) I'd like people to always be intrigued and interested in him, because he's always so multi-faceted.
NBC HOST:
I am considering go to USC or UCLA for theatre arts. How do you think USC prepared you for the acting world? Kristie in OK
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
It was a wonderful training ground for the theater. Which is the basis for all acting anyway.
NBC HOST:
Have you written anything that has been performed? Swattin Swanton, Calabasas
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Yes, a play called "Streams of Consciousness" that was produced by the Pulitzer Prize winner, Beth Henley, who wrote "Crimes of the Heart." 10-25-96
NBC HOST:
I have always been a huge fan of Quantum Leap so I was sparked to watch your show. How do you think the "Pretender" is different? Don't you think the premise is as unreal as "Quantum Leap?" Abba in Chatsworth
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
The majority of TV is based on fantastical premises. If we wanted everything to be real, it wouldn't be as exciting.
NBC HOST:
congratulations!!I've seen one episode & I thought it was really entertaining.I'm just a joe-smoe from montreal that just moved to california and i'm thinking of going into showbiz(no experience).I would just like to know what my first move should be,literally from ground zero.i've got the looks+the smarts,but I don't know where to direct these assets,to get the ball rolling so-to-speak.I would really appreciate some guidance.much obliged.-bully
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Run! As far as you can from Hollywood! (heh, heh, heh) Seriously, if you are interested in pursuing an acting career, the first step is to get yourself in a really good acting class. After that if you feel confident enough then try pursuing it professionally. And then run :-)
NBC HOST:
Who was you favorite actor to work with? Who was the sexiest? Deborah in Arizona
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
My favorite actor was probably Amanda Plummer in "Freeway." And the sexiest...Andrea Parker. Best legs in Hollywood!
NBC HOST:
What do you prefer: television or stage or film? Why? Richard in Nantucket
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I want to have a career that encompasses all of them, if the roles are really good and well-written and challenging.
NBC HOST:
Michael, you have to be the sexiest man on television today! Do you get recognized on the street often? And does that bother you losing that sense of privacy? JumpinJennifer - Juneau, AK
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Thanks, mom!
NBC HOST:
You seem like you would be an animal lover. Do you have any pets of your own? Perhaps a cat or two? Elijah (meow) Chattanooga, TN
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I have two wild cats in the yard that we feed, but they never seem to let us pet them...but no pets of our own. Unfortunately I have no time. But I would love to have a white lab.
NBC HOST:
What do you enjoy most about the show and what would you like to change? Luque in New York
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I love playing a different characted every week. I'd love to have 2 weeks off where we shoot an episode in Maui :-)
NBC HOST:
What was the hardest role you have had to play so far either on the Pretender or off? Carsey in Minnesota
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
The hardest role...I think they're all pretty challenging if you want to do them honestly. I think the hardest role is doing a chat room. :-)
NBC HOST:
Has the movie "Freeway" been released? If not, when? Linda in Portland
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Actually, it's now open in NY and LA and it will be on HBO.
NBC HOST:
Do you ever return to visit Chicago? Do you still consider it home? Ben in ILL.
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Yes, yes, yes! Best pizza in the world!
NBC HOST:
It seems that you haven't fallen victim to negative or overhyped publicity. Do you think that might come or are you going to try to keep out of that spotlight? - Drew in Veteran
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I try to be judicious about the publicity I do.
NBC HOST:
Had you always dreamed of becoming an actor?
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Yes. It was a calling like the priesthood.
NBC HOST:
Michael, Congratulations on being the star of a great show. Though the show is young, is there any role you liked most as the 'Pretender'?
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I had great fun in Vegas, which is on tomorrow night at 9pm.
NBC HOST:
Justin Foo from Las Cruces, New Mexico Mr. Weiss, How do you feel about your acting being on prime time with some of today's hottest celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld and Jeff Foxworthy
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
I feel honored.
NBC HOST:
Good evening, Michael. We--Michael and Jerrod (coincidence?)--are familiar with your work on Dark Shadows, Jeffrey, and The Pretender among others, but we also understand that you are a member of the Met in Los Angeles. We are interested in further experience you have had in the theatre. Are you still hoping to or have you already directed your play, Streams of Consciousness? (We've been trying to get a copy of your play to read and cannont find it catalogued anywhere. Where can we find one?) And would you like to [continue to] do [additional] work on the stage; in what capacity? -- Michael Gregg Gregory & Jerrod Scott Sumner, Overland Park (Kansas City), Kansas
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
Maybe you'll be able to get it off the internet...but it hasn't been published yet, but thanks for asking!
NBC HOST:
THANK YOU for a great chat everyone. :-) Special thanks to Michael T. Weiss for taking the time off his busy schedule to chat with us.
MICHAEL T. WEISS:
It's very exciting to be part of such an interesting medium as the internet. Thank you for watching and supporting "The Pretender." Good luck to everyone! Tape the World Series and WATCH "The Pretender." Go Yankees. Peace and love...over and out.
NBC HOST:
If you have any questions about NBC or its web site, e-mail us at entertainment@nbc.com. Thanks and good night!