ER HEADQUARTERS.COM // Chat Transcripts
 

OnlineHost:  Copyright 1996 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.

OnlineHost:  Your AOL Live emcee tonight is JudiDF.

OnlineHost:  Christine Elise was most recently seen as third year medical student Harper Tracy on television's top-rated drama "ER" This year Elise takes on a new challenge starring as Erin Coffey in the Fox series, "L.A. Firefighters." The series will run for six episodes this summer, and then return with new episodes in the fall. To learn more about her work on ER and L.A. Firefighters, please welcome Christine to AOL!

AOLiveMC11:  Welcome, Christine Elise!

EliseC:  Hi.

AOLiveMC11:  Here's our first audience question.  This comes from DOMINQUIE:

Question:  I work in the medical profession, and I have worked in the ER  I was wondering if you have learned anything from being in the show? And if you have, what you have learned.

EliseC:  I've learned that I could never be a doctor.  Way too squeamish.

AOLiveMC11:  DOMINQUIE also asks this question:

Question:  Are you still going out with Jason Priestley?

EliseC:  Yes.

AOLiveMC11:  This comes from ONEISWILD:

Question:  Do you still act for "ER" or are you only doing "L.A. Firefighter?"

EliseC:  I'm finished with "ER"

AOLiveMC11:  Babsinjul wants to know:

Question:  Did you find it distracting to work with all those hunks on "ER?"

EliseC:  Umm.  Hmm.  Nope.  I have a hunk at home.

AOLiveMC11:  Lateshowz asks:

Question:  What was your first film acting job?

EliseC:  Was a movie of the week called "The Town Bully."

AOLiveMC11:  PETED562 wants to know:

Question:  Will your show pre-empt "The Simpsons" during the football season?

EliseC:  Oh, no, no.  It will go football, then my show, then "The Simpsons, "Alyson."

AOLiveMC11:  WhipMan91 asks:

Question:  Do you enjoy working with George?

EliseC:  Yes!  George is one of the nicest guys I've ever worked with.

AOLiveMC11:  CompuKing asks:

Question:  What was your experience guest starring on "Northern Exposure" like?

EliseC:  Um.  I got to spend two weeks in Seattle, and it was my first real attempt at comedy.

OnlineHost:  ERs Christine Elise is in tonight's Oldsmobile Celebrity Circle!

AOLiveMC11:  Jlhoov120 asks:

Question:  Is Noah Wyle a good kisser?

EliseC:  Umm.  That's a hard question.  Kissing somebody at work isn't like kissing somebody in real life.  He's a very professional kisser and not unpleasant.

AOLiveMC11:  Here's a comment from DOMINQUIE:

Comment:  As a medical profession, ER is very much like the real thing that we go through.  Good job to you and all of your cast mates.

EliseC:  Thank you!

AOLiveMC11:  Sharon97 asks:

Question:  Christine, I've followed you from "90210" to "A League of  Their Own" to "ER" to "L.A. Firefighters," and I think you're great. I watched the pilot of "LA." and noticed you have some build.  Do you work out a lot?

EliseC:  Umm.  I walk five miles three times a week, and I do aerobics two or three times a week.  Actually, I used to before the show started.

AOLiveMC11:  LUVS2FLIP asks:

Question:  How did you get started in acting?

EliseC:  I realized directing was far too tough a field to get into, and I thought acting would be the easiest way to get involved in the film making.  And I've proven it too be the case.

AOLiveMC11:  Sharon97 asks:

Question:  I've been a fan of Jarrod since he was in "Miss Saigon."  What's it like to work with such a hunk?

EliseC:  Jarrod is one of the best actors I've ever worked with.

AOLiveMC11:  SEMA5 would like to know:

Question:  Christine, I am wondering, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

EliseC:  Yes, I have a boyfriend.

AOLiveMC11:  WBoor2858 asks:

Question:  Hello.  How is the acting world treating you?

EliseC:  Better than most.  Two percent of the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) is working at any given time.

AOLiveMC11:  ONEISWILD asks:

Question:  Have you been in any other shows besides the three that are known?

EliseC:  Yeah, lots.  "Head of the Class," "Heat of the Night," "21 Jump Street."  I did "Ellen" and a couple of movies.

AOLiveMC11:  PRSat90 wants to know:

Question:  How are you today, Christine?  How did you like working on "90210?"

EliseC:  I'm fine.  And, yeah, "90210" has just sort of broken out and become a huge show five years ago, and it was fun to be part of that excitement.

AOLiveMC11:  ST BERN asks:

Question:  Hi, Elise.  I wonder if you have any plans to go into any movies.

EliseC:  Not in the near future.  I'm busy until January doing "L.A. Firefighters."  I did a TV movie called "Vanishing Point" which should be out in the fall.

AOLiveMC11:  TrollToon asks:

Question:  Hey, Christine.  I like your work.  Which do you enjoy more?  "ER" or "L.A. Firefighters?"

EliseC:  Hmm.  They're both fun for different reasons.  "L.A. Firefighters" allows me to do much more both dramatically and action wise.

AOLiveMC11:  This is from Pvgonzaga:

Question:  I'm a 25 year-old software consultant and trying to decide whether to take the big leap and go into film as a career.  What's the easiest way to become involved in the film industry?  (By the way, I live in the North End of Boston!)

EliseC:  I'd say acting is the easiest way.  It worked for me.

AOLiveMC11:  ONEISWILD asks:

Question:  Why did you leave "ER?"

EliseC:  Because I got the opportunity to do "L.A. Firefighters." It's a more significant role, and the creator of the show is an old and good friend.

AOLiveMC11:  WBoor2858 wants to know:

Question:  Are you married with any children?

EliseC:  No.

AOLiveMC11:  Mkc68b asks:

Question:  I would like to say that you are great!  I know that you hear that all the time, but  I think that you are okay.  What is it like to walk in your shoes?

EliseC:  Thank you.  Um. I don't know.  Your own life seems perfectly normal to you.  I work hard, and I never get to see my friends.

AOLiveMC11:  A comment from AngelStor:

Comment:  Hi, Chris. Sheree here.  Just popping in to say "Hi!"  :o)  Keep in touch, and good luck tonight!

AOLiveMC11:  FaithHill asks:

Question:  Hi.  Now that the romance with Carter is over, are you just sticking to "L.A. Firefighters" which I watched this week and last.  And by the way, I think it's really great.

EliseC:  Yes, my time at "ER" is over.

AOLiveMC11:  DKrysynsk asks:

Question:  I am simultaneously watching the end of your show on FOX.  Do you wish that you could have stayed on "90210"as a regular?

EliseC:  No.  I was anxious to play an adult

AOLiveMC11:  This comes from SEMA5:

Question:  Hello, Elise.  I have a question.  Do you as a woman on a stage set with all those guys ("L.A. Firefighters") around feel like the director is cutting you more slack?

EliseC:  Absolutely not.  Um.  Women firefighters are not cut any slack.  I wear the same 20 pounds of clothing and 45 pound air tank as the men on the show often outweigh me by my body weight.

AOLiveMC11:  KSJBFJ asks:

Question:  How many hours a week do you work?

EliseC:  Between 10 and 14 hours a day.

AOLiveMC11:  StL Boys asks:

Question:  Isn't it great being on television's Number 1 rated drama?

EliseC:  Yes.  Yes.

AOLiveMC11:  CAAB21 asks:

Question:  Any training for the role of Erin Coffey?

EliseC:  Yes.  Did ride-alongs with the fire department and got to go on actual calls with them.

AOLiveMC11:  LLOYDBALL wants to know:

Question:  Whatever happened to the other med students that were introduced along with you.  And will you make any appearances in the future?

EliseC:  The med students are still lost in the hallways as far as I know.  And if "ER" were to ask me back and I were available, I would run, not walk.

AOLiveMC11:  From Sharon97:

Question:  Christine, is there a place where fans can write to you after tonight either through "snail mail" or e-mail?

EliseC:  Yes, they can write to me at 132 S. Rodeo Drive, Suite 300, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

AOLiveMC11:  Sharonsto asks:

Question:  Have you ever been to Philadelphia?  Do you plan on it soon?

EliseC:  No and no.

AOLiveMC11:  Kebvsuter asks:

Question:  I loved your work on "ER"  Was the decision to leave it for an unknown show on another network a difficult decision?

EliseC:  No.  It wasn't.  "L.A. Firefighters" seemed like an exciting show, and to work with an old friend was a great opportunity.

AOLiveMC11:  WBoor2858 asks:

Question:  EliseC, how much time have you spent in a real hospital?

EliseC:  No more than your average person.

AOLiveMC11:  This comes from PRSat90:

Question:  How do you stay in such great shape?  Also, I read somewhere that you were a vegetarian.  Is that true?

EliseC:  I work out as often as I can.  Hopefully, four or five times a week.  And I am a vegetarian, although I sometimes eat seafood.

AOLiveMC11:  Shelze116 asks:

Question:  Now that your on two shows, how do you find the time to do things like this?  And I think your new show is great.

EliseC:  I finished my stuff on "ER"  The stuff running right now are repeats.  And I don't find the time lately to work out because the schedule on this show is so tough.

AOLiveMC11:  RGavin sends in this request:

Question:  Christine, I liked your work on "ER"  As a fireman, I would like to know if you enjoy playing
the role as a firefighter, and can we have a picture of you to hang at the firehouse?

EliseC:  Yes, I have profound respect for firemen now.  I think they are the last urban heroes completely untarnished.  And if you write to the address I put up earlier, I'll send you a picture.

AOLiveMC11:  WRICH669 asks:

Question:  How hard is having to do an active show?  You have to be in shape.  I am sure.

EliseC:  I have never worked so hard in my life.  I haven't been to the gym in two months, and I've still lost weight.  One of life's ironies.

AOLiveMC11:  Call Ktul asks:

Question:  Hi, Christine! I was wondering if you've got any stories about the kids on "90210."  Anything nifty?

EliseC:  I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.  Ha ha.  Ahem.

AOLiveMC11:  JTiegs554 sends in this question:

Question:  I read you rode with a fire company and didn't get any calls?  How did the fireman treat you , and why did you not try to ride with them again?

EliseC:  They treated me like they'd treat any guest.  They were warm and friendly.  I didn't ride with them again, because frankly I didn't want to see anybody die like some of the other actors on my show did.

AOLiveMC11:  MMoil asks:

Question:  I saw you on "In the Heat of the Night" a while back and have been impressed ever since. What has been your most rewarding acting experience thus far?

EliseC:  "China Beach."  They gave me the most challenging material, and it was the work I was most proud of.

AOLiveMC11:  Holly521asks:

Question:  Do you have any pets?

EliseC:  Four dogs.

AOLiveMC11:  A comment from SueRN55:

Comment:  I am an RN, Christine, and I have to tell you.  You guys do a great job with "ER!"

EliseC:  Thank you.  I wish I could take more credit for it.

AOLiveMC11:  Hsos 146 asks:

Question:  Do you do your own stunts in "L.A. Fire Fighters?"

EliseC:  Except for the stunts where it's obvious it's not me.  For example, jumping off buildings.  I do all my own stunts especially with fire.

AOLiveMC11:  CAAB21 asks:

Question:  If you were not offered the role as Erin Coffey, what would you be doing now?

EliseC:  Standing in the unemployment line.  Actually, I would be writing an episode of  "90210."

AOLiveMC11:  WRICH669 asks:

Question:  Do you think that Emily will ever be brought back to finish off with Brandon?

EliseC:  I don't think so.  I suspect that Kelly will turn out to be his true love.  Dang!

AOLiveMC11:  Allieeee asks:

Question:  How old were you when you fist started acting?

EliseC:  23.

AOLiveMC11:  Fsunflower asks:

Question:  Was that really you singing in that episode of "90210?"  If so, have you thought of a singing career?

EliseC:  Yes.  It was the most traumatic professional experience of my life.  I begged them to hire someone else to sing.  Actually, it was somebody else's voice for "Breaking Up is Hard to Do."  When I sing, I break crystal.

AOLiveMC11:  BMayer477 asks:

Question:  Do you have any Emily Valentine in you?

EliseC:  The pre-psycho Emily Valentine very much like me.  The drug and fatal attraction element were disappointing to me and nothing like me.

AOLiveMC11:  CAAB21 wants to know:

Question:  When is your birthday?  I realize this is a basic question that most everyone will ask you, but I'm just curious.

EliseC:  February 12th.

AOLiveMC11:  MPriestne asks:

Question:  What type of music do you enjoy?  What is your favorite band?

EliseC:  Hmm, my favorite band.  How about my favorite musician?  Hands down, Tom Waits. I also like Elvis Costello, Bare Naked Ladies, Nick Cave and old standard Jazz classics.

AOLiveMC11:  MBurden77 asks:

Question:  Do you prefer being in front of the camera or behind the scenes directing?

EliseC:  I've never directed.  I hope to in the distant future.

AOLiveMC11:  Sewn6 asks:

Question:  Is acting all she has ever done?  Has she ever had any other job?

EliseC:  I had real jobs all my life.  Worked as a cashier in Boston and on Rodeo Drive worked in a gym and went office to office selling bagels and muffins.  And now I write as well as act.

AOLiveMC11:  Call  Ktul asks:

Question:  Hi, Christine.  Just curious. Did you  have any flings with anyone on "90210?"

EliseC:  Don't you read "The Star" (tm)?

AOLiveMC11:  This comes from TabithaBr:

Question:  If you weren't acting, what other career would you choose?

EliseC:  I would open a  farm sanctuary to keep abandoned and injured animals until they die a natural death.

AOLiveMC11:  DKrysynsk asks:

Question:  What is "the usual" at the ice cream stand on "L.A. Firefighters?"

EliseC:  It was one of those "nutty buddy" pre-wrapped ice cream cones, or was it an ice cream sandwich?

AOLiveMC11:  Greg 2460 asks:

Question:  How has acting on "ER" prepared you for your role on "L.A. Firefighters?"

EliseC:  Eighty-five percent of a firefighter's job is responding to medical emergencies and rescues.

AOLiveMC11:  Daddy Cool asks:

Question:  Loved you on "90210" and will you be scripting episodes of your new show?  Directing?

EliseC:  Um.  Yes, I am writing an "L.A. Firefighters" this summer, but I have no guarantee they will produce it.

AOLiveMC11:  KristyBT asks:

Question:  What do you do in your spare time?  Hobbies?

EliseC:  Read, cook and attempt to work off the food I cook.

AOLiveMC11:  Lem143 asks:

Question:  What types of dogs do you and Jason have?

EliseC:  A pug, a French bulldog, pit bull mix and a wolf-hybrid.

AOLiveMC11:  AdelynM asks:

Question:  Do you like working as a TV doctor.  Would you like to be a real doctor?

EliseC:  Yes as a TV doctor could never do it in real life.  As a kid, I wanted to be a vet until I realized all the animals you see are sick and or dying.  I could never do it with people either.

AOLiveMC11:  JTiegs554 asks:

Question:  How much time do you spend in makeup with "L.A. Fire Fighters?"

EliseC:  It depends.  During the action stuff, no make up at all.  During the regular stuff, about half an hour in hair and make up.

AOLiveMC11:  HenryBS wants to know:

Question:  Do you use your computer much.  And if so, what for?

EliseC:  I use it for accounting purposes and to sort of check out people's response to the shows I'm working on.

AOLiveMC11:  BBRUX asks:

Question:  Do you like Dr. Carter?

EliseC:  Dr. Carter is going through a rough patch right now.  If you mean, "Do I like Noah Wiley?"  Yeah he's a great guy.

AOLiveMC11:  SClark868 asks:

Question:  Who from "ER" did you most enjoy working with?

EliseC:  Wyle.

AOLiveMC11:  RGavin asks:

Question:  Have you already finished shooting next season's episodes?

EliseC:  Next season's episodes of "E.R.?"  I won't be there next year.  "L. A. Firefighters?"  I'm in the middle of shooting the sixth episode.  Sixth summer episode.  We do 13 more in the fall.

AOLiveMC11:  Forcedog asks:

Question:  How did you like Jamie Walters?

EliseC:  Jamie Walters is great.  I didn't expect to like him, but I do very much.  I think what they did to his character on the show was a bummer.

AOLiveMC11:  JCage26 asks:

Question:  Does the content on "ER" ever get too realistic for you?

EliseC:  No.  It doesn't feel real when you're in the middle of it.  When I see the stuff on TV, I'm often surprised at how realistic it looks and still can be moved by scenes I worked on which is really unusual.

AOLiveMC11:  We have time for one more question:

AOLiveMC11:  This comes from Hsos 146:

Question:  I want to be an actor when I grow up.  What should I do?

EliseC:  Make sure there is absolutely nothing else you're interested in.  Because acting is a really tough path with no ultimate security.

AOLiveMC11:  Christine, I'm sorry to say that we've run out of time for tonight.

EliseC:  Okay, thanks.  Sorry to anyone who didn't get their question answered.  Go watch the show!

AOLiveMC11:  Thanks for joining us in Oldsmobile's Celebrity Circle, Christine Elise!  And thanks to the audience for sending in lots of GREAT questions!

AOLiveMC11:  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 hours after the event has ended.

OnlineHost:  Copyright 1996 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.


Transmitted: 6/30/1996 6:45 PM