Dear Jessica,

From a person who would love to choose acting as a career, do you think it
is possible for any normal person to become an actor/actress?

Depends on what your definition of "Normal" is.  Hopefully stories get told because they're extraordinary and they move or motivate people and good acting happens when an actor puts themselves into the role of others.  I'll say it takes more than normal stamina to make it as an actor... But if you're asking if anyone can become one thru trying... You betcha,  Good Luck.

Hi.  I have a question for Ms. Steen.  Would she, if the opportunity arose,
consider having a regular role on a series or does she not want to get
"stuck" in a weekly television series?

Thanks,  Amy)

Your question is pertinent cuz we just had pilot season out here in Hollyweird (LA's biggest season of the calendar year) and I asked myself that question a lot.  I would love to do a Dramedy or a sit-com, but I really don't think I am jazzed to do a drama right now... probably why I experienced a dry season!
 

Hi Jessica,

I just wanted to let you know that I think you are a fantastic actress.
And I have been a fan of yours since I saw you in SING!
Do you and Peter ever talk about the "old" days?
I loved you in Armageddon. And thought that you played the part very well!

Keep up the good work!!

Three cheers!!!

Smiles,

Lori

Thanks 4 your support Lori.

Hi Jessica!

I was wondering how in movies and shows you are able to make yourself cry.
Do you think of something sad, or are you a natural at fake crying?

Yours truly,
Meghan

The term "fake crying" made me giggle.  I guess on sit-coms maybe one has to make such quick switches from tears to straight or laughing that maybe you only have time to fake it.  But in movies and TV if you don't get there "emotionally" it really is transparent to watch.  To answer, I'd have to say it all depends on the material and whether I relate well enough to it that I feel their situation and am moved to cry.  If not then I create an "as if" with my own life and what's important to me.  Both those things depend greatly on where I am in my own life and my mood at that time. 

I note that you are active in many pro-environmental causes and the like. 
And, hence, my question to you (1)  What was it that inspired you or
provided you with the motivation to pursue this direction; and (2) How can
one such as myself begin to get involved in such a worthwhile crusade? 
Thanking you in advance for any insight you can provide me with.

Yours truly,
"in search of Earth 2" . . . Regan

I'm flattered that you consider me "active". I am plagued with a sense of ne'er-do-welledness.  I'm certain I'm not doing enough.  The question I initially asked myself were: People? Animals? Planet?  My immediate answer from my heart was animals and trees and planet.  I grew up being taken on canoe trips and shown the intricate workings of nature so that part was easy.  It's hard to narrow down the suffering you see and hear about. To a few, or to one, to focus on.  But once you do find out what upsets you and makes you mad at the injustice... finding others who feel the same should be easy.  Especially on the Internet.  Most organizations are on-line.  Please get active.  You've inspired me!
 

Hi Jessica,

Why do you think it's so important to take care of the planet, and what 
kinds of things do you think we could do to make sure the next generations 
can experience nature the way we have? How do you feel about zoos? What is
the environmental issue closest to you?

Thank you, I appreciate your taking the time to read this!   -Helen
 

Taking care of the planet seems of such obvious import to me.  Like you feed and rest and keep clean the "planet" that is your body.  Like you replenish resources and repair from use, and keep clean that planet that is your home.  That without healthy soil, free of chemicals that kill everything from worms to natural bacteria, we can't (by that I mean no land living creature) eat.  That without clean water free from toxins, nobody (by that I mean all living creatures) will survive.  That by polluting relentlessly the air we all (by "all" I mean every living organism) will suffocate.  The fabric of life is so delicately woven that if you cut or pull one thread, the entire blanket unravels into shreds. 

There are so many options to prevent the demise of our spectacular natural world.  From the use of Hemp over old growth forests for all our paper and wood fiber needs to the development of fuel cell or hydrogen powered cars to eliminate the burning of fossil fuels, to introducing population growth deterrent programs.  I don't know where to begin with what we've done to the oceans.

Please visit my favourite organization for thoughts on these complex issues and see the research they are doing to help identify and prevent or reduce the effects of humans on the planet at www.davidsuzuki.org.

p.s. Clear cutting of trees and the decimation of old growth rain forests and all the creatures that we are putting in peril by doing so are my greatest concern.

Please visit  http://www.wildernesscommittee.org/

p.p.s. I pray that zoos don't end up being the only place to see the once great co-habitants of our world.  That will represent such failure by human beings.  I never go to them, they depress me too much.

Hope I didn't scare you Helen.

Hi there,

I just saw the "Principal takes a Holiday" movie tonight, for the first time, and
you did a great job with your character.  You also looked very, super hard
body fit.  Were you running marathons, or doing some intense exercise at
that time to be so super fit looking?

Mark D.
 

Thanks for the compliment.  I think I was doing then what I am doing doing now -- Yoga and hiking 2-3 times a week each but I had been a little bit leaner due to stress from my divorce but I don't recommend that. 

Hi Jessica,

In Taiwan, your performance is seen in the Outer Limits, ER, and Earth 2. 
When you act as a different character, I almost couldn't recognize you at
first because you are so into the character and your acting is so real and
sincere!

1) In "Refuge" of The Outer Limits, you portrayed a passionate doctor,
that makes me wonder if you ever dream of become some medical profession
and helping people like you did in the episode.

2) "Refuge's setting is in a beautiful old house on a mountain, is that
filmed somewhere in Wistler?  How long did it take to finish filming
that episode?

3) Also, you again started in the Outer Limits's fifth season ("Essence of 
Life"), why?  Is it because you enjoy the first experience?

Tim

Thanks for watching. 

(answer to part 1)
I played a number of doctors and although I love when I can help someone, I know I don't have "the chops" (as we say) to be a real doctor.  The beauty of being an actor is that you can be a doctor, a pilot, a lawyer etc... with only a high school diploma! But I don't recommend that either.

(answer to part 2)
The interior of the house was built on a soundstage and the exterior was shot just outside Vancouver.  Each show takes a total of 7 days to shoot.

(answer to part 3)
Yes, I had fun on the 1st one and the 2nd one and the 3rd one, which I shot this year. I love working with those producers and that crew.  I love working in Vancouver where I have friends and family, and I love doing all the different stories.
 

Dear Jessica, 

Hi.  I'm 13 and have recently been thinking about taking some
acting classes.  I just wanted to know if you think I should wait till I'm
older or go ahead with my plans although I have only acted once in my life
in a school play I loved and had a bunch of fun. If you could get back to
me that would be really grate thank you alot.

Love Aways,
Jessica Geraty

I don't think any one is too young to start play acting or too old for that matter.  Keeping your imagination stimulated and your emotions exorcised and exercised is healthy for anyone in my book.  So get started -- dress up and put yourself in other peoples shoes!  However, I wouldn't recommend getting into the business till you're old enough to make it all happen for yourself.  Preferably after school.  It can be very challenging to your ego, your emotions and your wallet!  Have Fun!  Jessica

p.s. What are some of your nicknames?

First of all - hi from Toronto!

You've worked with children on a few occasions (eg. Earth 2, Touched by an
Angel).  Do you enjoy the experience or avoid it o) whenever possible? God
bless!

Megan
 

I would never avoid working with kids as a rule.  Everyone's an individual that can make the work fun or a nightmare.  The only thing I would avoid is playing the mother of a kid too old for what would be good for my career. 

Hiho to T.O. for me!

Dear Jessica,

1)
While you were shooting the film [Armageddon], did you receive any actual training in Houston and Florida (going in simulators, taking the classes that
astronaut candidates take)?

2)
Did you yourself ever have any dreams about going into outer space before 
you were cast in the film?

Your fan,
Nancy
 

1)
We were shown all the equipment the astronauts train on by a fabulous astronaut by the name of Joe Allen -- so sweet and helpful.  He was our on set advisor.  But only Bruce and Ben went into those tanks like those who train.

2)
I never did actually.  I'm awed enough by everything here on earth.