OMNI Magazine Online Conference

Copyright 1996-97 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission

This is the log of the OMNI Magazine Online Conference with Nigel Bennett, star of "Forever Knight," on Tuesday, December 20, 1994 from 10:00pm to 11:30pm ET in the OMNI Globe Auditorium.

Good evening, everyone. Onstage is Erin Murphy, online editor for OMNI Magazine and your emcee for the evening. Tonight, OMNI Magazine Online is proud to present Nigel Bennett, who plays the vampire LaCroix on the popular syndicated TV series "Forever Knight." The series follows the adventures of Nick Knight, a vampire born in the 13th century who wants to be free of his blood lust and to regain his mortality and soul. Meanwhile, he uses his unique abilities to fight crime and corruption as a homicide cop on the night shift. Hindering him in his quest for mortality is his vampire mentor, LaCroix (Nigel Bennett), who will do whatever it takes to conquer his former pupil. An accomplished theatre actor, Nigel appeared on the British stage for 15 years before moving to Canada in 1986. While in England, he starred in such productions as "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole" at the Wyndhams Theatre in London's West End. His television credits in Great Britain include "Reilly, Ace of Spies" and the marathon-running series "Coronation Street." Canadian and American television appearances include "Beyond Reality," "Adderly," "Friday the 13th" and "The Twilight Zone." He co-starred with Gene Hackman and Anne Archer in the feature film NARROW MARGIN, he played the lead role in the award-winning drama THE OUTSIDE CHANCE OF MAXIMILIAN GLICK, and he appears in the upcoming LEGENDS OF THE FALL with Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt. Welcome, Nigel!

ErinM Welcome to OMNI Online and the Globe Auditorium, Nigel!

NBenn81369 Thank you, and hello everyone.

ErinM We're going to start right in with the questions.

Question Is there a way for me to get the tapes of the first season of Forever Knight?

NBenn81369 I don't know of any legal method, but many of the fan clubs have copies

Question What did you think of John Kapelos's LaCroix impression in "Stranger Than Fiction"?

NBenn81369 Hysterical. Although I think the hair was just a little over the top.

Question Was Forever Knight another way of capitalizing on the current lust for vampire movies?

NBenn81369 Forever Knight started in 1992, so we actually predated this trend.

Question Hi, Nigel. Valery King from FORKNI-L. Has LaCroix encountered Nat this season? Does he know about her and what does he have in MIND for her?

NBenn81369 Yes, he has in a very good episode. Suffice it to say that she was in immediate and terrible danger. But old blondie saved her again.

Question hi, have you read the vampire chronicles? if so could you see yourself playing Marius? I can definitely.

NBenn81369 The only one that I have read is Interview. I am happy to play any role!

Question Do you enjoy playing a bad guy? I mean you do it so well! :)

Nbenn81369 Yes, I do. Although I don't really think of Lacroix as a bad guy. He simply has a set of morals that are out of synch with everyone elses.

Question Is it true that you read the Forkni-l mailing list?

NBenn81369 Yes, sometimes. I tend to lurk a lot. Although I'm having difficulty logging on at the moment

Question Hi Mr Bennett, where did you start your acting career?

NBenn81369 In Mid Wales as an actor-teacher for the Breconshire Theatre Company.

ErinM Where did your career go from there, Nigel?

NBenn81369 I acted in Repertory Theatres all over England, as well as in the West End.Then I made the fateful decision to come to Canada. The rest, as they say, is History.

Question Wouldn't you think Lacroix as being in a proper state of mind for being a Vampire. That 'Blonde' is the weird one.

NBenn81369 Yes, absolutely. Blondie (my little name for Nick) is the one with problems

Comment You really bring something special to that role...I've seen it only once before, the actor who plays Q in Star Trek - The Next Generation. Your type of actor can truely bring that type of character to life (a compliment...really! ,>)

Nbenn81369 Thank you very much.

Question how did the show get back on the air after a years absence?

NBenn81369 The only reason that the show went off the air was Lettermab took our time slot when he moved to CBS. We were simply looking for another time, and a way of doing the show without being tied to CBS. By the way Lettermab is my term of endearment for Letterman.

ErinM "Forever Knight" is currently in first-run syndication, correct?

NBenn81369 That is correct.

ErinM Which means stations can schedule it pretty much whenever they want to?

NBenn81369 Yes.

Question Rumor has it you'll be at the LA Comic Con with Ger next month. True?

NBenn81369 It looks as if I will. I'm still trying to work out the logistics.

Question Are you pleased with the way the second season worked out?

NBenn81369 Very. The quality of scripts has, on the whole been much higher, and I've had some very interesting things to do. For once, I actually got the girl.

Question Do you have any appearances scheduled in the near future?

NBenn81369 There is the comic Con in L.A. Then Dead of Winter with Deb Duchene in Boston and then there is Crescent City Con in New Orleans in August.

Question I'm French and from a town near Montreal, do the actors on Forever Knight really do understand French and can they speak it in real life?

NBenn81369 Yes, we do, though at varying levels of proficiency. Deb was actually born in Quebec. I learned French in school in England.

Question Where would you like to see LaCroix go in future episodes?

NBenn81369 This is a difficult one. The antagonism has to remain between him and Nick. Yet at the same time, they can't be fighting all the time. I think he has to become more and more a part of Nick's life. Maybe that is the way to get him back.

Question Are there lots of practical jokes? If so who's the main prankster? Who's second?

NBenn81369 It's really boring, but there aren't many. John Kapelos is probably first, and Ger second. Me, I'm a good boy.

Question So just how old is LaCroix?

NBenn81369 We now know that he was a Roman General, alive at the time of Pompeii.

Question We really enjoy the show. It was interesting to see the LaCroix character to show compassion toward the Nick character recently. Did you ever consider any other career besides acting? And when did you first want to be an actor?

NBenn81369 I didn't really ever want to be anything else. I first felt the bug at about eleven though, before that I would use any excuse to get up and perform.

Question Do you think LaCroix might bring Natalie across just to torment Nick?

NBenn81369 He thought about doing it, but decided that it wasn't really worth the effort.

Question Any upcoming movies that you'd like to talk about?

NBenn81369 I'm in "Legends of the Fall" which is out soon. Of course, who knows how much has been left on the cutting room floor. There's also a Movie of the Week on Fox about Mia Farrow that I'm in.

Question How do you like playing LaCroix? Do people usually stereotype you for the part that you play?

NBenn81369 I enjoy Lacroix very much. Yes I do tend to get stereotyped, but I really don't mind. Every "bad guy" is different, and they all have perfectly valid reasons for the way they behave no matter how outrageous it may seem to us. Finding their reasons is the really interesting part.

Question Who designs the clothes you wear on the show?

NBenn81369 Mary Partridge, who is our wardrobe designer. We do have input, of course.

Question How popular is the show? Do people recognize you on the streets?

NBenn81369 Strangely enough, not in Canada, but they do in the States.The show is very popular.

Question To whom should the faithful write to encourage the appearance of a third season?

NBenn81369 Jim Parriot at Tri-Star. A third season seems very likely.

Question Where is the show filmed?

NBenn81369 Most of it is filmed in our studios in Toronto. We do some on location, but not very much.

Question I've only seen the show a few times, but I like it and I'm going to watch it on a regular basis. How did your character become a vampire?

NBenn81369 I don't know if I can tell you this, as it is the basis for an episode that has yet to be shown. Suffice it to say that it was a family affair!

ErinM By the way, folks, I'll post an address for Tri-Star Television tomorrow in the file description for the conference transcript, when it goes up in OMNI Online's Conference Log Library.

Question Are you the only one at Forever Knight who's computer literate?

NBenn81369 No, I don't think so. I'm probably the only one who has the time.

Question Why do you think LaCroix is so intent upon getting Nick to accept and even revel in his vampiric status?

NBenn81369 Because not to accept it is a complete rejection of Lacroix and everything that he stands for. Remember that Lacroix made Nick to be his companion. He cannot tolerate such rejection.

Question What do you use for blood? It is "hard" to work with?

NBenn81369 Blood is very difficult to get right on Camera. Even the real thing doesn't look good. We use at different times a blackcurrant drink called Ribena, or a stage blood called Kensington Gore.

Question Do you welcome e-mail from your fans?

NBenn81369 Yes, but my reading time is limited, so if you do mail, make them short.

Question What's the original of LaCroix's "dragon's breath" voice?

NBenn81369 It was just the way that I thought he would sound. I think the original idea was that he was so powerful that even a whisper was enought to make his point.

Question Is there a Fan Club that people could join for Forever Knight or a place to write to?

NBenn81369 Yes, there is, though I don't know the address off hand. Maybe Erin could help.

ErinM Folks, as I said, I'll post the address for Tri-Star Television in the file description for the conference transcript (available tomorrow in the OMNI Online Conference Log Library) and I'll post an address for the fan club as well, if I can get hold of one. :)

Question Just wonder'n...do YOU believe in the existance of Vampires? ,>

Nbenn81369 I believe in the possibility of the existence of anything.

Question Can you say anything more about how you "got the girl"? You've piqued my curiousity!

NBenn81369 There is an episode where Lacroix is in love. Hopelessly, completely totally head over heels in love.I actually get to kiss!

Question Nick seems to live in the past, Janette in the present; do you think LaCroix is more concerned with the future?

NBenn81369 I'd never thought about it in those terms. I think you may be right.

Question Hi, Nigel. What plans do you have for when FK filming is wrapped up for the season?

NBenn81369 Filming wrapped on December 7. I'm resting, looking forward to Christmas, and soon after that, it's off to England for a holiday.

Question Do you believe that LaCroix has softened this season, or has he just gotten sneakier?

NBenn81369 Sneakier. He has realised that complete war is not the way to get Nick back, so he's trying another way.

Question Which of the episodes are your favorites?

NBenn81369 In the new season, "Father's Day", and any of the last four.

Question How long do makeup and hair take....looks like a wonderful but long job.

NBenn81369 It's not too bad. Normally about 45 minutes. Then we have to put in eyes and teeth on set as they are needed.That only takes about five minutes.

Question I just saw a wonderful episode with a writer who was obviously based on Anne Rice. Has she ever shown any interest in the show? Do you know if she watches it?

NBenn81369 I don't know. You must be referring to "Stranger Than Fiction" It was a good episode.

ErinM Folks, an audience member has kindly provided an address for the Forever Knight Fan Club: Write to FK Fan Club, PO Box Boston, MA 02130-0011.

Question Hi. Who's idea was it to name your character "LaCroix"?

NBenn81369 It was that way in the original script, so you have to blame Jim Parriot.

Question Do you have an acting venue preference? TV, stage, movies?

NBenn81369 Stage is a wonderful medium, but I have to admit a sneaking preference for working in front of the camera.

Question What would be your dream role?

NBenn81369 I truly have no idea. I think a role is what you make it.

Question Your thoughts on fans: conventions, people obsessed with the character you've created, stories...?

NBenn81369 Fan conventions are something that I had never been in contact with before F.K. I think that people who are willing to spend their hard earned money and leisure time showing how much they enjoy a particular show are wonderful. Without them we in particular would be nowhere. I think that they are great.

ErinM Folks, yet another kind audience member has provided an address for Nigel's own fan club Write to: Nigel Bennett Fan Club, PO Box 14, Rossford, Ohio 43460.

Question Other than the obvious "Forever Knight," are you a fan of any of the older sci-fi series, such as "Dark Shadows?"

NBenn81369 I am an unashamed Star Trek fan. Twilight Zone was also always a favourite.

Question Is there anything about your character or the show would like to change?

NBenn81369 I think that the show should be about a Vampire who happens to be a cop, rather than about a cop who happens to be a vampire. Apart from that, I'm happy.

Question Do you know of any plans to go into merchandising on the show?

NBenn81369 Nothing concrete. Though after I got back from Galaxy Con in Dallas, I talked to Jim Parriot, and he seemed interested.

Question Do you ever suggest guest stars for FK? Who do you think would play a good vampire?

NBenn81369 I don't personally. John DeLancie would be good. Actually, the list is endless.

Question Do have any desire to direct an episode of FK?

NBenn81369 Yes, and it will happen if we have a third season.

Question Are there any expansions to the cast in the near future?

NBenn81369 Not as far as I know. We have a good balanced cast, and to change any of them would be very difficult.

Question What does Lacroix do when he's not broadcasting as The Nightcrawler or keeping Nick in the vampire fold?

NBenn81369 Sleeps! Seriously, I don't think he has time for anything else.

Question What do you like to do in your off time from the show?

NBenn81369 Sleep! No...,I love playing golf in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Question Are you considering appearing on shows popular with fans, like X-Files, Highlander, and Star Trek?:)

NBenn81369 I would love to. I simply have to be asked.

Question Do you have any idea how Lacroix managed to survive what Nick did first season?

NBenn81369 Lacroix is a very ancient vampire, and with age comes strength. Nick simply did not do enough to kill Lacroix.

Question Is there a soundtrack for the show? I loved the first season's music.

NBenn81369 I think that there is, though I'm not sure how you'd get hold of it. Fred Mollin is a very talented composer.

Question Several other "vampire" shows have been aired over the past years. One of which, Dark Shadows, was on for several years. What do you think makes "Forever Knight" different?

NBenn81369 Timing is everything. I think that we have come along at a time of great vampire interest, and this shows in the response to the show. I don't think that we are necessarily any better than other shows, we simply are here at a very good time.

Question AOL has an active Forever Knight area. Do you ever read it?

NBenn81369 I didn't know. How do I get to it?

ErinM I believe that the Forever Knight area is located in the TV section of AOL You'd type keyword: TV, and then go into TV Gossip, and then the message board.

Question Do you have any kids? Are you married?

NBenn81369 I have two boys, nine and three. I'm separated.

Question When does filming start again, assuming a third season?

NBenn81369 It would be at the start of April.

Question So, what does LaCroix think of Nat now that he's met her?

NBenn81369 She's neither here nor there. She really has relevance to him. Her only importance is in her connection to Nick.

Question Just how do they get you to fly around when you're in you vampire mode?

NBenn81369 We don't do any of the complicated flying stuff any more. It looks hokey, and isn't needed. We use the power of suggestion.

Question Is it hard to talk with the teeth? Is it like Ferengi teeth where you can after you get used to them?

NBenn81369 It is very hard to talk with the teeth. We do a lot of ADR work. That is recording dialogue afterwards and synching with the image.

Question How does it feel to wear those "eyes"?

NBenn81369 There are two sets of lenses. The old ones (normal contacts) are easy. The new ones (hard and impossible to see through) are a nightmare.

ErinM We've got time for just one more question: Do you and Geraint Wyn Davies work well together?

NBenn81369 I think so. We have a lot in common. We both come from a theatrical background and that helps a lot. We also simply like each other, and are good friends.

ErinM That's our last question of the evening. I'd like to thank Nigel Bennett of "Forever Knight" for being our guest tonight. We enjoyed having you, Nigel!

NBenn81369 Thankyou very much, and thanks for all the questions. Keep on watching and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.