October 2002

A Chat with Michael Rosenbaum

AOLiveMC15: Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Michael Rosenbaum of The WB's Smallville

AOLiveMC15: Michael, thanks for joining us this evening.
MichaelRLive: Thank you!It's great to be here.

AOLiveMC15: How are things coming on the set of "Smallville"?

MichaelRLive: It's always crazy on the set of Smallville.There is always a lot going on. Looking for a fun filled intense season.

AOLiveMC15: JHT1985 would like to know...
Question: What's it like working with the cast on Smallville?
MichaelRLive: We're all one big happy family. We're all very different, but we all get along very well, and we have a lot of respect for each other. We're all a bunch of goofballs.

AOLiveMC15: ElleEstTroi asks...
Question: Dearest Mike, you mentioned that playing Lex was becoming almost too easy. What do you do to maintain focus and not get bored w/ Lex.
MichaelRLive: Well, Elle, I try to mix things up. I do different takes. And I like to play.I also write,and do movies on the side, and do the Justice League animation series, so I've got my hands full.

AOLiveMC15: What kind of movies have you been working on?
MichaelRLive: I just did a movie with Steve Martin called "Bringing Down the House" And as many of you know I have a movie coming out with Christopher Walken called "Poolhall Junkies"

AOLiveMC15: Wow? What was it like to work with both Christopher Walken and Steve Martin?
MichaelRLive: It was like a dream. Steve Martin was extremely supportive, and thought I was very funny, which was the greatest compliment I have ever had. Christopher Walken was friendly, intense, and out there.

AOLiveMC15: Back to Smallville, Pixi10 asks...
Question: Hi. My name is Rachael, and I was wondering: Are you looking foward to being "the bad guy," or are you having more fun being good?
MichaelRLive: It's always fun to be the bad guy. What was fun for me was the journey to becoming bad.

AOLiveMC15: From left field,
Question: What is your biggest fear?
MichaelRLive: My biggest fear is that I don't wait too long before starting a family.That I will wait too long, that is.

AOLiveMC15: Thanks for being so candid. We're headed back to Christopher Walken.
MichaelRLive: Um.... not scary, just very random...the things he would say were very random. One time I asked him, "SHould I call you Chris or Mr. Walken?" His response was in a very Christopher Walken way "Call me flash." and then he walked away with a smile. P.S. I do the BEST Christopher Walken impression there is. Better then Jay Mohr and better then Kevin Spacey... just for the record.

AOLiveMC15: LOL...sounds like an interesting guy and we'd love to hear your impression someday!
Question: Hi Michael! Are you a ticklish guy? If so, where?
MichaelRLive: Sure. Where am I not, that's the question.

AOLiveMC15: Oh boy....I'll leave that alone.
Question: Hello, Michael! Thank you so much for taking time out to chat with your fans! :-) I love the work you do on the show. My question for you is, why do you think so many women find the Clark/Lex relationship as compelling as they do?
MichaelRLive: I don't know. I will leave that for their imagination.

Question: Lex is smart how come he doesn't see there is something more to Clark?
MichaelRLive: Oh, he does.But it is TV. He just doesn't know what it is. Be patient. Be very patient.

Question: How do you make time to play hockey when you're busy working and filming?
MichaelRLive: There is ALWAYS time for ice hockey. It's a very big part of me. And it gives me a chance to take my mind off things.

Question: Asking for Smallvillefan.com...Do you think Lionel being injured will affect you? Your decisions to come?
MichaelRLive: I'm not giving away any secrets...but good try.

Question: What's your advice for people who dream of becoming a star, but have no experience?
MichaelRLive: Make your dreams come true, and start now.

AOLiveMC15: Next question...
Question: When will Lex have that party you've been hinting at?
MichaelRLive: What party is that? Lex is always up for a party.

AOLiveMC15: I'm not sure what party our member was referring to. We'll move on...

AOLiveMC15: What was the one gift you've always wanted; but never received.
MichaelRLive: It would have been a gift for my grandmother to see the success I have now, but I guess she's smiling somewhere.

AOLiveMC15: That's really nice.
Question: Did you know who Lex Luthor was prior to getting the part?
MichaelRLive: Yes. I had seen the movies, and read a few of the comic books. But I had never seen Lois and Clark. I'm not sure if I want to.

AOLiveMC15: How did you go about getting the part of Lex Luthor?
MichaelRLive: I had a good relationship with Warner Brothers. However, I had only done sitcoms for them. It took selling myself. I had to go in and prove myself as a serious actor, and that I did. I auditioned and they were sold. It's easy to get stuck as either the funny guy or the serious guy. We always have to prove ourselves, don't we? That goes for every profession.

AOLiveMC15: If you could play any part in any movie--past or present--what would it be and why?
MichaelRLive: Ah, I would probably play a young Han Solo in Star Wars. Not to sound egotistical, but I find myself to be quite charming at times.

AOLiveMC15: Amau1217 wants to know...
Question: Did you know that you're one of the absolute best actors in the world?
MichaelRLive: I really appreciate that. If only Steven Spielberg thought that. And maybe he will But thanks! We'll just hope he tunes into Smallville someday.

AOLiveMC15: LethalRusViking2 asks
Question: In real life what kind of a car do you drive and do you want to drive another type of a car in smallvile episodes
MichaelRLive: I just bought a custom van. I also have a 76 Cadillac convertible that I would love to sell, if any of you are interested. I always like them to mix it up with the cars I drive, however, I would love to have them give one to me.

AOLiveMC15: Michael, we have time for one last question.

AOLiveMC15: HYPERfocused has asked
Question: There seem to be many nuances in the relationship between you and Clark. How do you see your two characters interacting? In my opinion, the dynamic is absolutely spell-binding.
MichaelRLive: I think Clark and Lex are slowly figuring each other out day by day. I guess that's what friendship is all about We are learning more and more about each other as each episode passes.I guess the biggest secrets lie ahead but right now, we continue in building a friendship. Tom and I as actors greatly enjoy working together. We are always testing each other, and making each other laugh, like Clark and Lex. We have a great relationship as well. We are always trying to make scenes more interesting then they are. Then are written, although the great writing makes it easier for us.

AOLiveMC15: Michael Rosenbaum, thanks so much for joining us this evening. We've enjoyed our chat and we all look forward to the next episode of 'Smallville' on The WB.

MichaelRLive: I honestly wish that I had more time to talk to you but until next time, may the force be with you all. See you!

AOLiveMC15: Good night!