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The Lightsabre Interview Angus Macinnes
Welcome to
Lightsabre. Our latest guest is famous
throughout the galaxy for portraying Gold Leader in the original Star Wars,
as well as roles in Superman 2, Outland, 51st State and The Black Dahlia.
Please welcome to Lightsabre Angus MacInnes. Q - Angus, welcome to
Lightsabre. A - My pleasure. It’s always good to converse with Star Wars fans... Q – You’ve had a varied career, from Rollerball and Force 10 From Navarone right through to Hellboy and the Black Dahlia. Tell us of some of the highlights from your career so far. A – Q – How did you break into
the industry? A - That was simple.
My
Q – What is it like
to be a part of the Star Wars phenomenon? A - Strange and exhilarating. Of course none of the people involved, including George L had any idea when we were making this epic that it would hit as hard as it did or last as long as it has. I still look around at conventions and wonder what was in that mix that hit all the right buttons and continues to do so.
Q - You were in the 2004 hit Hellboy, which was a very successful transition from comic page to screen. What was it like working with Guillermo Del Toro?
A - Guillermo is a big kid with toys. He’s fun, imaginative and decisive, all of which makes work not work but pleasure. Watching him sitting under his awning while the rest of us got soaked and frozen was amazing. He held this little black box in his lap and made the lightening strike throughout our sequences. He’s a guy that likes to be involved, directly. It’s a joy to work with people like that. Q – When Star Wars
broke big, it broke BIG. What do you remember of those heady days? A –
It was like getting hit with
a sand bag. I’m still a little
dazed. Q – As we all know
Gold Leader didn't make it out of the Death Star battle intact. What
do you think would have become of him if he had made it? A –
Q –
You are a convention veteran and often get to meet up with your
fellow Rebel Pilots at such gatherings. Do you enjoy the interaction
with the fans, and where's the most exotic place you've been as a guest? A -
I’m not as
much of a ‘veteran’ as you may think, having done a lot fewer conventions and
events than many of my fellow Star Warsian types. When ever I do attend an
event it’s always a treat to meet up with old friends, have a few drinks and
lie like hell to each other. As for
exotic places, does Q – Has there ever
been a project that you've wanted to get off the ground yourself?
Perhaps to write or direct? A – Too many too list though I often have a slightly askew take on life and living and often those in the ‘biz’ I run my ideas past nod, and smile and then shuffle away with a worried look in their eye. I keep telling myself I’m still too far ahead of myself or them… Q – Which of the
other Star Wars characters do you feel the most affinity for? A – OK, I thought I had a shot at Princess L at one time but a mission at Yavin and a lot of explosions got between us. If I had got back……. well Han and the rest would have had to look sharp! I still have a bone to pick with that jerk Darth what’s-his-face …. The guy shot me in the back! Give me a Tie fighter in that fight and the story of The Star Wars would have been much different I promise you… Q – Tell us something of your other interests outside of acting? A – Q – You've been in three films with Harrison Ford over the years.
What is it like bumping into fellow actors years apart? Do you notice
the time, or does it feel as if you've just stepped off the last set with
them? A – Usually meeting up with people you’ve worked with before is like having seen them yesterday. You have a touchstone with them, a join. You can relax and not worry. It’s a good, warm feeling. Of course if you hate their guts…
Q – You were born in Canada but your name is clearly of Scottish
origin, as evidenced by your current role in BBC Scotland drama River City.
What is your family link with Scotland? A - My parents
are both from the Western Isles, Skye and Lewis. I remain fiercely proud of being Canadian and
will never, ever give up my Canadian citizenship, living here in Q - What lies ahead
for you in the future? A –
Hopefully more and more work. I love working,
it’s my food and drink. If I’m not filming I do love to do conventions and
events and would love to do more. You
need a ‘guest’? Gimme a call. Q – A quick question
about our site, Lightsabre. Any
comments? A –
Good site but what you do,
bringing actors and fans together is really positive,
it builds bridges and breaks down barriers.
I like the fact that fans get a real insight into the working process of
actors and film makers. The more the better and thank you for contributing to that. Q - It's been a great
interview, and thanks for being our guest on Lightsabre. Just one final question. You are sitting in a dentists waiting room with
your two fellow Rebel Pilots Porkins and Biggs Darklighter. A very
attractive nurse opens the door and asks for the next patient to step
inside. But one of you elects to go in first. Which one, and why? A –
OK, here’s
the deal: Porkins (god bless him!) would be too slow out of the chair, Biggs
would sit there and give it some thought whereas Dutch, hey, Dutch would be
outta that seat in a flash! They wouldn’t see me for (space) dust! Thanks guys, and all the best to everyone at Lightsabre!! |
