This is a series of interviews that will be done with various actors & actresses exploring their thoughts about the convention scene and what is going on in the universe around them.
Our first interview is with Claudia Christian, who is probably best known for her role as Commander Susan Ivanova on Babylon 5.
Her first television role was a guest appearance on Dallas & then as series regular Melody Hughes on the drama Berrenger's, followed by appearances in The Hidden, Maniac Cop 2 & Hexed before finally appearing on Babylon 5.
She has also appeared in Freaks and Geeks & She Spies.
Claudia returned to her stage beginnings in the US premier of Michael Weller's What the Night is For in 2004.
She also appearances in the BBC comedy series Broken News as well as the Doctor Who audio drama "The Reaping" as well as Showtime's LOOK: The Series.
Claudia also has a music career, having released a solo CD called Once Upon a Time, a single called "Taboo" as well as a project with other Babylon 5 cast members on the album The Be Five. All told Claudia has appeared in over 40 films & 35 television series!
Shawn: What was the first convention that you attended?
Claudia: I don't recall, but I think it might have been the UK one with the whole cast of Babylon 5...
Shawn: So how did it go?
Claudia: If it WAS that event it was shocking, we had no idea that the show was that popular!
Shawn: What would say was probably the best Convention you've been to?
Claudia: I have had some fun DragonCon's and some great Cons overseas....I can't really choose one perfect event, but the Phoenix 20th anniversary reunion for Babylon 5 was darned near perfect!
Shawn: OK, how about the worst Convention?
Claudia: There was one a military base years ago...9 people showed up...I was with some Xena actors and it was just colossally awful...
Shawn: What would you say was the strangest or most unusual fan encounter you've had at an event?
Claudia: You can read about that in my book "Babylon Confidential" www.claudiachristian.net
It involves a man in a Tribble suit!
Shawn: How about an actual bad experience at a show?
Claudia: Check out the Tribble story...and in my own words:
Shawn: Scary
Claudia: It was a doozy!
Shawn: Well, in retrospect what would you do differently if you were running a Convention?
Claudia: I tried to to throw my own Con in London...the riots and a huge bicycle race happened to occur on the same day...it was a LOT of work for very little profit, but the fans had a decent enough time and so did I!
I think Cons should allow the friendly guests (like me) more access to the fans such as with breakfasts and casual photo ops...things are becoming too expensive for most fans...
Shawn: Have you ever wanted to get an autograph from someone?
Claudia: Well, I did ask Parker Stevenson of the The Hardy Boys for a photo when I was 13...
Shawn: So what are your current projects?
Claudia: A new novel released by Tor called "Wolf's Empire", a TV show called Runestone, selling my documentary "One Little Pill" and running my non-profit www.cthreefoundation.org counseling addicts and trying to save more lives.
Shawn; How about future projects then?
Claudia: Everything C3...my foundation is my reason to get up every morning...helping people who suffer from AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) is my life's work!
I want to thank Claudia for taking a few moments with me to answer those questions and shining some light on her thoughts and personal experiences. You can also find Babylon Confidential on Amazon.com
