Tahmoh, along with Dollhouse co-stars Eliza Dushku and Enver Gjokai, has signed a copy of the script for 'Epitaph One'. It is currently being auctioned at eBay with 100% of the final sale price benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Hurry and place your bids. The auction ends on January 31.
Tahmoh was able to take a break from filming Dollhouse to answer a few more of your questions! (See the question page for more answered fan questions).
1. I think I read somewhere that you like martial arts and mma. I'm a fan too and was wondering if you were a fan of any particular fighter or fighting style.
"There are so many fighters i admire and respect. In the now defunct Pride organization Vanderlei Silva was my favorite for his ferocity, heart and incredible finishes. I think George St. Pierre always showed the talent but has now become one of the most capable and complete fighters in MMA. He's really in a class of his own and constantly improving. Anderson Spider Silva is also in this elite class of fighters. He has the most beautiful and devastating Muay Thai. I can go on and on about this so i better stop myself now."2. Have you seen your Helo action figure yet? And whats it feel like to have an action figure of yourself?
"I've seen two of the action figures. I'm not sure if there's more but i recently saw the one of me in my flight suit. When i first found out that i had an action figure coming it was definitely surreal. I've been ribbed about it from my friends and family constantly and it still makes me laugh. The fact is i think the makers of the action figures did a pretty good job. It's a pretty cool thing to have. A testament to the excellent and successful show we were apart of."3. Do you tend to play small variations on a scene each time or do you try to change it up dramatically each take? Or does it depend on which actors/directors you're working with?
"Sometimes in the rehearsal you make completely new discoveries about the scene. This can be because of what the other actor is giving you, understanding something in the script u didn't before or from direction from the director. I always make some strong choices and often come prepared to make small adjustments to my delivery. As you put the scene on it's feet you usually find the best best direction to take it."4. Do you speak any other languages?
"I was in French immersion as a child. It's still there but very rusty as i haven't had a lot of opportunity to use it for many years. I've recently started practicing again. I'm fascinated at the fact so many Europeans speak three if not four languages. I was recently in Europe and it motivated me to speak french again."If you have a question for Tahmoh, ask it now over in the question thread!
The Galactica Quorum podcast interviewed Tahmoh while he was at Dragon Con a few weeks ago. They'll be playing that interview in next week's podcast, but in this week's episode (#52) they included a special message from Tahmoh:
"Hey guys, this is Tahmoh Penikett, or if you say it properly, it's Tah'moh, because I know you're all curious about that. I just wanted to thank all the fans; you guys have been amazing! I have received some incredible, thoughtful letters, gifts and so many things in the mail. And I can't tell you how much it means to me from the bottom of my heart, especially you guys' support.You can listen to the message about 7:20 into the podcast, which you can download over at the Galactica Quorum website. Stay tuned next week for their interview with Tahmoh!
I really appreciate it so much. But I also have to say that it's gotten to the point where I've received so much that I can't keep up. I'm like six months behind and, I've gotta be honest with you, I really appreciate the letters, the gifts and what have you, but I don't want anyone to expect any responses or pictures and what have you, like I used to do in the past, because I simply can't do it. I just can't keep up. It'd be like a full time job. I'd basically have to hire someone to do it and I'm not sure if that's going to be the situation. So anyway, once again, thank you so much for your support, but I just needed to let everyone know that."
Tahmoh was able to take a break from filming Dollhouse to answer a few more of your questions! (See the first set of answered questions here or linked from the question page).
It must be at least somewhat scary knowing that Battlestar is about to end, and it's not like you stumble across shows/characters of that caliber all the time when you're going to auditions and thinking about new projects... so does it feel like Galactica has set sort of an impossible standard for your future roles to live up to, or is it easy to compartmentalize the experience and look at all your other options objectively, without comparing them to BSG?If you have a question for Tahmoh, ask it now over in the question thread!
"BSG obviously has set an incredibly high standard, but I'm pretty confident that working with someone as talented and bright as Joss Whedon I should be in good hands for awhile. I think one of the most important thing I'll take from the BSG experience is working with that caliber of actor, writer, and producer. I've set my own work ethic at a comparable level and will always try to reach it."
Is there a "perfect role/project" you daydream about finding in an ideal world?"There are so many "dream" roles that I'd love to play it'd be hard to say. Honestly I so respect when a capable actor gets a character role and goes the whole way with it. Meaning, changing his gait, physical appearance, accent etc. I've really only had the opportunity to do this in class, but I look forward to it in the future. Roles like De Niro in Raging Bull, or Brad Pitt in Kalifornia come to mind.
I'd like to think that working on such an incredible project as BSG some of the best in the industry will recognize that and approach with great projects."
You've said in interviews that you'd like to direct one day. What types of projects/genres would you be most interested in directing?
"I would direct anything if it's got a good story to it. I think BSG proved beyond a doubt that you can make an intelligent drama regardless of whether it's in the sci-fi genre or not. My first love is drama so hopefully that would be my first project. I think I'd also enjoy directing an intelligent thriller at some point. Like I said, I'm game as long as I believe in the story."
Do you tend to play small variations on a scene each time or do you try to change it up dramatically each take?
"I tend to do small variations. Then again it really depends on a few factors... what I'm getting from the other actor and what direction I'm being given. I definitely come in with some strong choices, yet we need to put the scene on its feet before you really get a feel for it. If the opportunity's there, I like to give subtle yet important takes on a scene for the director to use."
So lots of you have been sending in questions for Tahmoh via the question post linked at the top of the page and I'm pleased to report that Tahmoh has begun to answer them! He'll be answering more questions as he has the time. So if you have something you've been wondering, ask it now here.
1. What has been your favorite guest role on a television series and why?
2. Which of your roles to date has been most like you, which has been least like you, and which of those two was more challenging?I think my favorite guest role on a television series was the character of Elias on the CTV series, Whistler. It was one of the first roles ever offered to me without audition and once I heard about the character and arc of the story I was sold. Other than acting school I'd never had the opportunity to play a character like Elias. Elias is an up and coming artist and sculptor who is a bit of a recluse, living in a small studio in the woods outside of Whistler.
What was so attractive about the role was that Elias was at one time a drug addict on the streets of Vancouver. He's a very private man and still holds a lot of anger and distrust for others. I have people close to me who've had similar experiences so the story is very much close to home. Once I got the script I wrote back story for hours. Starting with his childhood all the way up to what the writers had already given me. I also had the opportunity to work with Holly Dignard and we shared an immediate connection and delved into making our story as best as we could.
I don't think I can say that any role has been most like me or not like me. I mean really as actors regardless of how well the character is written you are always bringing yourself to the role. I would like to think that I would be as brave and selfless as Helo has been in so many of the situations he's faced. I think that you can tell a lot about an actor through his performance. I think that's what's so brilliantly done by a talented actor, even when playing the antagonist you can't help but root for some actors because their charisma shines regardless of how evil of a character they play. Can anyone say Jack Nicholson?!
Then to counter that last point I think the best character actors can completely transform and regardless of how big of a celebrity they are you are lost in their performance and sometimes they can make you absolutely love or hate them. I'm constantly amazed at the emotion and conversation a great performance will provoke.
Tahmoh and Aaron Douglas were both forced to pull out of their scheduled appearances this weekend at the Wrath of Con convention in Panama City, Florida due to Battlestar filming commitments.
Here's a message from Aaron with more details:
I cancelled wrath. I have to work, as does tahmoh. We agreed to wrath before there was a strike & we thought there would be no problem as the show would be done in March. we are in the last days of shooting & they are not officially clearing anyone for anything. I would have loved to go & my apologies to all the fans who were hoping to see me on the weekend.Update: Tahmoh just asked me to express his apologies as well for having to cancel his appearance this weekend:
"Please give my sincere apologies to all the fans who were expecting to see Aaron and me this weekend. Because of our work schedule right now it's impossible for us to make it."
Bidding on dinner with Tahmoh and Kandyse McClure (Dualla on BSG) will end soon over at ebay. The auction is to benefit their friend, actress Babz Chula, who is fighting a recurrence of her cancer:
The winning bidder will receive a free dinner (approx. 1.5 hours) with Tahmoh Penikett and Kandyse McClure at a pre-selected restaurant in Vancouver, BC at a mutually agreeable date to be determined by both parties in between May 1, 2008 and December 1, 2009.Update: Bidding is now closed. For more, including a message from Tahmoh, see this earlier post.
Bidding on dinner with Tahmoh and Kandyse McClure (Dualla on BSG) is now open over on ebay. The auction is to benefit their friend, actress Babz Chula, who is fighting a recurrence of her cancer:
The winning bidder will receive a free dinner (approx. 1.5 hours) with Tahmoh Penikett and Kandyse McClure at a pre-selected restaurant in Vancouver, BC at a mutually agreeable date to be determined by both parties in between May 1, 2008 and December 1, 2009.Bidding closes on April 12th. For more, including a message from Tahmoh, see this earlier post.
Next week you'll be able to bid to win dinner with Tahmoh and his Galactica co-star Kandyse McClure (Dualla) at a special eBay auction to benefit their friend, actress Babz Chula. Chula, who starred in The Green Chain along with Tahmoh and Tricia Helfer, is fighting a recurrence of her cancer.
Here's the message Tahmoh sent me about the auction:
"One of the most respected actors in Canada, especially Vancouver, has been battling two rare forms of cancer. The community is coming together to do a charity auction of dinners with many notable 'celebrities'. I've volunteered as have many others. Check out the site and if you could post it that would be most appreciated: www.babzchulasociety.org."You'll also be able to bid on dinner with actor Callum Keith Rennie, who plays Leoben on Battlestar and will star in the upcoming X Files movie.
Babz Chula, a key figure in Vancouver's indie film scene, recently learned breast cancer has recurred and has spread to her liver. She has made plans to start an integrated healing program.
The film industry has rallied around her to help raise money to pay for her medical bills by creating The Babz Chula Lifeline for Artists Society.
The Society will launch an auction on eBay running from April 2 to 12. Auction items will include the opportunity to dine with stars, and movie and TV memorabilia.
Excerpts from a profile of Chula from The Green Chain website:
I'll post more details on the auction as they become available next week.Award-winning actor Babz Chula is one of Canada's most accomplished, versatile and daring actors. Known as "Queen of the Indies", she is a fierce supporter of the independent film scene in Canada. In 2006 Babz was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Vancouver Film Critics Circle and an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Leo Awards. Recently she took home another Best Actress award from the New York Film Festival for her portrayal of Mother in Claudia Morgado's evocative film Bitten.
For any Smallville fans out there, Tahmoh was one of 9 guest stars from the show's sixth season to sign autograph cards for Inkworks. To buy just Tahmoh's autograph card, head over to ebay where there are half a dozen available right now.
For any Hush fans out there, Tori Spelling also apparently guest-starred on Smallville last season, so you can score both Tahmoh and Tori's autographs. If you haven't seen Hush, it airs again this Wednesday at 2pm on Lifetime.
Tahmoh will be appearing briefly on the Canadian TV series, Robson Arms, in its upcoming third season as... himself. Robson Arms "follows the lives of tenants inside a fictional low-rise in Vancouver's vibrant West End - the most densely populated neighbourhood in Canada." I asked Tahmoh for more details and here's what he said (& a photo of him on set):
(Note: I'm not sure which character has the crush or who the two actresses in question are... if anyone can tell from the above photo, let me know. ETA: Thanks to Michelle for suggesting that one of the actresses is possibly Melanie Blackwell... ETA2: Thanks to Annie for confirming that the taller actress is Alisen Down with her hair cut short.)I made a small appearance on Robson Arms as, (wait for it)..myself. One of the producers and directors of Cold Squad, Gary Harvey called me up and said that they had a great idea where one of the main characters has a crush on Tahmoh Penikett. On a day when an event she is organizing is going terribly wrong and it looks like it can't get any worse it starts to rain. I appear out of nowhere with an umbrella, apparently to save the day (insert slow motion running shot) then at the last minute ask her assistant if she'd like to share it with me. It took about two hours and was alot of fun. I've worked with both actresses before.
Wolf Events just announced that Tahmoh will be a special guest this weekend at their convention in London.
The good news is that Tahmoh Penikett (Helo) is rushing to the airport to catch a flight to fill the unfortunate gap.Callum Keith Rennie (Leoben) has had to cancel due to Galactica filming commitments.
London Thistle Hotel
Registration Opens 17.00 Friday
Meet & Greet 20.30 Friday
Party each night from 22.00
Main activities 10.00 - 18.00 Saturday & Sunday
In addition to the teddy bears the Battlestar cast signed to support the fight against breast cancer, they also all signed a pink Everlast boxing glove. It is also up for auction this week.
1 pink Everlast boxing glove signed by the following cast members from Battlestar Galactica: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Michael Hogan, Aaron Douglas, Tahmoh Penikett, AJ Julian, Kandyse McClure.Seems appropriate for the show, no?
The auction closes on Wednesday, April 25th.
See my post about the bear auction here. Bid on the bears!
Lisa Spodak, who will be participating in her 13th Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, has gotten the Battlestar cast to sign teddy bears and pose with them to support her fund raising efforts. She is trying to raise $20,000 (last year she raised $26,000). All proceeds from this auction will go towards that goal.
Small (7") stuffed breast cancer awareness bear with tag signed by Tahmoh Penikett. This bear also comes with a print of the above photo.The rest of the Battlestar cast has also posed with and signed bears that are up for auction with hilarious results. See all the cast bears here.
The auction closes on Wednesday, April 25th.
Tahmoh has autographed a teddy bear in support of British Columbia's Women’s Hospital & Health Centre. You can bid on it now on ebay (auction ends: Monday, March 19th). A cute bear, a unique autograph and a good cause! What could be better?
With the support of the Vancouver film industry, we are proud to bring you Bears that Care for BC Women's - the cutest fundraiser in town! 100% of the proceeds from the auctions will benefit the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre.
Vancouver local and son of a former Yukon premier, Tahmoh Penikett is currently starring as "Helo" in Battlestar Galactica. His other credits include Cold Squad, Smallville, Stargate SG-1, The L-Word and Dark Angel.
Thank you for helping to fundraise for BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, Canada’s busiest maternity hospital. Your assistance helps us care for the pregnant women who come here from across the province when they’re in danger, when something suddenly goes terribly wrong during their pregnancy. By helping us raise money in this project, you are also helping us provide the best possible care for more than 1,200 babies every year who fight for their lives in our Special Care Nursery. You are helping BC Women’s, a recognized world leader in women’s health, care for women at every stage in their lives.They also have bears autographed by Firefly stars Jewel Staite and Alan Tudyk, among others.
A new website for Tahmoh's upcoming film, The Green Chain, is now online at TheGreenChain.com. Tahmoh plays Brett Jackson, a firefighter... who apparently also serves ice cream cones. No release date yet.
The site also includes an updated bio for Tahmoh.
Do you see the forest or the trees?The film also stars Tricia Helfer as "Leila Cole":
The battle between loggers and environmentalists is defining, dividing and destroying communities in Canada and around the world. The Green Chain is a powerful, funny and thought-provoking film about the conflicts between people on both sides of the battle who love trees -- and are willing to risk anything to protect their personal visions of the forest.
The Star loves trees – and Leila Cole loves a good cause, and some good publicity – even if she has to go to a small backwater town to get it.In related news, Tricia has recently started selling autographs on her official site (triciahelfer.com) for charity to benefit animal rescue/protection. So if you want to pick up her autograph (she'll even personalize it), why not support a good cause at the same time!
Just a quick post to promote a BSG-related charity auction at charity buzz.
If you bid now (before Dec. 20 @ 3:30 pst), you could be the proud owner of a 14" wide X12" high X 5" deep, red & black "Battlestar Galactica" buckleBag signed by Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, Katee Sackoff, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Michael Hogan, Aaron Douglas, Tahmoh Penikett, Alessandro Juliani, Kandyse McClure, Kerry Norton, Michael Trucco and Tom Bower.
The bag has a ton of non-BSG related merchadise inside it. You can see the full list in the auction description.Happy bidding!
Just in time for the holidays! Plus it's for a good cause (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).
Ron Moore and his wife Terry hosted a dinner party for many of the BSG cast members last night. While at the party, Tahmoh left a message on the Galactica Sci-fi message boards for the fans:
Nov 29 2006, 02:33 AMThey apparently also recorded an episode podcast, more on that tomorrow.
Hello everyone, it's tahmoh here. I've just finished an incredible meal that the lovely Mrs.Ron cooked. We're now enjoying some red wine and reflecting on our conversation last night. I hope you guys enjoy the blog, we had a great time doing it.
I just wanted to thank all of the fans again for being with us the last three and half years. The support, compliments and feedback have been incredible and insightful.
I'm going to get back to my wine now. Be well.
Tahmoh
Here is an autographed photo of Tahmoh from the miniseries. It's an unreleased promotional photo that's fun to see.
Don't forget "Epiphanies" will air tonight at 2am. Some good angsty Helo moments.
Also with Season 3 of Galactica so far off, I've brought back the countdown at left. I'm assuming a premiere date of October 6th (first Friday in October), but that's not been confirmed. So roughly 189 days to go!
On March 22, 2006 a new set of Galactica trading cards produced by Rittenhouse Archives will appear. The 81-card series will cover the entire first season and each box will contain 1 Autograph Card and 1 Costume Card.
Tahmoh was one of the many stars to sign autograph cards:
• Tahmoh Penikett as Lt. Karl C. "Helo" AgathonSee more details and the full list of autograph and costume cards.
• Mary McDonnell as President Laura Roslin
• Grace Park as Lt. Sharon "Boomer" Valerii
• Kandyse McClure as Petty Officer Dualla
• Donnelly Rhodes as Doctor Cottle
• Jamie Bamber as Captain Lee "Apollo" Adama
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