WarnerBros Host: Let's start with our first question. While attending RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), did you anticipate the incredible success you have had?

 

Alex Kingston: Not at all. My goal, after graduation from RADA, was to become a member of the Royal Shakespeare Co., but I thought that would take a lifetime to achieve. I was happy with that. Basically, my goal was to just do good theater, either contemporary or classical, and that was my goal. I certainly didn't believe I'd end up in Hollywood!

 

vgj: Greetings from a very sleepy fan in the UK! I was curious to know if you have an achievement that you are most proud of. Thanks! Alex Kingston: Achievement? I would say my pregnancy right now!

WarnerBros Host: How about in your career?

 

Alex Kingston: I feel extremely blessed to have had the career I've had so far. I worked almost consistently since I left drama school until now. I had a really wide range of roles, and I've become a versatile actress. I can do plays; I can do drama, comedy, and, of course, now, I'm working on a fantastic TV series, so I feel very blessed.

 

arj1485: Congratulations on your pregnancy. When is your due date?

 

Alex Kingston: My due date keeps changing, because the baby's growing. It's some time in March, but I'm not sure…earlier in March. I'm a Pisces, myself, so that's good.

 

znelens: You were so great in "All in the Family." I was wondering if it was any more difficult or weird to film the trauma and death scenes with Kellie Martin as opposed to just another guest star.

Alex Kingston: It was, actually. It was extremely difficult. Partly because it was difficult knowing the actress, herself, was going to be leaving the show. Whether the character was dying or not, it's hard when any actress leaves the show. We also knew that Kellie had suffered through some personal tragedy in her family. That made her character's dying also much more difficult for me, at least, to deal with. She was amazingly strong throughout the filming of that, and I was a total wreck.

 

Green Envy: Do you find it difficult to be able to distance yourself from the characters that you play?

 

Alex Kingston: I always thought that I could. I thought that when I finished a day's work, I'd leave the character at work, or in my dressing room, but after I finished a job, I'm aware that the character might have taken me over during the time. I think that happens to most actors.

 

SixteenOzs: Can you give us an information as to what is in store for Mark & Elizabeth this season?

 

Alex Kingston: I'm not allowed to give anything away, but I can say it's going to be a roller coaster of a season. There will be many highs, and quite a few lows, too.

 

vgj: Do the producers have plans to write the pregnancy into the show?

ergrl2005: Have they incorporated your pregnancy into the show?

 

Alex Kingston: It's something that's being discussed at the moment. I'm not showing yet. There's another character on the show who is more pregnant than I am--Ming Na, who plays Dr. Chen.

 

TessRoss: I wanted to know how do the members of the "ER" cast get along off-screen, and how will you consider your best friend on the show (including ex-members, like Gloria, Maria, George and Julianna)?

 

Alex Kingston: It's still in discussions. I'd say one of the many reasons the show is so successful and has endured is due to the fact that we DO all get on so well. It feels like every day, and you're actually going to visit an extended family--not just the actors, but the crew, too. We're very close. Definitely, that closeness extends to off camera, and away from the studio, as well.

 

WarnerBros Host: You spend a lot of time together.

 

Alex Kingston: The relationships are real. They're definitely days when actors are frustrated with one another, but that happens in family life, as well. So we're very lucky.

 

hoopty: Do you ever have a hard time memorizing all those medical terms? Is there a trick you use?

 

Alex Kingston: I think it's something that develops over time. I've found that I've developed an incredibly fast short-term memory. I can learn my lines for the next day's scene within one-half hour to an hour, the night before. I can only retain my lines for a day or two days. After we've finished filming, then they're gone. So, if I had known this when I was at school, it would have been great for cramming for exams!

 

angel8035: How long do you plan on staying with "ER?" I've heard that it's signed with NBC through Season 10. Do you plan on sticking around that long?

 

Alex Kingston: I do. Obviously, I haven't been on the show as long as the original members, but I'm certainly not tired of it yet. I still feel there's more I can explore within the character, Elizabeth Corday.

 

67: Alex, I'm in Aberdeen at the moment, and the weather is awful. It is one thing I would not miss if I left the country. So what do you miss and don't miss when you are away from home? Luv, Kimberley

 

Alex Kingston: This is the first year where I suddenly felt that I miss England. I think it's because I know the weather is awful in England, and I think I just developed a romantic idea of the rain and the mushy autumn leaves on the wet pavement. Obviously, when you live there and it rains for 25 days non-stop, but then over here where you have no sense of seasons, it can be a little depressing, I find. That's not to say that I don't love it here. I do, but I'd like to have a day in autumn weather, the smell of winter…like that.

 

TessRoss: How are they going to deal with you being pregnant on "ER?" And all my Best Wishes, by the way.

 

Alex Kingston: I'm not sure yet. It's something the producers are still discussing.

 

erisfun: Thinking of all the roles you have played (TV, movies, stage), which was your most challenging one, and why?

 

Alex Kingston: That's hard. I'd consider every role I've played a challenge, but in different respects. The most physically grueling role would be "Moll Flanders," partly because I was in these extremely constricting corsets and dresses, and also because I had to stand on my feet all day and work extremely long hours.

 

ecordaymd: I loved your work in "Moll Flanders." It made me go buy the book! I know you do theater. Do you have any wishes to return to the stage? I'm also totally jealous of your hair - is it naturally curly?

 

Alex Kingston: Oh, yes! It's not so easy while I'm filming ER, because, usually, a theatre run takes longer than the hiatus that I have, but I'm definitely planning to return to the theater at some point.

 

Mark Elizabeth Fan: Have you done a scene or an episode of "ER" that you are particularly proud of?

 

Alex Kingston: To be honest, the "All in the Family" episode with Kellie Martin. I'm proud of that one, because it felt like a true ensemble episode.

 

ergirlz: We love "ER," and think that you are a wonderful actress. We were wondering what is your favorite color, food, sport, and shopping place?

 

Alex Kingston: I would say my favorite color is probably green. Food? So hard! I love fish--any kind of fish. I love fish grilled, with lemon, so it has to be really fresh. Sport? I'd say my favorite is tennis. I don't have a favorite place to shop. I like discovering out of the way eclectic shops. I'm not into designer labels, particularly.

 

wilma81: Did you ever think your character would be so big? Everyone loves her, and she really adds something to the show.

 

Alex Kingston: No, I didn't. In fact, I don't think I'm aware that she is! We come and we work a five-day week. We start early and finish late. I go home. I learn my lines. I go to sleep, and another day begins, so I'm not really aware of necessarily of how 'big' or important my character is to the show. I guess I don't really mix with a public who will tell me. When we're working, we're kind of sheltered from the effects the show has on people.

 

MimiWannaBe: Do many people recognize you on the street?

 

Alex Kingston: Exactly! Except in LA, by and large, the public I would say is so blasé about seeing celebrities that it's only when we film in Chicago that suddenly we're aware that people are staring at us, or run up and say, "We love the show!" But LA kind of shelters us from what the rest of the country is feeling.

 

67: What or who makes you laugh?

 

Alex Kingston: There's a comedian, Eddie Izzard, and he makes me laugh. Seinfeld makes me laugh, too. And my husband makes me laugh.

 

Dr Nili: I have pictures of you doing the same as you are doing now - chatting with people, so you must have respect to your fans. What things do you like in your fans, and what things do you not like in your fans?

 

Alex Kingston: Obviously, I'm very appreciative when fans approach me and say how much they love my work. I always feel a little bit nervous when I'm aware that I'm being stared at or whispered about and people don't approach me.

 

Eclectic: Do any of the patient/characters come directly from the personal lives and trials of the actors?

 

Alex Kingston: Not so much from the actors. But actually, more from the experiences that the doctors and writers involved in the show have had in hospitals, even though the story lines may sometimes seem far-fetched. In fact, most of them have happened.

 

sweetie jenn3581: A couple of cast members of "ER" have directed an episode. Would you like to do the same?

 

Alex Kingston: No!!

 

whashingstonsteeth: Was it "ER" that brought you to America, or did you come here looking for work?

 

Alex Kingston: "ER" brought me to America. I was here promoting "Moll Flanders," and I stayed to have the meeting, and one of those meetings was with the "ER" producers.

 

FlyingNun: Do you ever get grossed out by some of the surgery scenes? They look pretty realistic to us viewers sometimes.

 

Alex Kingston: Perversely, I don't get grossed out. In fact, I actually enjoy the gross scenes! My dad was a butcher; what else can I say?

 

AlejandraGC: What do you think about Mark and Elizabeth's relationship?

 

Alex Kingston: I think it's interesting. Corday is such a fiery, outspoken personality, and Mark Greene is a much more calm, stable person. And I think it makes more of an interesting relationship. Corday's relationship with Benton was far stormier. And though for me, it's a big change to be working with another personality. Personally, it's neither easier nor more difficult, because I get along with both actors equally well.

 

Noahs girly: Do you have any input into the storylines of your character, and where would you like to see her going in the future?

 

Alex Kingston: I think if I wanted to, I could have an input, but on the whole, I'm quite happy with the direction the writers and directors are taking Corday in. If the writers were to take a direction that I thought was just wrong, I would certainly voice my opinion.

 

sweetie jenn3581: Do you get nervous when you are filming an episode of "ER?"

 

Alex Kingston: Not at all. The atmosphere is so friendly, and there are always jokes, laughter, as well as the tension, but certainly, never nervous.

 

Goofy: Do you guys ever play practical jokes on the set?

 

Alex Kingston: Yes! When George was still on the show, there were a lot more practical jokes, but I had Eriq LaSalle squirting blood in my face, for example. The crew plays practical jokes on us.

 

tegar: Do you miss George Clooney not being on the show? I do.

 

Alex Kingston: I didn't get to work with George (Clooney) very often. I don't feel such a great sense of loss, because our working was very separate.

 

vgj: Had you watched "ER" before you got the part?

 

Alex Kingston: Occasionally, but because I was doing theater and my video machine didn't work, I couldn't tape the show.

 

suechickuk: If you hadn't become an actress, what would you most like to be doing now?

 

Alex Kingston: Probably painting. If I hadn't gone to drama school, I'd have probably gone to art school.

 

Carol and Susan: Will your mother be appearing again this season?

 

Alex Kingston: I would like it to happen. She was such a wonderful lady to work with. We had lots of fun, but as the writers never give us any clue as to what their intentions are, I really can't say.

 

Dr Nili: Did you need any 'training' on how to treat patients in the show? First aid course, maybe?

 

Alex Kingston: I didn't need to take any course, in particular, but I did spend time observing surgeons at St. George's Hospital in London. And we're always allowed to go to various hospitals in LA whenever we want to, to observe, constantly.

 

anna98: Do you have MDs monitor or assist with the show to get medical accuracy?

 

Alex Kingston: Constantly. We have 2 MDs who are working with the writers, and we have 2 MDs who work with the actors on the set.

 

WarnerBros Host: Are you looking forward to working with Sally Field?

 

Alex Kingston: Yes, I am. We are, in fact, shooting an episode with her at the moment. She's very smiley; she's got an amazing aura. Everybody's transfixed when they're watching her act.

 

WarnerBros Host: It is like working with Alan Alda?

 

Alex Kingston: You just feel in awe of actors who are so experienced, and it's wonderful to watch them work.

 

MimiWannaBe: Is it true that Noah Wyle's foot caught on fire while filming recently?

 

Alex Kingston: I have no idea! If it happened, I certainly never heard about it.

 

shoulders: Is it true that you speak a bunch of different languages?

 

Alex Kingston: Well, I speak German. My mother's German, and my husband is German. I speak French, not so well, and I speak English and American English!

 

greenlight: Did you have to audition for "Moll Flanders?"

 

Alex Kingston: Yes, I did.

 

MimiWannaBe: Where in England are you from?

 

Alex Kingston: I was brought up in a county called Surrey, and I spent my adult life in London.

 

welkdancer: Are there any foods you miss from the UK?

 

Alex Kingston: Yes. I miss kippers. I miss kedgeree. Kippers are smoked haddock, and you grill them and have them for breakfast. Kedgeree is smoked haddock and rice, egg, and mixed with milk. It's a breakfast dish. It has the consistency of a rice pudding.

 

Adnoids: Have you kept in touch with Ralph Fiennes?

 

Alex Kingston: No.

 

higgns: Did you ever work with other great UK actors like Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branaugh?

 

Alex Kingston: I worked with Emma on a film called "Carrington."

 

heeker: Do you have a hard time driving on the left side of the road?

 

Alex Kingston: I don't have a hard time driving on the left side, but I have a hard time driving in LA.

 

wilmaflntstone: What advice would you give to a young person trying to get into acting?

 

Alex Kingston: Change your name! I'm a traditionalist, so I would always encourage someone to go to either drama school or study drama at a university or wherever it's applicable.

 

WarnerBros Host: Do you continue to train?

 

Alex Kingston: I would say that working constantly is a form of training. If I weren't working, I would definitely read as many plays as I could. I'd keep returning to Shakespeare and reading Shakespeare, and I would see as much theater as I could.

 

jinkies: What is your favorite Shakespeare piece? Do you like Shakespeare?

 

Alex Kingston: I love Shakespeare. I don't think I can say I have a favorite. They all affect me differently.

 

suechickuk: Is your natural accent as crystal cut as Dr. Corday's?

 

Alex Kingston: Well, I think it is, but I also think that since my being in the States (this is now my 4th season), I am aware that my accent is changing slightly. I saw the first episode that I'd ever been in, recently, and I think that my dialect was much more precise. I've taken on the musicality of the States.

 

Noahs girly: What's your favorite place to go on holiday? Do you ever come up to bonnie Scotland?

 

Alex Kingston: My favorite holiday was last year when I went to Africa. I like being down to earth. I'm not so good at being in smart holiday destinations.

 

missyelliot: What do you think of the trend in TV toward reality shows?

 

Alex Kingston: I hope they go. I really hope the audience gets tired of them, because I certainly am.

 

Shillerman: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live, and why?

 

Alex Kingston: I'd live in Africa. I just think the land is so extraordinary, and it is the cradle of mankind, after all.

 

everready: You work really long hours. What do you do to relax on your time off?

 

Alex Kingston: Sleep! I long for my bed!

 

sillyoldguy: Do you have any pets?

 

Alex Kingston: We have two dogs, and we're just discussing whether or not to get a third dog. We have rescue dogs--a Doberman/greyhound mix and a lab/German pointer/pit bull mix. She's very pretty, but very goofy.

 

mistahresistah: Is there a theater role that would be your dream role to play?

 

Alex Kingston: I would love, at some point, to play Hedda Gabler.

 

hella: You have the most beautiful hair. Can you share some grooming tricks?

 

Alex Kingston: Oh, I was hoping you could share some tricks with me! My hair is like horsehair. It's very dry and brittle, and I'm constantly looking for products that will moisturize my hair.

 

WarnerBros Host: Where do you see yourself in five years?

 

Alex Kingston: Hopefully, I still see myself working in the States. Obviously, "ER" will have to come to an end at some point, but I'd like to think there's more work for me here.

 

wilma: What is your dream for the future?

 

Alex Kingston: World peace. I'd have to say peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and between the Catholics and the Protestants in Ireland. I don't understand why religion should cause such hatred.

 

WarnerBros Host: Thank you so much for chatting with us, Alex Kingston! We really appreciate it!

 

Alex Kingston: Well, it's been fun, and we'll do it again some time!