OnlineHost:  Strong, spirited and committed are just a few of the characteristics that exemplify acclaimed actress, CCH Pounder, which is evident in the diversity of her roles and her worldwide fight against apartheid. Currently, CCH can be seen in recurring roles on two television series. She portrays Dr. Angela Hicks on the highly rated NBC series "ER" and is Dr. Cheryl Andrews on FOX's "Millenium." Welcome!

 

AOLiveMC9:  Welcome CCH Pounder!

 

CCHPoundr:  It's really nice to be online for the first time with you guys.

 

Question:  Ever since I saw your name "CCH," I have wondered what the letters stood for, let alone how it is pronounced :-) . Keep up the good work, I enjoy your characters.

CCHPoundr:  Great. I'm named after C for Christmas Day, the day I was born, Christina is my godmother, and H is Hilaria -- the H is silent. That is my grandmother's name. I'd thought I'd bring all the powers that be with me. I shortened it so that I could have all these names.

 

Question:  The first thing I remember seeing you in was one of the funniest, most beautiful and moving films I've ever seen, "Bagdad Cafe." Was that your big Hollywood break?

CCHPoundr:  No. My so-called big Hollywood break was "All That Jazz" in 1976, when I was a student, but I had a great facility for a Caribbean accent. I met Bob Fosse to, what I thought was to coach him on what an accent like that was like. He ended up giving me that job.

 

Question:  Hi ... what's it like working with Lance Henriksen on "Milllenium?" He is my favorite actor.

CCHPoundr:  He is humble and generous, and still wants to make the best movie every week that an actor possibly can. And I love him.

 

Question:  Hello! My question is, which of the male characters on "ER" are the most fun and enjoyable to be around? Thanks, XFJEFF

CCHPoundr:  If you mean actors, Noah and Eric. If you mean characters, Peter Benton.

 

Question:  CCH, are you pleased with Dr. Hicks' portrayal? Do you feel the writers are keeping her consistent enough? Thanks, and good luck!

CCHPoundr:  I think that the character I've created is consistent only because she's completely contained in the hospital. You know very little of her private life. So far, she's been very consistent.

 

Question:  I think your character on "ER" is great. I love when you put Benton in his place. I wish you continued success and appearances with "ER!"

CCHPoundr:  Ahh, thank you very much!

 

Question:  On "ER," do you really have a doctor on call all the time?

CCHPoundr:  Yes, and nurses as well. Real nurses and real doctors. And in the Operating scenes, real doctors and real nurses are there with us. Usually a real intern from a hospital.

 

Question:  Will Dr. Ross and Carol get back together? Toolz18

CCHPoundr:  They just keep toying with each other, don't they? hahaha ;>

 

Question:  How has "ER" changed your life?

CCHPoundr:  Well, because the series is so popular, there is definitely more Recognition on the general everyday level. Before I was accustomed to recognition from people in the know about certain types of movies, i.e., "Baghdad Cafe" or "X-Files." Sort of culty stuff. Now, everyone thinks I live next door to them. My face is so familiar.
 

Question:  How do you like working with George Clooney. Is he a nice guy, honestly? He isn't looking so you can tell the truth.

CCHPoundr:  Well, George is a sprite. He is a prankster and he is always joking around. He takes very little of this all seriously. Because it took him so long to get a series that hit and stuck, I think he's taking it all with a grain of salt.

 

Question:  CCH, how did you get the "Millennium" and "Face/Off" roles? Did your "ER" work help? Thanks!

CCHPoundr:  I got "Millennium" because of "X-Files." I got "Face/Off" because of a pilot that never made it. "Bump in the Night." That's how I got to know about it. I think I got "House of Frankenstein" because of "ER" where I play a doctor. I'm not sure about that.

 

Question:  I'm not sure if my question got through the first time. CCH, I really enjoy your work. I loved you in "Baghdad Cafe." I've seen it at least half a dozen times, and I still cry every time. It's such a magical film. Was it a good experience making it?

CCHPoundr:  It was the greatest experience I've ever had in my entire career.

 

Question:  First I have to say how much I love "ER," and do you like all of the attention you receive because of the show

CCHPoundr:  Yes, because the show is good. If I were a great character on a crappy show, I wouldn't enjoy it. But because it is a great show with a great ensemble cast, it makes it easier to enjoy in the entire sense.

 

Question:  CCH, I am a young African-American actress that has found it almost IMPOSSIBLE to get started in the acting world. I would LOVE to have the types of roles you get! Do you have a place I can e-mail you so that you can give me advice from time to time?

CCHPoundr:  You can write to me through the Warner Bros. Online area on America Online. It's at keyword WARNER BROS. Go into the Virtual Lot, and you'll find an entire area there devoted to ER. And don't despair, Jazzlz4U -- It *can* be done.

 

Question:  Do you think you have anything in common with Dr. Hicks?

CCHPoundr:  Good question. Yes, I have faith in what I'm doing. And she likes to espouse that to everybody else.

 

Question:  Have you ever stabbed someone by accident with a medical tool?

CCHPoundr:  Never! I'm too brilliant!

 

Question:  In "ER," do you really know what you're really talking about when you're screaming all those different kinds of medicine, or are you just saying them? do you have difficulties remembering the medicines? Thanks

CCHPoundr:  Yes, I do know what I'm saying because we have medical rehearsals as well as theatrical ones. So I know the right part of the body where the instruments should go always for that particular show, and then I forget it after we're completely done.

 

Question:  When did you realize that acting was the career you wanted?

CCHPoundr:  I was already professional for 10 years before I dare say I was an actor to myself.

 

Question:  Were you angry that you did not win the Emmy award?

CCHPoundr:  Oh, no! It was the first time up for the nomination, so I was delighted to be there. One of the things I think was that if I had been entered for "ER" and didn't win, I might have been worried. But as I was entered for "Millenium" and it just had arrived, I felt that people had not yet known the show. But for me, nominations and the actual award are pretty much the same thing. I appreciate them. I bet you that when I actually get one, I'll have a completely different answer.

 

Question:  What do you believe contributed to where you are today?

CCHPoundr:  I don't give up. I'm tenacious. I don't ever put myself in a category. I don't ever say it's because I'm black or because I'm female.

 

Question:  What are your favorite sci-fi movies or books?

CCHPoundr:  I don't have a favorite sci-fi movie. I used to read a lot of Ray Bradbury at one point.

 

Question:  You have made a tremendous impact on "ER," but what's next in your future?

CCHPoundr:  "Face/Off" opens up June 27th. "The House of Frankenstein" will come the week after Hallowe'en, during the 1st week of November.

AOLiveMC9:  Is "The House of Frankenstein" a serious movie or a spoof of the Frankenstein movies?

CCHPoundr:  It's serious. It's not played for the jokes at all. It's pretty weird, especially since they play it in the modern LA. "House of Frankenstein" is like the House of Blues. Lots of pale lipstick and black clothes. They try to put it in that background but it follows the story.

AOLiveMC9:  I will definitely have to see it then:)

 

Question:  How many hours a day do you work for putting a show together?

CCHPoundr:  About 14 hours. That's excluding the work I do before I get on the set, by the way.

 

Question:  Hello, if you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?

CCHPoundr:  Netishka - I am kind, and probably because I grew up in a convent. I've been raised to be kind.

 

Question:  What's it like being on with a bunch of "computer geeks?"

CCHPoundr:  Well, I have a computer myself, so watch how you put those words. I really wish I were a lot better at it than I am, and I would be proud to be a geek. In fact if anyone has advice, the next thing I want is a scanner. I'm going all out.

 

Question:  Hi from Tucson. Do you plan on pursuing more leading roles or are you with an ensemble cast?

CCHPoundr:  I'm always pursuing leading roles. It's every actor's dream.

 

Question:  Where do you see yourself in 7 years?

CCHPoundr:  Well, a couple of things. First of all, acting is not all the be all and end all in terms of a fully rounded life. So my husband and I have been building a small museum in Dakar in Senegal in West Africa. I'd like to note that it is up and running, and hopefully within 70 years everyone will know my name and this non-traditional roles will become common. In other words, I've been cast in roles that were traditionally for men. I'd like to be cast in things regardless of race or gender.

 

Question:  Is there ever a downside to having your birthday on Dec. 25?

CCHPoundr:  Never, because you're family is always home. Obviously, this is a Convent kid who was always in boarding.

 

Question:  Is there a lot of research into your role on "ER?"

CCHPoundr:  Not really because the doctors are on hand. The real ones, that is. So I don't have to go to hospitals anymore.

 

Question:  What actor/actress inspired you most?

CCHPoundr:  Beah Richards. My idol has always been Bette Davis. Very close second is Kate Hepburn.

 

Question:  Do you like "Chicago Hope?"

CCHPoundr:  Yes, it's a good series. I think the difference is that their stories take place in higher echelon in the upper floors, meaning that the stories take a longer time to develop but it loses some of its urgency. That's what "ER" has is the urgency.

 

Question:  What show takes longer to film, "ER" or "Millenium?"

CCHPoundr:  "Millenium."

 

Question:  When is the "ER" season premiere date?

CCHPoundr:  I don't know exactly but it's before the end of September.

 

Question:  Would you ever do a love scene with Doctor Benton If they asked you too?

CCHPoundr:  Oh absolutely. I think it's a great idea.

 

Question:  I am a huge "X-Files" and "Millennium" fan. I was wondering how you feel to have had a role in 2 of TV's creepiest shows?

CCHPoundr:  I'm really very fond of Chris Carter and the work that he does. So he can call me anytime for whatever weirdness he's up to next.

 

Question:  I really like your "ER" character. Is your character going to have a larger role on "ER" next season? After all, she has been on for almost all of the past 3 seasons. Thanks!

CCHPoundr:  No, you might want to take this up with the producers. I was told that she wasn't going to be developed much more than she has already been. For a recurring role, she has had a great deal of airtime. By the letters I get, I see that she's very popular but it is a recurring role so it can't go much further unless they make her a regular.

 

Question:  What does Dr. Hicks *really* think of Benton, in your opinion? Thanks!

CCHPoundr:  Brilliant potential. Arrogance gets in his way. No bedside manner. But underneath all of that, he really wants to be good.

 

Question:  CCH, what has been the funniest thing that has happened to you on the show?

CCHPoundr:  Oh, I wish you could see some of the outtakes. There has been lots. Sometimes I talk really quickly because I have a so called facility with words, and when you run it all together you haven't the faintest idea of what part of the body I've said. It cracks everybody up. Noah Wylie and I always get the medical jargon so everyone is always looking for the great blooper from us.

 

Question:  CCH, I love your body of work. Do you have any medical background you seem to know what you're talking about on "ER?" Thanks.

CCHPoundr:  Oh, that is great. That is called good acting because I have no medical background whatsoever.

 

Question:  I happened to see you on the family channel showing the jewelry you make, which was gorgeous, but I didn't hear how it came about ... also, where can you get it. Thx!

CCHPoundr:  My husband is from West Africa, and I travel with him and collected a lot of antiquities. I'm not a good fund-raiser, so to raise money for the museum I'm building, I decided to sell to jewelry. And I do this along with Marie Rachelson, who is also on "ER." They can call 1-888-Banji-99 and, while we don't have a catalog, but we have a types of jewelry that we make that we'd be glad to show you. You can also check on AOL at http://www.cch.com or http://www.banjiface.com.

 

Question:  CCH, it seems as if Dr. Hicks sees herself in younger Dr. Benton, and that's why she pushes him? Is this intentional?

CCHPoundr:  Not so much that I saw myself, but that I took the idea that, here I have one of my brightest residents and he just needs constant tweaking, really, to make him a great doctor and, more importantly, a great person. So all that potential and not to mold it into something would be a waste for Dr. Hicks. That's why she pushes him. That's how I see my character.

 

Question:  How has your role made you feel about real doctors and nurses? -LAURA WELLS

CCHPoundr:  Wow, a couple of things. For me at one point, doctors, lawyers -- sort of that kind of profession -- always spoke the truth and I never questioned any of them. Whatever they told me, I'd do. Now by doing this role, I realize that we're all human and make mistakes. So now I'm more comfortable with my doctors to ask plenty of questions such as what is this medication for. It makes me a smarter patient. I also hope that "ER" is doing that for the audience as well. Just as it's 20 times more sophisticated than "Dr. Kildare," I hope the audience is 20 times more sophisticated in how they deal with their health.

 

Question:  Is it hard to choreograph the medical procedures on "ER?"

CCHPoundr:  Oh, sometimes it is impossible, but we have to get it done, and we do. We have great people to help us.

 

Question:  Are there going to be any new characters next season?

CCHPoundr:  I don't know who they are but I understand there are going to be 2 New regulars. Where they fit in, I don't know.

 

Question:  What would you like people to learn from your Dr. Hicks?

CCHPoundr:  I think I kind of answered that question when I spoke of being more sophisticated about what to ask your doctor and you're as much a part of the health process.

 

Question:  How many "Milleniums" for next season?

CCHPoundr:  I don't know, and I never know how many they do of either show.

 

Question:  CCH, where do you live and do you shoot the two TV shows in the same cities? How does this work with your schedule!

CCHPoundr:  I live in Los Angeles and I shoot "ER" here. I shoot "Millennium" in Vancouver, and I just double it as best as I can. Only twice have I had overlapping problems and trying to remember who the heck I'm playing that day.

 

Question:  What is Eric LaSalle like to work with? Benton is such a jerk.

CCHPoundr:  Well, you got to know yourself pretty well to feel free enough to Play that type of character. It's not all that it seems. As I said, they're all good actors. Everyone is great to work with. Eric is easy to work with.

 

Question:  You must get tons of fan mail. Is there any one piece of mail that really touched or affected you, and if so in what way? Thanks

CCHPoundr:  Good question. I think it is not one specific one, but the fan mail I like the most has a lot to do with some part I portrayed that moved the fan to do something for themselves. I have a gazillion examples in "Baghdad Cafe."

 

Question:  How long does it take you learn your learn your lines for one episode of "ER?"

CCHPoundr:  I'm really fast. I've got a really special facility for learning lines quickly. However, I never can remember where I put my keys or handbag. So I have a brilliant rote memory but I have a horrible everyday, useful kind.

 

Question:  As a black woman in Hollywood, do you feel you are offered enough different roles to play?

CCHPoundr:  As a woman in Hollywood, no. This is a Hollywood problem to play a particular character well, then the next 20 scripts will be for a character that is similar. Hollywood is constantly categorizing people so they can call them quickly, and you have to constantly break the formula so that you can break different roles. I seem to do that every 7 years. I played victims in the first 7. Now it's authoritative figures. In "Face/Off," I am playing a character with huge flaws.

 

Question:  How did you get involved in "If These Walls Could Talk," and what was it like working with Anne Heche, Cher and Demi Mooore?

CCHPoundr:  I was asked if I would do it. I said yes. And I worked mainly with Demi. I thought, more than anything, our director Nancy Sacovca did a wonderful job making everyone feel as important as everyone else. This way, the job got done in a very efficient manner. She is very, very good.

 

Question:  "Millenium" is one of my favorite shows, but I was wondering do you ever get nightmares from the show? Thanx.

CCHPoundr:  I don't get nightmares but when I was first asked to do it and sent the pilot, I was horrified. I spoke to Chris Carter and wondered what the hell he was thinking. He explained to me that it has a way to develop and sometimes pilots have all the ingredients triple shocked in them to get the audience's attention as shows don't last long if it doesn't catch on quickly. I felt there was no hope in it. He said it was there, but in much more dimmer light. Just give it a chance. Once I got to the episode I was going to do, I really got into it. It was ironic that here I was not wanting to do it, and now he cannot get rid of me.

 

Question:  CCH, I'm interested in hearing about how Dr. Hick's character was originally written and to know what you personally added to the character based on your own life experiences?

CCHPoundr:  What I understand is that after the first few episodes, they felt they didn't have enough strong leaders for these developing doctors. I was asked to come in and do this type of role. I know she was based on a woman from the Caribbean who was an attendant who is a writer. That is Neal Baer. Because she was of Caribbean decent, I felt she probably would have had a very rough time with her medical training. She would have had to been pretty bright to become a teaching doctor. I have given her a personal family life, although it doesn't exist where you can see it. All of the women I know from the Caribbean have great authority, so I've imitated and stolen a lot of their sentiment and feelings.

 

AOLiveMC9:  It has been terrific to have you here this evening CCH Pounder. Thanks so much.

CCHPoundr:  It's the first time that I've done AOL and I must say it was really pleasant. Time went by quickly. Most of all, it's wonderful to hear the question. They're so varied and interesting. "ER," in particular, offers a lot of queries in all different areas. That makes me see why it works so well. Hopefully, we will have another great season that will create as many new and curious questions as the ones you've given me today.

 

AOLiveMC9:  Thank you for joining us audience. Good night everyone!