Interview with Jason Momoa

Q & A

Interview with Jason Momoa (7/23/05)

How did you get into acting?
    I really got into acting after “Baywatch Hawaii”, prior to that it was luck. I started taking classes when the show ended.

Were you a fan of the feature film or SG-1 before auditioning?
    No, only because I’m not a big TV fan, actually I don’t own one.

Can you tell us a little about the audition for Stargate Atlantis?
    One thing comes to mind…After several auditions, I now got to ‘test’ for the role. Unfortunately the night before, my house had a gas leak leaving me very tired,    red eyes and kinda blacking out throughout the day…worked for getting the part of Ronon though. I would not recommend this for anyone, including me, but it did take the edge off.

What do you like best about the character Ronan Dex?
    His hair.

Can you describe how you felt when learned you had won the role of Dex?
    Like any role you get, you feel like a lottery winner.

Do you like living in Vancouver? Do you ever miss Hawaii?
    Love Vancouver, Hawaii…sure, I still have family there and I love Hawaiian food.

What personality traits do you share with Ronan Dex?
    Not too many, Ronon is primal, I’m not…we only share the hair.

You know they will eventually create an action figure of Ronan Dex as well as a character in a video game. How do you feel about this?
    That would be awesome. I love playing Ronan Dex.

So do you look forward to all of the conventions ahead that you're going to be undoubtedly doing?
    I have a phobia with large crowds, I feel ill. One on one, I much prefer.

What’s your favorite prop on the show, your gun, your jacket, Etc?
    The gun.

Do you see any romance in the future for Ronan and Teyla?
    No.

You are shooting literally next door to SG-1. Have you had a chance to hang out with any of the cast members?
    Yes, we do share the same lot with SG1, I haven’t had a chance to hang out with everyone from that show. Chris Judge and Beau Bridges were over at my house, it was an honor to sit and talk to him about art, acting…

What do you most look forward to about the years ahead?
    Starting a family, doing a movie, another art show, finish writing my movie and seeing it on screen…not in any order.

Have you had any conversations with the writers over where you'd like to see the character go in the future?
    I do have some ideas, but being the new guy on the show, my character has been mapped out for the first season.

Tell us about your fellow cast members. How are you enjoying working with them?
    Well, first off, everyone accepted me right away. Imagine going to work every day, learning and laughing.

Do you think the show could go for six years or eight years?
    Sure!

What character have you enjoyed playing the most over the past few years?
    Ronan Dex, he’s he opposite of who I am.

Now that you’re a big television star, are you going to buy your mother that DVD player she needs? We hear she wants one for Christmas.
    She’ll have to see what Santa brings.

Do you keep in touch with any of the cast members from North Shore or Baywatch.
    Yes, all the time. And my fiancé, Simmone, we met on the set of ‘Baywatch Hawaii’

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not acting? What are your hobbies?
    Reading, art, writing, traveling…I rock climb and am learning to kayak.

Favorites
Food: Japanese food, mom’s apple pie.
Drink: Red wines, Guiness, Mountain Sun Brews ( in Boulder, Co )
Movie: Basquat, Streetcar Named Desire
Type of Music: Big Blues and Jazz fan. Ani diFranco. Tom Waits.
Artist: Antonio Tapais & Cy Twombly
TV Show:…Sorry no TV
Jim Henson character: Oscar the Grouch

Who is your role model?
    My Mom

If you were on a deserted island and could only bring 3 items, what would they be?
    If I couldn’t take Simmone…then, “Wilson”, the ball from ‘Castaway’, pencil and paper.

Of all the people you have met as an actor, who made you go “I can’t believe I’m talking to…?”
    David Hewlett. :-)

How many hours do you work in a day?
    12-13 hrs

Do you have any pets?
    2 Dogs, Vajra Kila and Mahakala

We know that for the moment you’re still a bachelor. What’s in your refrigerator right now?
    Always cottage cheese, several different types of mustards and cheeses, fresh veggies and roast beef. Sometimes caviar.

What kind of vehicle do you drive?
    My dream car…1978 Land Cruiser

Have you had a chance to watch any of this seasons episodes of SG-1 or Atlantis?
    I’ve only seen ‘Runner’, I’m proud of it too.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
    Nothing, My pluses and minuses are who I am.

What would you tell someone who wants to get into the acting business?
    Study, not only in classes and workshops, but the world around you. You only have to look to see your next character, trait or a way to walk…it’s right in front of you.