 
 September 22-24, 2000 Vancouver, British Columbia
 Christopher Judge ("Teal'c") poses with STARGUIDE writer Debra Kraft. |
The world's nicest Jaffa
Christopher Judge gave quite an interesting session on Saturday. He philosophized a bit about love, received a noteworthy gift, invited an audience member on stage and even answered - sort of - the dire question: "boxers or briefs?"
When asked to identify his favorite episode, Christopher answered with "Secrets," stating that he liked the way it built on the relationship between Teal'c and Daniel. Furthering that comment, he noted that the Daniel/Sha're story arch is a poignant one, showing Daniel as an outcast in society who finds his true love only to lose her. From this, Christopher emphasized the importance of holding onto love - that is, if you're lucky enough to find true love, you can't let it go.
He spoke with such an intensity of feeling that I couldn't help but think of my own, poor, abandoned husband back home. I was tempted to sneak out and place a phone call right then and there.
 Daniel Jackson discovers his missing wife in Season Two's "Secrets." |
Speaking of phone calls, Christopher's cell phone rang while he was on stage. He took the call from his own "love," surely embarrassing her with the very public nature of his end of the conversation, then revealed something about cell phones on the set. As several of Gatecon's guests indicated, cell phones on the set are a huge "no-no." Christopher keeps his phone with him as much as possible, noting the importance of staying accessible to his family; and he joked about a time when he forgot to turn his phone off, allowing it to ring during a take. His re-enactment of his attempts to divert attention away from himself so he could covertly turn the phone off while loudly complaining about "whose phone is that?" was well done and appreciated by the audience.
One of the highlights of his session was the presentation of a gift by a member of the audience. Christopher was thrilled to get a black tee-shirt, and before long the rest of us could well understand why. Turning his back to us, he stripped off his own shirt to the whoops and hollers of at least three hundred admirers, then slipped on the new one. When he faced us once more we all got a great laugh. The tee shirt had a white arrow pointing to his abdomen, where the word "Junior" was clearly printed.
 Christopher Judge stars as "Teal'c" on "Stargate SG-1." |
Throughout the Q&A session, Christopher had a running joke going about questions from attendees seated in the last rows. It was nearly impossible for him to see those of us way back yonder. When someone asked a question, he shielded his eyes from the bright lights and struggled to see who it was. Then he quipped, over and over again, as each new question arose from there: "what are you doing way back there? For just a few more bucks you could have been up here!"
Finally, rather than repeating the phrase yet again, he jumped off the stage, plunged down the aisle, grabbed the questioner by the hand, and took her up to the stage. She accepted the challenge, and for a few moments there was a bit of "Tonight Show" déjà vu as she sat in one chair with her mic and asked questions to Christopher, sitting opposite her.
One of the more entertaining answers he provided during the general Q&A session had to do with the blond fuzz on his chin, as seen in the first few episodes of Season Four. It was a minor coup when he was allowed to sport that fuzz, but after a while it started to bother him. His efforts to keep it bleached were causing him problems he did not want to admit to. His biggest problem was that it started falling out in clumps. Yet how could he get rid of the thing after all the fuss he caused to keep it in the first place?
Fortunately for him, the episode "Beneath the Surface" presented a dilemma to the producers. Given the personality make-overs forced upon SG-1 in that episode, the blond fuzz didn't seem appropriate. Well, what could Christopher do but acquiesce, and surrender his dear fuzz? Thus he's clean shaven once more, and quite happy to be that way.
 Teal'c and a Goa'uld symbiote in Season Four's "Crossroads." |
When someone asked about the audition process which netted him his role as Teal'c, Christopher revealed that he, Amanda Tapping and Michael Shanks found each other in a waiting room with several other actors and actresses, all vying for the roles of Richard Dean Anderson's teammates. These three were naturally drawn together, and spent most of their waiting time as a group. Yet neither knew that all three had been awarded parts until they met the first day on the set. This came as a pleasant surprise.
This story emphasizes the closeness and comradery that seems to be so prevalent among not only the cast, but also the crew of "Stargate SG-1." I've often seen this sense of family mentioned in articles, and all of GATECON's attendees bore witness to it throughout the weekend. Surely it accounts for much of the show's ongoing success.
As to the "boxers or briefs" question, Christopher stated that it was neither, and insisted he simply could not prove his choice as J.R. and Jay had done earlier.
In addition to such enlightening answers, Christopher also provided a couple of newsworthy tidbits. First, he promised that the episode under Michael Shanks' direction, "Double Jeopardy," is the second biggest since the pilot. That's quite a promise, and gives us all something to truly look forward to - in addition to "2010," which Amanda Tapping had earlier advised us would reveal some very interesting things about our favorite characters. Christopher also indicated that Michael was handling his directorial debut very well.
 Teal'c undercover in Season Four's "Point of No Return" |
His second, and more startling announcement was that he is starting up a production company with a partner, whom he identified only as "Jack" - though he did indicate Jack is a writer who recently launched a magazine called "Frequency." Apparently, Christopher had seen a script Jack had written. He quipped that as he read the first twenty pages he thought the writing was garbage, yet he kept reading, absolutely enthralled, and finally came to the conclusion that Jack's writing was brilliant. That was when he knew he wanted Jack to be his partner.
Some attendees expressed concern that this development might indicate Christopher could be considering leaving "Stargate SG-1." He denied that, however, and stated he was simply looking for stability in the future. He does not want to end up doing infomercials down the road when the show inevitably ceases production.
Their first project, by the way, is in the science-fiction genre.
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