33 Questions with Colin Cunningham

From a hotel room somewhere in the world, actor Colin Cunningham (“Major Paul Davis”) answers questions about himself, Stargate SG-1, and whether we’ll be seeing anymore of his character in the months ahead.

What drew you to acting?
My best friend Mark Rickerby in Los Angeles convinced me to try out for a college play. God knows where I’d be without him.

If you won an Oscar who would you thank first?
Madison Graie — my best friend, acting coach, peer and business partner. Been there when I had nothing. Helped in everything I’ve accomplished since. And, I’d most certainly thank one of the most influential people I’ve ever known, a dear, dear friend whom I’ve been trying to get a hold of for years. A beautiful woman by the name of Anne MacIntyre.

You’re writing your autobiography. What’s the title?
“Wish I Had A Life As Great As Mine”

Boxer, briefs, or commando?
Diaper.

Any cool new projects?
I’m producing and directing a new music video for Country Music Television (CMT). It’s for a great singer / songwriter by the name of Gord Bamford. Looking forward to that.

Also, I’m beginning to produce my next feature, “The Method,” slated to shoot spring / summer of next year. The new season of DaVinci’s Inquest has just started up. Going to Budapest in November to shoot a TV show called The Collector. Then, I’m off to Nice, France and Nuremberg, Germany for Stargate conventions.

And, I’m waiting to hear on a couple of auditions I had last week. Wish me luck.

Will we see Major Davis in Season Nine of SG-1?
Ahh! I’ve lost count. What season are we in now? Eight or Nine? Either way, I certainly hope so.

Do you have a girlfriend, single or otherwise involved?
Single. Last one broke my heart … still dealing with that.

What attracts you to ask someone out on a date?
Independence. Confidence. Uses her mind as a tool to get ahead, not her t***.

Favorite job (besides acting), and why?
CIA operative. Can’t really get into it, but the dental is good.

Favorite movie / TV show?
“Run Lola Run” and I Love Lucy.

Vancouver or LA?
Vancouver for sure. People may appreciate a show you’ve worked on, but otherwise could care less. You’re no more important than the next guy.

In LA, they look upon “actors” as gods when in fact quite a lot of them are drug addicts, mental patients, and losers. When they’re not checking themselves into rehab, they’re spouting off about world affairs. And to think that people actually listen to these idiots blows my mind. I’m consistently amazed that the public actually values their opinions and find great interest in what these morons have to say. It’s ridiculous.

Actors in Vancouver sign the odd autograph. In Los Angeles, they become presidents and governors.

When you read a script, what gets you to say, “I wanna do this?”
My landlord.

You play sax. Does anyone inspire you (e.g. Miles Davis, David Sanborn …)?
Sanborn, without question.

What do you consider your best attribute?
My values.

What do you do in your off time?
Dream of getting back to work.

How has being a recognized actor changed your life?
I can’t go to a nude beach anymore, in case somebody takes a picture of my willy.

At your first convention, what was your first thought and why didn’t you think you were worthy to be there?
First thought was actually, “This is pretty cool.” As for not thinking I was “worthy,” not sure. Probably because I didn’t feel that I’d earned it.

What was Arnold like?
Loved working with the guy. Truly. That, and what’s to say? The guy is a self-made man. And I admire the hell out of that. A guy comes to a foreign country, doesn’t speak the language, wins one of the most disciplined of sporting events seven times, then takes on the most difficult and fickle business in the world, becoming the biggest name on the planet. Then as a capper, becomes the governor of the great state of California. I bow to the man.

Favorite food?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Really.

Silk or cotton?
Burlap.

Ice cream or chips?
Pad Thai.

Sunrise or sunset?
Somewhere in between.

What, if anything, have you had to give up since becoming a star?
A star? That’s a good one. I’m definitely not a star. Stars have heart-shaped swimming pools.

But if the word “celebrity” ever applies, then I would have to say that the number one thing that is “compromised” (and God forbid ever lost) would be my anonymity. I can’t stand being recognized. Truly. The only thing I could ever wish for in my career is that people may wonder, “Do I know that guy from somewhere?” Otherwise, I prefer to be completely invisible.

What one thing would fans be surprised to learn about you?
I sleep with my dog.

Do you like high budget or low budget films?
No difference. Some good, some bad. All great.

If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
Acting.

It’s 2 a.m. and you can’t sleep. What would you be doing?
Answering interview questions on my laptop in a hotel room. (Otherwise you’d catch me at Denny’s writing.)

Of all the instruments you play, what is your favorite?
The “catpipes.” That’s where you take a cat and play it like the bagpipes. You flip it upside down, put it’s tail in your mouth and squeeze ’till it howls.

Favorite SG-1 episode?
The next one.

Favorite crayon color?
Black. Wait … can I say black? I mean African American. No, wait. I mean …

And not that I’m prejudice against any of the other colors. They’re great, too. They are all great and “equal” in their own way. Separate, but equal. So, if I could just say instead, “All of them.” All of them are great.

You didn’t print that other bit, did you?

Coffee, tea, or …
Glue.

What’s it like filming SG-1 with Richard Dean Anderson and Chris Judge being such jokesters?
Always a blast.

Do you think we are alone in the universe?
Should we ever find intelligent life on this planet, I’ll let you know.