Christopher Judge On Teal'c’s Bigger Role In SG-1
3 September 2005
When Christopher Judge first took on the role of Stargate SG – 1’s resident Jaffa Teal’c no one ever thought that the show would run to 9 years. However during those 9 years his role in the series has slowly gone from being the strong silent tough guy of the show to a somewhat more vocal part of the team, more so in the last two years than ever before. In a brief interview in issue 134 of SFX the actor addressed some of these issues as well as his thoughts on the changes, which have transpired this season.
In the past Teal’c has always been a more silent background character to the action who has only come foreword for the more action orientated scenes in the series, this meant that Christopher Judge tended not really be required to say very much other than the odd line of dialogue to help move the exposition of the story along, however all that has changed in the new season of the show.
“I’m the first to admit to having been a lazy son of a bitch in previous years. I didn’t really have to read the scripts because, for most part, Teal’c would just stand and raise an eyebrow or utter an appropriate ‘Indeed’ every once in awhile. Now, that’s all changed too, because I’m working with a whole new bunch of people who are all sharp as new pins and right on the ball. I’m having to pay attention. Previously, I could almost wing it, but now I really need to know what’s going on in a scene, what came before and what’s meant to come after, because you never know what might happen next. The choices our new guys make and the ad – libs they throw your way mean you have to stay on your toes. It’s wonderful. It’s like learning to act all over again.”
Among the actors that Judge is referring too are new cast members Ben Browder, Beau Bridges and Claudia Black who have all brought something new to the show. Judge is very supportive of the new cast members and has enjoyed the experience of working with Hollywood Veteran Movie Star’s Beau Bridges and Lois Gossett Jnr.
“Beau Bridges is very gracious and has a terrific take on the General, and working with Louis Gossett is a real privilege. I’ve known him for a long time but not as an equal, so to speak. I used to coach his son’s Basketball team, so just knew him as Mr Gossett, a father. He was, and still is, a lovely, lovely man. Working with him and Beau Bridges has been inspirational.”
Judge also likes the new direction that Stargate is going in and feels that the new cast and story elements were just what the show needed.
“What I love is that we’ve got new enemies and new cast members and sets and stuff, but in a sense, we’re getting back to what made Stargate SG – 1 so good in the first place. We’ve gone back to out roots, where we’re essentially a team of explorers going off and having adventures. It really is great to be back.”
You can read the full version of this brief interview with Christopher Judge in issue 134 of SFX Magazine.
If you would like to discuss this or any other story that you see posted at Sci Fi Pulse why not log in and register an account with the good folk at www.gaspode.net .
