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In the episode the owner of Drake’s Magic Shop in New York is found drowned in Houdini’s famous water torture tank, and Castle and Beckett must venture into the world of magic to find the killer. The duo meet master magician Tobias Strange, played by Gilles Marini.

Meanwhile, the magicians aren’t the only ones keeping secrets, as a new romantic relationship is revealed for Esposito and Lanie.

Brett: Dear Sandra: Yes, I’m sure I’ll do some more TV movies in the future but right now I have nothing to tell you to watch out for. I’m looking for a good western right now but they are awfully hard to get the networks or the studios to make them because for some reason they don’t believe they’ll make any money. Take care, Brett

Question: Brett, I have one question to ask you. What do you do when you go to public places and fans recognize you? I mean, if you and your family go out for dinner, how do you avoid fans coming up to you? Rachel

Brett: Dear Rachel: Thanks for writing and it’s an interesting question. Generally, I’m not recognized by people out in public but when it happens I tend to say hello and answer whatever questions they may have, sign an autograph and then get back to my family and our meal. If I was constantly being barraged by autograph seekers I don’t think I would go out in public so much because it’s very difficult to have a meal with family or friends while being scrutinized every single moment. But I don’t have that problem and I must say I’m relieved to retain my privacy. I must say that when I hear celebrities complain about being bothered by their public it makes me think that they should be thankful that they have a public who admires them and not be rude to them because without an audience we don’t have a job! Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, My name is Tina. I love Legacy. It is my favorite show. I was wondering if you are still in contact with the other Legacy cast members?

Brett: Hi Tina. I’ve stayed in touch with Sarah Rayne, who played my youngest daughter, and her family. Ron Melendez and I try to get together occasionally but not enough and I see Jeremy every once in a while. I’m glad you were a fan of Legacy and thanks for writing! Happy Holidays! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, really enjoyed your performance in ‘From the Earth to the Moon’ as Dave Scott – had the pleasure of meeting Dave a few years ago in the UK. Pretty awesome guy – one of the true astronaut greats! What were your favorite memories of ‘From the Earth to the Moon’? All the best, Brian

Brett: Hi Brian, I had the extreme pleasure of first getting to know Dave Scott on “Apollo13″ when he was Astronaut Technical Advisor on the movie and then had the honor of playing Dave in “From The Earth To The Moon.” One night after shooting a scene in Barrego Springs out in Palm Desert…having had a few cocktails…I started to explain to our waitress in a voice that was a tad bit loud, that the gentlemen talking to our producer two tables away was an American hero who had driven the Lunar Rover on the moon. Now I must explain that Dave doesn’t like the limelight and most certainly doesn’t like to draw attention to himself…that being said and picking up where I was describing Dave’s accomplishments, Dave very quietly, and without looking up at me, said out of the side of his mouth,” Shut up, Brett.” And I did because he is a true American icon who just did his job and didn’t want everyone heralding his accomplishments. Dave also invited me and my family over to watch the episode that recounted his Apollo 15 mission and it was a night I will never forget. We barbecued and then I sat next to Dave while we watched the show. After the show he turned to me and very quietly said, “Thank you.” That moment made my year and I’ll never forget it! Happy holidays! Brett Cullen

Question: After appearing on the Incredible Hulk did you ever have any other times spent with Bill Bixby? Did you enjoy working with him? Little was told about him except he was a strong personal actor. Jill in Florida

Brett: Hi Jill, I only worked with Mr. Bixby the one time but I found him to be a very interesting and giving actor. He never tried to do anything but help his fellow actors. One day I asked him if he would run the dialogue in our scene with me. He turned and looked at me with a very severe glance and said “I don’t run lines…that’s the script supervisor’s job…if you want to rehearse with me let’s do it but don’t waste my time just running lines.” I knew immediately I was working with a professional who wanted me to be as good as I could be but also someone who expected me to do my homework and be prepared! I know that I’m making him sound tough but I must add his son had just passed away a month or so before and I’m sure being on a TV set didn’t really fit into his top five priorities. He was very kind to me and gave me some very valid advice and led by example and I’ll never forget how supportive he was to me during what was probably the worst personal crisis a parent could go through.

Question: Hey Brett. Do you have Jeremy Garrett, Ron Melendez, and Grayson McCouch’s email address? And are you done with your Christmas shopping? Rachel

Brett: Hi Rachel! No, I don’t have their e-mail addresses but I do have their phone numbers. Would they get mad at me if I gave them to you? LOL…LOL…And yes, I have finished shopping! YEAH! Happy Holidays!

Question: Brett: What do you do all day if you don’t have a “regular” job? Mow the lawn, take out trash? I know actors don’t work everyday…but what do you do in between? I just can’t picture you taking out the trash….sort of like trying to picture Babs taking out the trash or mowing the lawn….nah, just can’t see that. Love ya, Rosie

Brett: Yes, Rosie, I take out the trash. I wash the dishes. I pick up my daughter at school. I take her to school and I go to the gym. I play golf. I go surfing and sometimes I just stay home and read. We actors are no different than you are and if someone believes they are better they are full of BULL! We just get paid to act and the rest of our lives are EXACTLY the same. So have a happy holidays and when you are taking out your garbage this holiday season think of me and KNOW I’m doing the same! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett! What do you think of fan fiction (where people write stories based on characters from movies or TV shows)? I was kinda surprised to see that there’s so much of it on the Internet and actually quite a few stories based on the characters from Young Riders! Was just curious what you think about it. See ya, Bobbie

Brett: Hi Bobbie, I have no idea what fan fiction is. I’ve never read any and wasn’t aware that it was anywhere on the net…sorry! Happy Holidays! Brett Cullen

Question: Happy Holidays, Brett! I was wondering if you have any special Christmas traditions at your house? Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? What did you ask Santa to bring you? J Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Marie

Brett: Hi Marie. We celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day, but we also open one present on Christmas Eve! That’s about it! Happy Holidays!

Question: Dear Brett: Have you been naughty or nice this year? LOL. Your fan, Deb

Brett: What kind of question is that? Of course I’ve been nice!

Question: Dear Brett, I am curious to know please how your Yellow Rose production company projects with Meat Loaf (of whom I am also a big fan too) are coming along. Can you give an indication of when we will be able to see them? Good luck with Yellow Rose and everything else you are doing and are going to do. Thank you. Shane

Brett: Hi Shane. We are currently trying to find a director for one of the projects and the other one, called “Flamenco,” is sort of on the back burner until we attach a star to it. Thanks for asking!

Brett: Anne, I have NO idea what will become of that film…I really don’t…..Sorry. Brett

Question: Hi Brett, I just got back from seeing “The Replacements” and had a question. I was wondering where the stadium scenes were shot. I am a native of Denver and the stadium looked like Coors Field from the outside? Also, I thought you were GREAT in the movie, very convincing! Thanks, Tom

Brett: Hi Tom, We shot the football sequences in Baltimore Ravens stadium. It was quite a thrill to be playing on that field where the real games are played. Thanks for writing!

Question: Hello. I’m a big fan of westerns and would love to see you in another Western genre project. So my question is: Is there a character in history that you would love to play… ie. Wyatt Earp, Bowie, etc. or perhaps a character from the Civil War? Thanks for your time. Raydeen from Las Vegas

Brett: Hi Raydeen, I would love to play a character from the history of the Alamo such as Davy Crockett but there is a western book called Monty Walsh and I would love to play him. He’s not a historical character but it’s one of the finest books I’ve ever read about the West.

Question: The two characters in The Replacements that got the biggest audience response were Martel and Bateman. What’s it like for you when you’re watching the movie and people are hissing at you and cheering when you’re getting your butt kicked? Sandy

Brett: Hi Sandy, Thanks for writing! Playing Martel and being booed and hissed at just tells me I’ve done my job very well. It’s kinda fun to go to the theater and hear peoples’ reaction to your character. The secret is to get out of there before the lights come up..LOL…Brett Cullen

Question: Hey Brett. Would love to see a sequel to “Stewardess School.” Any chance of that? Opus

Brett: Opus, No NO NO No NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question: Brett, after the screen fades to black do you ever devise your own endings for your characters? For instance did your character lose his job to the scab or did he come back a changed man? Cass

Brett: Hi Cass, Interesting question and one that I think most actors do dwell on. Yes, I believe that your character does go on in your mind but it’s the imagination of the audience that matters most. But I don’t think Martel loses his job to Falco because he’s a pro bowl quarterback and will come back with the rest of the team. Actually Martel just wants to win and in the original script there was a scene where Martel is watching the end of the game in the equipment room he’s locked in. When the team wins you got to see his joy that the team won. Unfortunately, it made him look likable and that didn’t help with what the director was trying to accomplish in the film…I was the villain. Thanks for writing..Brett Cullen

Question: I thought it was awesome how they had a deaf player. It really shows how you can achieve anything, especially when he got the touchdown at the end. His character really impacted me, did he have an effect on you? Alexis

Brett: I thought David Denman did a wonderful job playing his character but unfortunately I was supposed to hate those guys. But I became good friends with David and he is a great guy. I think the efforts of deaf people are amazing. I used to coach an all girls softball team and our best player was deaf. She was incredible and a joy to work with.

Question: Are you a football fan and if so, who is your favorite team? Jan

Brett: Hi Jan, Yes I’m a football fan and was a Houston Oilers fan but now I have to pull for the Tennessee Titans until the Houston Texans enter the League next year. Thanks for writing! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett: I was wondering…what song(s) do you put on when you’re in a good mood? Or if you’re bummed, what music do you put on? If you had to choose your all-time favorite song that always makes you happy, what would it be? Thanks and I think you’re so hot and an amazing actor. Caren

Brett: Caren, Thank you for your kind words and for writing! I don’t have a single song that can pick me up when I’m down but I do love the blues, and Van Morrison can always pick me up. Sometimes when my daughter, wife and I are driving around we listen to musicals like “West Side Story” or “My Fair Lady” and my daughter just loves it. I recently played a song for my daughter that I told her she will always know reminds me of her, and that was Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open.” It makes me remember the moment I found out we were going to have a baby and how amazed I was and blessed I felt. But I also like Santana and B. B. King and Neil Young, Shawn Colvin, Lyle Lovett….the list goes on…Brett Cullen

Question: If you could choose your favorite motto or saying or something that sums up how you approach life, etc, what would it be? Your fan, Caren

Brett: “Work like you don’t need money; Love like you’ve never been hurt; Dance like nobody’s watching!”

Question: Hi Brett, I was wondering if you could tell me how people become casting directors. Do they go to college? Also, what do the letters at the end of their names mean? I believe the letters are CSA. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Kelley

Brett: Kelley, I’m not sure how you become a casting agent but a lot of people who do work in casting start as interns and learn that aspect of the business before getting the opportunity to actually cast. The good casting agents see all the TV and Films that are out there so they know who is good and exciting and will know who’s in the talent pool when someone asks. I think a degree in the arts could help but I don’t think it’s a must. I don’t know what CSA means… Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett: I’m interested in knowing more about you being a surfer. I think that’s way cool. How did you get into it? What boards do you use? Surf clothes, etc? Can you put a picture of you surfing on the web site? Thanks, Adam

Brett: Adam, I started surfing at the age of 8 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. From the time I was 13 I traveled to California, Mexico, Florida and The Caribbean every summer. I would go to one of those places and try to just surf all summer. Right now I have 4 surfboards that I ride. Three are Becker Surfboards and one is an Andy Johnston design out of Hawaii. I have surfed in Australia, Hawaii, Baja California, California; but my favorite place to surf right now is on Kauai. I will try to find a shot of me surfing to put on the site so you can see me in action! LOL…..Brett Cullen

Question: Hey Brett: I have a question. Which of these would you prefer to do? A movie that goes to theaters or one that goes Direct-to-video? Thanks, Kole

Brett: Kole, You always want your movies to open in theaters first…ALWAYS! Brett Cullen

Question: What was the first ‘Hollywood’ premiere you attended as an actor and what was that experience like? Sandy

Brett: Sandy, I honestly don’t remember, but it must have been fun because I keep going to them! LOL…..Brett

Question: I once read that you liked to play baseball. Who would you like to play in a movie about the game? Thanks, Sabrina

Brett: Sabrina, I played baseball until I was twenty and then moved into theater arts. But I would love to do a film about baseball….I would LOVE to! Brett

Brett: Hi Cass, I’m not certain why westerns don’t do very well in prime time, but my guess would be that they are too expensive and it doesn’t play into the advertisers’ demographic audience. But I sure love doing westerns and would love to do a “Young Riders” movie. I would guess that Sam and Emma are happily married and that Sam is the head of the Texas Rangers! That would be fun, huh? All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi, Brett! I am a big-time fan and I loved every single one of your movies including “The Terror Inside,” “Apollo 13,” “Perfect Body” (my personal favorite), “Courage Under Fire” and “Something Borrowed, Something Blue.” I would like to know more about you (type or types of music you listen to, favorite musical band/artists, birthday, TV shows, etc). Edwin

Brett: Hi Edwin, I love all kinds of music, especially the blues, and my birthday is August 26th. The rest of the stuff you can find out on the web site. Thanks for writing! Brett Cullen

Question: Brett, Greetings from a fellow Native Texan! First, I would like to say, while I have been a fan of yours for quite a while, I really loved your work in “Legacy” and was very sorry to see it go. Did you enjoy working with the other actors on the show, specifically Grayson McCouch? Also, there is a hunting ranch that I pass quite often near Quinlan, Texas called the Cullen Ranch…any relation? All my best, Lori Borden

Brett: Hi Lori, Yes I loved working on “Legacy” and with the rest of the cast. Grayson was a great guy to work with and we had a lot of fun outside of work too. The ranch you pass is my cousin’s son’s ranch and I’ve never been to it. Go see “The Replacements” when it opens in August, OK? All the best. Brett Cullen

Question: Mr. Cullen, This is an outdoorsy question. I’m thinking about going horseback riding this summer and haven’t ridden in a long time. I’m 25 and no equestrian, but what advice would you give to a novice? Wanna go with and be my “coach”? Respectfully, Paul

Brett: Hi Paul, My advice to you about horseback riding is this: 1) Ride a very mild-mannered horse first. 2) Have someone else ride along on their horse. 3) Just walk your horse around a corral for an hour or so talking to your friend without focusing on riding. Just sit on your horse and relax. It helps sometimes to keep your feet out of the stirrups so you can just sit and feel how the horse moves. Many people, when they first ride, put all their tension in their legs and kick the horse by accident or just plain tense up their legs and the horse can sense that. After an hour you’ll realize you’re actually comfortably riding the horse and you can then start progressing your riding. 4) You are smarter than the horse and must show him you feel comfortable on him or her. If they feel you tense up… THEY tense up. So RELAX…that’s the most important tip I can give you, but I’m no expert…LOL…And …Be Careful! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. You mentioned before on the site that you had a horse, Serena. Do you live on a ranch? And do you ride her often? Can’t wait for “The Replacements.” Even if you are the bad guy! I sure miss seeing you every week on Legacy. Love, Jan

Brett: Hi Jan, Yes I do have a horse and she lives on a ranch in Ojai Valley near Santa Barbara. I live near the beach in LA and I love it! I can’t wait for “The Replacements” either. Take Care. Brett Cullen

Question: Hiya, where did you learn that really cool trick you did a couple times on “Legacy” where you spin your hat in your hand? It’s a good one. Ann

Brett: Hi Ann, I learned that trick from a friend of mine I used to rodeo with. He’s also a really great musician and his name is Craig Carter and now lives in Nashville. Take Care. Brett Cullen

Question: Mr Cullen: I know you get a lot of “Legacy” questions, but I hope you’ll answer one more. I still can’t believe the show is gone. I watched “Legacy” because of Ned. He was very real to me, thanks to you. I miss him like I miss an old friend, which made me wonder how it must be for you. Do you get wrapped up in the characters you play and miss them when they are gone? Especially a character like Ned? I just really miss him like he was real! LOL. You did such a wonderful job portraying him. Thank you. Helen

Brett: Hi Helen, Thanks for writing and to answer your question, yes I miss Ned too. No, I can walk away from a character I’m playing but you do grow very fond of certain characters and Ned was one of those. I miss playing him and I miss the show more than you can know. Take care..Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett! Looking forward to “The Replacements” in a few months. My question is: Are you going to have another official chat when the movie comes out? Cady

Brett: Hi Cady, I’m sure that Mare will persuade me to do one…LOL…she can be very persuasive. All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. Will “The Replacements” have a big Hollywood premiere, and if so, will you attend? Will you be on any talk shows or do interviews to promote the movie? I would love to see you on Letterman. I bet you could hold your own with him! I’ll be watching E! to see the premiere…I hope you go! Thanks for answering this. Steph P.S. I think you are so fine (I could never say that to your face, but this is easier!)

Brett: Hi Steph, Yes I will go to the premiere and I hope it is very successful! And thank you for those kind words! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, I have a serious question relating to life now for kids. When you were young, let’s say early teens, did your grandparents play an important part in your life, and if they did , did you learn something from them that you didn’t already know? Also, are you glad you listened to them with that advice! A friend, Jill

Brett: Hi Jill, I didn’t really spend that much time with my grandparents. I never knew my mother’s dad but she says I’m a lot like him. But I wish I had and would have listened to him…he’d been around and seen more of life than me. So, yes, I would have…if I had the chance. Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. Do you wear cologne, and if so, what kind?

Brett: No, I do not wear cologne…..maybe I should…LOL…Brett

Question: Hey Brett: In Entertainment Weekly magazine they ask movie stars what book they are reading (or the last one they read) and what’s in their CD player right now…so that’s what I’d like to ask you! Love, Jess

Brett: Hi Jess, I just finished “The Gates Of The Alamo” by Stephen Harrigan and I’ve just started reading Robert Crais’ “Demolition Angel.” I have three CDs in my player and they are Susan Tedeschi’s “Just Won’t Burn,” New Radicals and Van Morrison’s “Tupelo Honey.” So there you have it. All the Best, Brett Cullen

Question: What person or persons would you like to work with that you have not worked with yet? Are there any new projects that you are excited about working on that you could share with your fans? Have you written any books or do you make any public appearances that the fans could meet you and get your autograph? What one person or thing has inspired you in your life along the way? Is there a particular role or character that you like to portray? Thanks, Hilary Light, a long time fan

Brett: Hi Hilary, I have a long list of actors I’d like to work with but I’ve enjoyed working with most of the people I have worked with up to this point. And I’m real excited about “The Replacements” coming out in August and no, I’ve never written a book. But thanks for asking..LOL…Brett Cullen

Question: Mr. Cullen, I rented the movie “Prehysteria” for my six year old son and we liked it so much I looked up your web site to see what other movies you had acted in. I read some of the question and answer section and you mentioned you were married. I think that is so wonderful. My question is how long have you been married? I have been married for seven wonderful years. Take care and my best to you. T.C. from Missouri

Brett: Hi TC, Thanks for writing and for renting “Prehysteria.” I have been married for nine years and we had been dating seven years before that….and they have been a great 16 years! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, Recently, my best friends and I took a trip to Disneyland. After departing from Pirates of Carribean we strolled through the gift shops in New Orleans Square and we believe that we saw you and Catherine O’Hara. We were tempted to approach you and ask if you were who we thought you were but we assumed you were on vacation so we did not want to bother you. Really, we don’t have a question but we can’t believe we saw someone famous. Hope you had fun at Disneyland. Hope to see you in many more movies. Sincerely your fans, Amanda, Angela, Kim, and Jennifer

Brett: Dear Amanda, Angela, Kim And Jennifer, Yes, I was at Disneyland with my family and Catherine and her son were with us. Thank you for respecting my privacy…Next time you see me, just walk up and say hello…it won’t upset me, I promise. Take Care, Brett Cullen

Brett: Hi Erin. No, they never did show Melissa Leo and I getting married…they just announced it on the show…and who wouldn’t be attracted to one of the most beautiful women on the face of the earth….LOL….Yes, I was very attracted to Julia, but I’m happily married and think my wife is the MOST beautiful woman on the face of the earth. Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, I just wanted to let you know I saw your movie “The Expendables” last night and I thought it was great! What is like working with Robin Givens? Where did you film this movie? Did you have to do any special training for this movie? I hope you got both of my Easter cards I sent you and liked them both! Erin

Brett: Hi Erin. Thanks for watching “The Expendables” and for being so sweet. Yes, I received the cards and I thank you. Robin Givens was just a real pleasure to work with and lots of fun to hang out with. My wife and I both think the world of her…..we shot the movie in Rosarita Beach, mostly in Baja, Mexico….Take care Erin! Brett Cullen

Question: I have started watching “Young Riders” in reruns again. That was a great show and I enjoyed everyone’s acting in it. It wasn’t quite the same after you and Melissa Leo left the show. I know there were other things going on, but missed you both. Was wondering if the cast was as friendly as they appeared to be? With all you good looking guys on one set, would think some problems might have happened? What was Melissa and Yvonne like? Joyce

Brett: Hi Joyce. I appreciate your thoughts on the “Young Riders” and I agree with your assessment of the show after Melissa and I left…LOL…..but everyone got along really well on the show and Melissa and Yvonne were just great. Thanks for writing and take care! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett – While waiting for your next event on the 25th, I have been tuning into Falcone on CBS – WOW – I like it better than Sopranos – I like the mix of good guys and bad…it’s more believable to me being an East Coast person, etc. Anyway, have you seen it and what do you think? See you the 25th. Christy

Brett: Hi Christy. Sorry it’s taken so long to answer your question…but unfortunately we LOVE the Sopranos and it doesn’t have any commercials on HBO…I love HBO because of that…network television doesn’t have the same freedom as cable networks do and I think that the Sopranos is a fine example of that. All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hello Dan Fixx, I’m one of the greatest and craziest “Falcon Crest” fans, which was the reason to look at this site. My question is how you see your role as Dan Fixx in retrospect. Antonia

Brett: Hi Antonia. I don’t really have much of a retrospective on him because it’s been so many years ago…but if I had to say something about him it would be this: He was an ex-convict with a golden heart and you’d want him on your side when the S–t hit the fan! Excuse the expression, but it was used by one of the producers to explain my character…so there it is! All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi. Which role was the most challenging of those available on tape? Did this role also represent what you consider to be your best effort at your craft on tape? The one you would show to cinch a really emotional part? Enjoyed “The Expendables,” especially the barroom scene. You do intimidation really well. Sincerely, Meg

Brett: Meg, I can’t really answer that question, but I would say that “Apollo 13,” “Something to talk About,” “Dead Solid Perfect” and “From the Earth to the Moon” are good examples of my work. I hope that “The Replacements” is going to be a good example of me being the kind of character you love to hate…LOL…Take Care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett: I loved “The Expendables.” The scene with you reading in bed when she came in and dropped her clothes was great! I loved you in glasses, too! You looked very nice! Do you wear glasses in real life? I thought you did a great job at being a tough guy, but you were nice to the girls, too. Can’t wait to see more of you! Janie

Brett: Hi Janie. Thank you for your kind thoughts and, yes, I got a pair of reading glasses this year. My thoughts on Deacon were that I needed to find some places in the movie that you could see his vulnerability and the glasses and his praying before bed hopefully showed some of that. Take care and thanks for watching, Brett Cullen

Question: Brett, I miss seeing you on TV each week! What is next for you? Are you and Meat Loaf working on your movies? I’m looking forward to seeing you in “The Replacements” this summer! Thank you for keeping us up to date with your web site! We love you! Tonya

Brett: Hi Tonya. At the moment I’m spending most of my time trying to get the movies produced and or trying to find the financing for the movies we have. I miss working right now as an actor, but this is very important to me and I need to focus on the production company and get it moving forward. Thanks for writing and we’ll let you know as soon as I put my thesbian clothes on again. Also, go see “The Replacements” this summer…it’s opening on August 25th!!!!! All the Best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. I saw you on “The Expendables” and liked it. I see that it played for three days. Are they going to play it more or was that it? When are you coming back to TV? I still miss Ned Logan! Bye! Corin

Brett: Hi Corin, I’m not sure if they will run “The Expendables” any more but I’m glad you saw it. I also miss Ned Logan a great deal, but he’s gone I’m afaid, to rerun Heaven. Adios, Brett Cullen

Question: I have just read all those lovely things they say about you and I want to endorse every one of them. Don’t blush! After all, you can’t help having such a lovely face and captivating smile. This is not to forget the kind, caring nature that goes with it. The latter you have created yourself and for that, too, we have great respect. Normally, I am not one who gets hooked on my favourite actors, but you sure hooked me in “Legacy.” I am speaking on behalf of the “older” fans. Most of them are just too shy to admit that you can make even their hearts throb again and regenerate the spark of life. I think we have just found a cure for the ageing process. Want to stay young? Take a dose of Brett Cullen. On a more personal note: Do you come from an acting family? If not, did your parents support your acting career and were they as proud of you as we all are? Forgive me if I have missed the answer somewhere. Remember what Lexy said? One’s brain gets all foggy. May God shower his richest blessings upon you and your family. Much love, Joy.

Brett: Hi Joy. Thank you for those kind thoughts you sent and sometimes it’s hard for me to take compliments and I don’t know how to respond…but thank you. No, I did not come from an acting family, and yes, they are proud of me. My father recently passed away but before he did he told me how very proud he was of what I’ve accomplished in my career. That meant a lot to me and it was one of the sweetest moments in my life because my Father wasn’t one to hand out praise offhandedly. He also told me that no matter how old a person is, they still feel like they are 18 years old and it frustrated him not to have the physical strength to live the 18-year old life anymore. So age is just a state of mind, Joy! Keep a youthful existence and spread your wings…God Bless….Brett Cullen

Question: I do have a question to ask, I hope it is not too “unintelligent.” Exactly, what is a production company? I see that quite a few actors have formed them. Would your company, The Yellow Rose, be able to bring back “Legacy” to television or something with a similar theme or would it have to be a movie? Please help me to understand. Hope 2000 has been a great year so far for you and your family. Love your website; it is terrific. Thanks again. Michele

Brett: Hi Michele. A production company is simply a company that options or buys scripts or books or stories and tries to produce them…either by finding the financing ourselves and producing the movie independently or going to a studio and producing the movie through them. We can produce TV series, or movies for TV, also. Right now we are focusing on feature films, but who knows what the future may bring? We cannot do anything with “Legacy” because the production company I worked for owns the rights to it and generally won’t allow anyone else to have them…does that answer your question? Take Care Michele, Brett Cullen

Brett: Dear Jill, Charlotte had slept with the priest and she threatened to tell his wife and the community if he didn’t go along with her plan. And Molly was NOT related in any way to Charlotte …she was just helping her because Charlotte promised to help introduce her to society people once she had control of my estate…Thanks for watching the show and, Jill, I will miss the show also! All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Dear Brett: My brother is a huge Kim Novak fan and wants to know if your had a chance to work with her on Falcon Crest, if so, what was she like? Also, on your suggestion…a few friends and I tried the Graffiti Grill. You are right, it is a great place and they remember you fondly. Take care, can’t wait to see your new movie. Catherine

Brett: Hi Catherine, I’m glad you went to the Graffiti Grill! Kenny, who owns it, is a great guy and I miss him as well as the great food there! Now you tell your brother that Kim Novak is a great lady and I had many scenes with her. She was really nice and had a great sense of humor, as well as told some great stories about her career. Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi, My favorite mini series is “From the Earth to the Moon.” Was it a help or a hindrance having Mr. Scott on the set? Was he happy with your portrayal? Why weren’t any of the actors from “From the Earth to the Moon” nominated with Emmy nominations? At least a dozen of the actors and actresses should have been nominated, that includes you, too. At least a dozen of you actors had big roles in the mini series that should have been honored with nominations. Were you surprised by the lack of nominations for the actors? Why don’t the Emmys have a category for honoring the ensemble of actors? Just curious. Keep on working. Joanne Sihler

Brett: Hi Joanne, I’m very happy to hear you liked “From the Earth to the Moon” so much. I can’t answer your question about the Emmy nominations because I don’t understand how they make their picks, really. They did put some actors’ names up for nomination but unfortunately I was not one of them. Now as to having Dave on the set: He was an enormous help and truly a wealth of info for me. I loved having Dave there and I watched the episode that was about his mission with him and his wife. Afterwards he thanked me for my portrayal of him and I got so choked up I could hardly reply…He’s a class act and someone I consider as a friend now. I feel fortunate that he is my friend and that I know a real American Hero. I met Dave on Apollo 13 and the cast did win best ensemble acting in a feature film in the Screen Actors Awards for that movie. That also meant a lot to me. Anyway, I hope that answers your question…Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Dear Brett, I’m 25 and was an English major in college. Naturally, we had to study playwrights (Ibsen, Chekov, Shakespeare, Miller, Williams, to name a few). I recently re-watched Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” and thought of you for “Stanley” and fellow Texan Betty Buckley for “Blanche.” (If I were a director and doing a production, I’d hire you on the spot!!) I think it would make great casting. Since you started out doing all types of theater, if you were to return to the stage, would you want to be in a classic revival along the lines of “Streetcar” or a more recent, not-so-familiar work? Respectfully, Paul Greene

Brett: Hi Paul, If I could do a classic piece by Williams or Chekov or Shakespeare I would be tickled to death. I love the theater and miss it immensely. Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Brett…just a short hello and a “thank you” for actually answering your fan mail…I think Marion and Ramona do a fabulous job on your web site and it really should have won the web site award…you have kindly and patiently answered my questions on the chat line and in this section…which leads me to admit a faux pas…I recently was watching a TV movie and mistook Ted Shackleford for you…(blush)…I emailed Marion as to why she did not include the movie on your TV list (she set me straight). Have you ever been mistaken for another actor and do you plan to do an online chat again with your fans…I hope so …Thanks again….Janet-Marie

Brett: Hi Janet-Marie, Yes I’ve been mistaken for a lot of different actors and Ted was one of them…LOL….And I hope to do a chat when “The Replacements” comes out this summer. Thanks for writing and I hope to hear from you soon, Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. Are your two Yellow Rose movies going to be shown in theaters or are they movies for TV? Your fan, Julie

Brett: Hi Julie, Our plans for these movies are for them to be theatrical releases but if that doesn’t work then maybe a cable movie…You never know in this business!…LOL Thanks for writing and take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hey Brett! So, how’s it going? I have to ask you something. Do you still hear from any of your cast mates from Legacy? I think it would just be awful to spend all that time working with someone just to have them ignore you later. I’ve discovered that it tends to be a problem in a lot of places. Kisses, Sheri G.

Brett: Hi Sheri, Yes I stay in touch with my cast mates as much as possible…Sarah Rayne, who played my daughter, is still in our life and so is Jeremy Garrett and Ron Melendez. Thanks for writing…Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Brett, I heard it is pilot season right now…are you auditioning for anything? I want you back on TV!!!!! You’re the best!!!! Jennifer PS. Happy Valentine’s Day…you are gorgeous!

Brett: Hi Jennifer, Thank you for the kind words and yes we are looking at some TV stuff but who knows what will happen…that’s the exciting part of this business…you never know what tomorrow brings…but I’m not opposed to doing another series….Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Brett…you come across as having a good sense of humor in your chats and interviews…I think you need to have a joke section on your web site and give us a joke of the month or something…how about it? Or at least tell us your best joke…Can’t wait for “The Replacements.” Love and Valentine kisses, Shelley P.S. Please tell me you’re coming back to television soon!

Brett: Hi Shelley, Marion and I will work on that joke section for you…LOL Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, Will you and your family be at the StarDays event in Seattle again this year? Linda Montgomery

Brett: Hi Linda, Yes, we hope to be in Seattle for the golf if nothing else….we really enjoy ourselves there! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. This is an acting question. You’ve talked before about not taking your work home with you and leaving it at the set…What if it’s the other way around? I’d like to know if it’s ever difficult to NOT take things to work with you that are happening in your personal life. Does that ever happen? I think you are such an incredible actor and I admire all your performances. Sincerely, Taya

Brett: Taya, Interesting question but the first thing I was taught in theater was that you didn’t bring your problems to work…you left them at the stage door. It is difficult sometimes but I guess that is why the old saying goes…the show MUST go on! Brett Cullen

Question: Brett-I was perusing your acting bio and noticed that your acting experience is quite varied (Shakespeare to romance to westerns to…and theater, TV, mini-series and movies) and marked with some great roles and performances. Given that, what roles (or types of roles) do you still aspire to? Is there something you always wanted to be when you were growing up that you think might be fun to play as an adult? Just curious, Becky

Brett: Hi Becky, The truth is that I want to just act and as long as the writing is good I don’t care what it is. I love the theater because the stage is such a naked place to be for an actor and also I find that it is a little more challenging because there is no take 2 or 3. Also, the roles tend to be more interesting and have a bit more character…if I could, I’d love to follow in the footsteps of actors like Gene Hackman or Robert Duval…they will always work and they seem to get the most interesting roles. I hope that answers your question…Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Brett: Since you’re an avid golfer, I was wondering what your favorite course is? What has been the most challenging course you’ve ever encountered? Will you be doing any celebrity golf tournaments soon? Thanks, your fan and fellow golfer, James

Brett: Hi James, I have three or four golf courses I truly just love…1) Pebble Beach 2) Cypress Point 3) Sherwood Country Club 4) Sucession County Club in S. Carolina…and I can only play in so many celebrity events a year because I have other commitments….Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: I was just wondering what makes you go “I HAVE to take part in this movie” when you read a script? Do you mostly go for characters that challenge you emotionally/personally or the ones that are just fun to play? Do you have a favorite kind of story (crime, drama etc.) that you like to play in? Liselotte

Brett: Dear Liselotte, Sometimes I’ll take a part because it challenges me as an actor or sometimes I’ll take a part because the story I feel needs to be told. It is not always about your part as much as it is about being involved with artists you want to work with (directors, actors and writers) or projects that you feel are truly going to be something special. I seem to gravitate towards more realism in my work or drama but I love to do comedy…but there’s a lot of bad comedy out there that doesn’t touch me…but sometimes we have to take a job to pay our bills…lol..Anyway, I hope that answers your question. Take care, Brett Cullen

Question: Does your wife not absolutely hate you kissing other women on screen, even though it is only work? Rudolph

Brett: Hey Rudolph, No, my wife doesn’t mind because after I kiss that actress, I come home to her bed and my wife is an actress also, so she understands what is going on. Besides, it isn’t all that great when you have about 25 crew members drinking their coffee while you do a love scene over and over from different angles. But it can be fun! But my wife is a VERY cool lady and she knows I love her dearly! Brett Cullen

Question: About Falcon Crest, I have two questions. 1) I noticed that your sister Carly Fixx, (Mariska Hargitay) played a part in the “Gambler V,” which you also played in. This mini-series did not reach Holland (or I have missed it) so: Did you have any scenes with her and if yes, how about that after about 6 years? 2) Why did you leave Falcon Crest after two years, just as a new story line was started? Could a romance be in the cards, since Carly was not your sister at all? Mark Kingma

Brett: Now “Gambler V” was a mini-series I did about the Wild Bunch with Kenny Rogers and I played The Sundance Kid…Marishka played Etta Place…my love interest and we had a lot of fun…I’m very fond of Marishka and it was great to hang out with her because we’re friends outside of work….and we had many scenes together and some of them were…yes …love scenes…..so there’s that. As to why I left Falcon Crest…I had other stuff I wanted to try and do and I felt the show had sorta run out of story ideas that would keep me interested as an actor. I truly loved the experience of working on the show and everyone was terrific and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything…but sometimes you just gotta move on…and I did…so I hope that answers your questions…thanks for writing and I hope to hear from you again…All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett! I recently saw you on “The Sitter” and I must say I really enjoyed it; you’re quite a gentleman. Can you tell me how is Kim Myers in person? Funny, nice, serious? Please try to describe her to me with the maximum of details and, if possible, tell me something to remember that had happened between you two on the set. One of your greatest fans, Ellis

Brett: Hi Ellis, Kim Myers is a very dedicated actress who brings a lot of energy and focus to a role she’s playing. We had fun making “The Sitter” but I think for her to play a character as disturbed as hers was…it took a lot of the horseplay out of the production because she was so very concentrated on her role and the various notes she needed to hit. We had some laughs but if you’ve seen the movie, you can see how very serious an actress Kim is and how challenging the part was. I really loved working with Kim and look forward to doing it again some day. She’s a Class Act!!!!! Thanks for writing…All the best, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett: My question is, do you have any plans for another series, or do you prefer to do films? Sincerely, Barbara

Brett: Hi Barbara, I would happily do another series if the right one was available but right now I’m waiting on “The Replacements” to be released this summer. I will do just about anything, TV or features, it doesn’t really matter…I like both mediums…

Question: Dear Brett: I have a question for you: do you have a special wish for the future, something you really hope to achieve? Is there a special kind of film or role you would like to play? Would you play the part of someone terrible, someone who has really existed? What parts will you never play? Take care, Marja van’t Hoog

Brett: There are lots of roles I would like to play but I don’t always get the opportunity because there are bigger stars that the studios want to use. I do have some pet projects I would like to do. One in particular I’d like to produce and act in, is a true story about my Father that I hope to get produced some day. I also love this book called “Monty Walsh,” that is the story of a cowboy’s life in the west and his friendship with his best friend. It’s a very poetic book and one I’ve dreamed of working on for years…so that’s about it for now. Take care, Brett Cullen

Brett: Michele, Thanks for watching the show and that question has never been asked. So here goes: It said that Sean and Marita were having a relationship and that Sean didn’t marry Vivian for that reason. He dumped her for an ex-slave. That was suppose to hurt Sean and humiliate Vivian and that’s why Sean showed her the letter to say it wasn’t why he didn’t marry her and to tell her that her brother was behind it……I think..LOL. Happy New Year Michele, Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, I first saw you in Apollo 13 and thought not only are you a talented actor, but also one of the finest looking men I’ve ever seen. (From your web site guest book, sounds as if your personality compliments your appearance). Anyway, I just picked up “From the Earth to the Moon,” and happily discovered you in the role of David Scott. So now I’m wondering if you took the roles simply because they were good roles for you, or do you have the same fierce interest in space exploration as do I? Sincerely, Maxine Sinda

Brett: Dear Maxine, Thanks for your compliments (blushing here) and for writing to me. Now I was raised in Houston Texas and have always had a great interest in the Space program. But I took “Apollo 13″ because of that but also because of the chance to work with Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Gary Sinise, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris, and Bill Paxton…as well as the rest of that great cast and crew. Dave Scott was the Technical Advisor on that movie and when they asked me to play one of Americas living Heroes (in my opinion he is one) in “From the Earth to the Moon” I jumped at the chance. Anyway, have a happy and joyous New Year and God Bless! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. I don’t get on the computer until way late or not at all as there is only one in this house… but I would like to know if you already have the new future ahead all ready into the making. I just found out that I won’t get to see remakes of your shows as we don’t get the channel Odyssey. So if you’re not taking a long very well-deserved vacation with your family, can ya give me some hints on what you’re going to star on or play in? Ya really are good to watch in your movies. I wish you and your family the best! Jill Happy 2000

Brett: Hi Jill, Thanks for writing and try to use that computer more often…LOL…the future is going to be interesting I hope, but I hope to spend some time with my wife and daughter before I go back to work in 2000. If you keep in touch with the web site you should be kept up to date with my goings on…God Bless and have a happy New Year! Brett Cullen

Question: Mr. Cullen, I enjoyed your work in “Apollo 13″ as well as “From the Earth to the Moon.” You seem to be quite comfortable in the role of an astronaut and I was curious about how you prepped for these projects. Did you work at all with David Scott, for example, when preparing for your role in “Galileo Was Right?” Best wishes in your current and future endeavors. Sincerely, Joe Ashton

Brett: Dear Joe, First of all Happy New Year! I prepared for “Apollo 13″ by working with the technical advisors for two weeks prior to shooting and with Dave Scott, who was the Techinal Advisor for the astronauts in the film. I worked extensively with Dave on “Earth” in prepping for playing him. He’s a great guy and a good friend whom I feel lucky to have met! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett. Do you have a release date on “The Replacements” yet? Fondly, Christy Moheiser

Brett: Christy, I don’t know the release date yet but it will be posted on the web page as soon as I know! Take Care and Happy New Year!…Brett Cullen

Question: Brett, I finally saw Legacy this week and a couple of things I was curious about: What was the relationship between Turner, Molly and Charlotte? Were your costumes made of modern (breathable) fabrics made to look 1880s style, or were they the real thing? If there had been a season two, which characters would we have seen again, and which not? Mara

Brett: Dear Mara, Thanks for writing and let me wish you a Happy New Year! Now your questions: Turner knew Charlotte’s real identity but I don’t think he had a real connection to Molly. She was being used by Charlotte. The costumes were not from the 1800s but were either built from scratch or rented replicas. They did not breath like modern clothes and we did sweat like people did in those days…LOL… I don’t know who would of come back the 2nd season, but I do know that Charlotte was supposed to set me up for the murder of John Turner after she killed him. Brett Cullen

Question: Brett, can you give us more details about the plot of your two Yellow Rose productions? What is the story line of “Flamenco?” And you said “Medicine Talk” is about your father’s exploits…can you tell us more about the story? When you do you start filming? Are you going to act in both films? I can’t wait to see your first films as a producer! Good luck! Also, are they for television or for theaters? Thanks.

Brett: I don’t want to tell you too much about the plots but basically “Flamenco” is a murder mystery love triangle surrounded in the world of Flamenco dancing in Santa Fe, N.M. “Medicine Talk” is about the little man fighting big oil money, the government, and the bureau of Indian Affairs. We don’t have start dates on either of these two but hopefully will soon. I will act in “Medicine Talk” but not “Flamenco” …take care and Happy New Year! Brett Cullen

Question: Hi Brett, I have been re-watching Legacy because I miss it so much, and I was wondering how you got the role of Ned. Did you have to audition? If you auditioned, do you remember what scene you “read?” If you didn’t audition and Chris Abbott had you in mind for Ned, do you know how and why she chose you? You were so perfect for that part, no one else could have played him like you! Can’t wait for your next show! Laney

Brett: Laney, Thank you for your kind comments. I was offered the role of Ned but I wasn’t the first actor they went after…I was their third choice and happily took it because I loved the script and Chris said she really wanted me….So there you have it!…Happy New Year And God Bless! Brett Cullen

Question: Brett, I was just curious about a couple of things. What are some roles you auditioned for but didn’t get? Have you ever been up for a part and had to turn it down or gotten beat out of a part and then the show went on to be a huge success? Sort of like Tom Selleck having to turn down “Indiana Jones” because he was doing “Magnum P.I.” Take care, Laney.

Brett: Laney, That’s a funny question and one that is toooooo long to list them all…LOL…but I will tell you this…when they were looking for the lead on “Baywatch,” the David Hasselhoff role, I met with the producer and talked to them about it. They then wanted me to come back and read and I declined because I didn’t want to run around in a bathing suit the rest of my career….LOL ..maybe I should have…whew!..Anyway, God bless and have a joyous NEW YEAR!!!!!!! Brett Cullen

My name is Carla Coble (rhymes with noble) and I’m a professional actress/stand-up comedienne/writer living currently in Nashville, TN, but with plans in two years to make the move to LA with my husband of 7 years, and Golden Retriever, Furface. I’m currently trying to gain as much experience/training/exposure right now as I can, so the move will be less traumatic work-wise.

I’ve read that you have a degree in Theatre Arts from your hometown of Houston. As a fellow actor, may I ask you some questions about this?

I minored in Theatre Arts with a degree in Jazz Trumpet from Belmont University here in town, and our theatre curriculum had NOTHING of Stanislavski or Meisner. It was a mishmash of several schools of thought, as schools are wont to do. I am currently involved heavily in Meisner study with Bill Feehely (He studied with Michael Moriarty in NY) here in town, and while I love it, it’s such a technique that I can never gauge how I’m doing, since you work from an organic center: you can’t plan anything like you could in your early, naive days of Community Theatre. If you’ve had experience with the Meisner technique, do you also find this to be true?

Meisner had a favorite quote in which he said, that it takes 20 years to become a great actor, and what do you know? You said you’ve been at this since moving to LA in ‘79. Would you mind sharing some dark times when you wanted to just give up and how you pulled yourself out of it? I think I’m at one of those now. I just don’t feel as if I’m doing as well as I thought I was, and that stings a little. I don’t want my craft to be mediocre; I want to be brilliant and reach into the hearts of those audience members, and make them leave that theatre never knowing what hit them. Does confidence truly come with experience and patience?

I’ve been doing lead work in comedy in this area for the last 6 years, and I guess some of this uncertainty is coming because that’s ALL I’ve done; suddenly I’m doing drama and the territory is uncharted.

And now may I bestow upon your future endeavors my highest honor: “Crack a colon!”

Thanks again Mr. Cullen,
Carla Coble

(Letter reprinted with permission of author)

Brett’s Response:
Dear Carla,

That was one hell of a letter and I’ll try my best to answer your questions as well as I can. It’s an exciting move that you’ll make to L.A., but one that should be carefully planned. You should try to get your SAG card before you get there because you’ll have a lot more opportunities in the professional ranks versus those that are struggling to just get their card. If you already have it, then great, but if you don’t, audition your ass off in Nashville and try to get a small role in a union film, commercial or TV show. Even if they don’t Taft Hartley you, the union will let you join when you get to L.A. Also, do as much theater before you come…do Shakespeare, Chekov, or anything that will give you a leg up in experience over all the models and wanna be actors who truly don’t know the discipline of the theater world.

Now as to Meisner…..I’ve never believed that any one teacher has all the answers but if his technique works for you then grab everything you can from it. I believe that as artists we should study everything and let it wash over us and take what works for you. Sometimes things we learn or sometimes disregard completely, later come back to you and when you least expect it, will become a new lesson, or a new understanding of it will open your eyes in a totally different way. I don’t understand what you meant about not planning something when you’re performing or studying scene work…but in my experience you should certainly do your homework and be ready with about ten ways from A to Z to show your director all the ways you can explore the scene. That is an actor’s job…not to rewrite or fit the role to you, but to go make the script work as is, and if you can’t, there’s probably something missing in the writing.

What I’ve learned in the professional world of film and TV, as well as in the theater, is that most people directing don’t spend much time directing actors. They leave you to your own devices while they figure out how to shoot the scene. Now as far as my studies as an actor, well I work under the influence of Stanislavski and various other techniques that have all been very helpful. I would recommend you read and study heavily “Respect For Acting” by Uta Hagen because it’s easily one of the best books I ever had the opportunity to work with. To this day I still try to use some of the lessons I learned in that book. But I will agree that as you mature as a person, so does your work as an actor. I think that for me, my life experience has deepened my feel for my work and also made it easier to access the emotions that I was afraid to deal with or reveal when I was a young man. Actors are hopefully a lot like a good wine, we only get better with age! But the bottom line in my opinion is to study everyone’s technique and to take what works for you…..it’s hard in the artist way to say someone is right and someone is wrong….it’s too subjective, so just take what you can while you can and hopefully keep growing as an artist every day of your life…till your last breath because if you don’t, the artist in you dies…….

Carla, I’ve never really wanted to quit acting even though I’ve had my share of slim times. It’s interesting that at the worst of times I’ve had, that has been when I made my greatest discoveries about myself and my work. It’s during those “dark periods” that you find yourself digging in and really understanding why you’re doing this in the first place….because you LOVE to act! And this brings up the next topic you spoke of…feeling mediocre about one’s work…..hmmmm……well I believe that’s a good thing because you know you’re not SATISFIED…..that you have more to learn and more room to grow. It doesn’t make it a bad thing because I always judge myself the harshest……it just means that you want to be better. On the other hand you have to realize that eventually someone told DaVinci that his painting was finished or gave him a date they needed delivery of said painting….what I mean by this, like TV for instance, is that you can only do so much in the time you’re given to create and you can’t beat yourself up over something you can’t control. There are only so many hours in a day and you have a lot of scenes to shoot and you can’t perfect every moment…but what you can do is DO YOUR HOMEWORK and be totally prepared for the day’s work and when you’re finished say…”I did the best work I knew how” and get ready for the next day’s work and sleep well knowing this. Now I’ve had twenty years of experience to learn this but it’s really true. And your confidence does come and so does the security that you’ve done a good job.

Now I know that doing comedy versus drama may seem different but I believe they are the same. There is that elusive thing called timing and not everyone has it but if we’re talking about comedy, it’s something you prepare for just like doing a drama. Maybe because you’ve done so much comedy it may feel strange to be revealing yourself in the more serious roles. But in my mind comedy…good comedy, (and I’m not speaking of stand-up) comes out of real human pain and suffering. It makes us laugh because it is so real…someone slamming their hand in a door, or someone doing something so painfully silly or stupid that it just kills you…take “Some Like It Hot”…..those characters are real and the situations they get into are not comedic but it’s what they do in that situation that makes it funny…dressing up as women to escape the mob…etc, etc….trust me when I tell you that Billy Wilder did not write and direct them to do bits, it was real behavior that made those scenes and actors funny….my point being that drama and comedy is about situation instead of being about how funny someone is….Although to contradict myself, there are people who are just funny and that’s that…..so I guess what I’m saying, Carla, is that there are no rules except the ones we impose on ourselves……….So don’t be afraid……don’t be afraid to fail either because that is how we learn, by our mistakes and THAT is a beautiful thing….being unafraid will probably get you more growth as an artist than anything and probably get you loads more work!

I hope that this helps you and I hope I haven’t rambled on too much. I think this is the longest letter I’ve ever written and I hope I didn’t bore you with it. It’s just your questions were quite interesting and I really like to talk or write about acting because I love it so much. Acting is a wonderful profession and I hope it opens up your world and life as much as it has mine. Good Luck and God Bless!

Yours truly,
Brett Cullen