Question: First, your website is off da hook. Question: When auditioning, are you given, or do you assert the opportunity to present different “colors” of the role you are auditioning for? And what sort of impression do you like to leave with the casting directors? B.

Brett: B, I always try to go into an audition with my own interpretation of the character but I’ve also tried it as many different ways that I can. That way if the director gives any direction I’m ready but it’s very important to think quickly on your feet so you can make adjustments to the work. Most of the time I try to ask the director or the casting person if they have anything they would like to say about their take on the character and then I either use that or if not, I tell them to let me show them what I’ve prepared and if it stinks to stop me and have me try it with their ideas. Be intelligent and ALWAYS be prepared!

Question: I love Legacy – it’s my favorite TV show in the world beside the new Ponderosa. One thing that puzzled me, is why did the producer choose you to play Ned Logan, the father of Sean, Clay, Alice, and Lexy, when you look like you could of been the children’s oldest brother? Because you don’t look old at all. I understand you’re old enough to be Lexy’s father, but Clay, Jeremy, Sean, and Alice? They look like they could have been your siblings. Rachel

Brett: Rachel, I had the same question when they made me the offer. I talked to Chris Abbott, who created the show, about it and she said historically people got married very young in those days. You tended to get married in your early teens. So if I was 17 when I got married I would easily have been old enough to father those kids.

Question: Brett: Have you seen a movie called “Blue Crush?” It’s about surfing. Thought you might be interested. Later, Tina.

Brett: Hi Tina, Yes, I’ve seen the movie and enjoyed it a great deal. I had a couple of friends on the film and I went to visit them for a week of shooting on the North Shore of Oahu. It was very impressive but thank goodness for doubles. None of those actresses could have really ridden big Pipeline. It’s a heavy wave!

Question: I have a question about, if I would want to be in a films/movies would it be better for me to go to college in New York or L.A. or would it not it not matter? Thank you. Bridget

Brett: Hi Bridget, I believe that a good solid education in the theater and in acting, if that’s the field you’re interested in the film business, is vital. It doesn’t matter where you attend school to make that a reality. I can pretty much guarantee that the majority of actors in LA or New York didn’t actually attend school in LA or NYC. We all moved here after our education. But, most importantly, is to learn your craft so you can have “legs” in your career. Many actors get lucky because of their looks but don’t have the craft to back it up in the long run. What I’m trying to say is, If you want to be an actor for the rest of your life…then learn EVERYTHING you can about that craft and keep learning all the time. Just because I’m a graduate in Theater Arts and have worked in this business for twenty something years doesn’t mean I don’t learn or relearn something new everyday. Or at least I hope I do.

Question: Brett, Besides staying physically active with horseback riding, golfing, and surfing, do you have any exercise routines that you normally do…like weights, cardio, yoga, etc.? Do all celebs have private trainers? Thanks!! Paul

Brett: Hi Paul, I don’t think all actors have trainers to get them in shape. I don’t think everyone can afford it but I’m sure that a lot of Big Name Actors do have some sort of help when preparing for a role. On the other hand, one of my best friends, who is a legitimate Movie star does all his training on his own. And he is very diligent about it. I believe that an actor should try to stay physically fit and flexible. I think doing a weight-training program that gives you some muscle tone and strength is very valuable. I don’t think being “muscular” is going to help any actor unless you are playing a bodyguard or a body builder. I think cardio is the most important aspect of training anyone can do. It keeps your lungs and heart in good shape and also gives you more stamina. Thanks for writing!

Question: Why oh why did they not make a TV series with you and Penelope Ann Miller? You two were so awesome together! The bull scenes were really great! What was it like to work with Heather Locklear in “The Terror Inside”? Thanks so much for starring in some really kickass movies. Now get that hunk of a man Dennis Quaid to star in one with you! Melissa

Brett: Hey Melissa, I would love to work with Penelope but it was only a TV movie and I don’t get to make the decisions on what series are made and who’s cast in them. If I did I couldn’t be acting anymore…I’d be an executive at the Network. No Thanks! LOL! I loved working with Heather! She has a great sense of humor and was really all about the work. She’s a real pro!

Question: Hey Brett, got a question for ya. If you had to choose between playing the stud muffin role (like Bryan, Hired Heart) and the “not so nice” (Eddie Martel), which would you choose? Does it take you a while to decide if the script is right for you to play? Melissa

Brett: Melissa, Playing bad guys is very fun but If I had to choose I probably would like to play the good guy roles because they have more meat to them. But there are always exceptions! I just like to work, Melissa.

Question: Brett, I’ve heard that many actors do not like the idea of actor training or experience being used as therapy for physical or mental conditions. Is this true? For my part I have Parkinson’s disease. I believe that taking an actor’s approach to this might be helpful. That means learning to take responsibility for movements of the body and the voice as actors do; in effect, learning not to feel trapped in or a victim of the body and becoming an actor in life. All the world’s a stage after all!! Is this just my imagination gone wild or do you think I should try to pursue the dream? Seamie Tuohy, Sydney, Australia.

Brett: Hi Seamie, I think that if you feel that it will help you, you should try it! I’m not a doctor but I do believe in the power and strength of the mind! Give it a shot and see what happens!

Question: Hi Brett, I just saw both WithOut A Trace and Nancy Drew. And Thought You Were Great!!!! I have a question? I know that you have a young daughter, is it easyer working with young girls/teen girls than working with young boys/teen boys since you have a young daughter yourself? Since you seemed to work really,well with the young girl on legecy, the young girl on WithOut A Trace and the girl on Nancy Drew. The young girl who played your daughter on legecy have you talked/or seen her since legecy went off the air? I thought she was so cute and a great little actress. And the same thing for the little actress who played your daughter on Without A Trace. Can`t wait to see what you will be on next. Talk to you again soon, Your Friend, Erin

Brett: Hi Erin, I think I can work well with all kids because I have that experience with children. I have stayed in touch with and have become quite good friends with Sarah and her family. Sarah is my daughter’s idol. She’s now 15 and is still working on different projects. I think she is a fabulous actress even at her age!

Question: Hi. I was just wondering about the opportunities in the acting business for Asian actors. I’ve noticed that almost all famous hollywood actors are typically white. Is this because there aren’t many movies/shows that have Asian parts, or is it just that not many Asians are interested in this field? Also, if someone was to audition for a part written for a person of another race (and does well), would it be likely for the director to give him/her the role? I appreciate your help. Thanks! Sam Lee

Brett: Hi Sam, I know a lot of Asian actors and some seem to work a lot. With all the Martial arts films some have become quite big stars as you know. I’m not sure why more Asian actors don’t get more notice but you can say the same about a lot of minorities. It is possible that if you give a good reading and a director or producer have an open mind about the role you can possibly get cast. It’s a strange business but I believe you don’t or shouldn’t make choices about your career based on ethnicity. GO FOR IT!! Good Luck!

Question: I’m an 18-year-old male currently studying in a BFA program at Syracuse University in NY. I am very serious about becoming a professional actor, and I was wondering if you thought that it could be at all harmful to my career to get a tatto on my shoulder or my back, or anywhere for that matter. It’s something I really want to do, but I absolutely would not do it if it would put my career at risk in any way. In case it makes a difference with your answer, I’m interested in both stage and film/TV. Thanks a lot, Andrew

Brett: Hi Andrew, No, I don’t think a tattoo will have any effect on your career as an actor as long as it’s not TOO large and not visible when you are dressed.

Question: Hi Brett, what was your favorite candy growing up? Pam

Brett: Pam, Lemonheads, red hots and jaw breakers!!!

Question: Hello Brett: I live just outside of Boston. I noticed that until 1989 you were very active in the theater. Do you have any plans or desire to return to the stage–and if so, would you ever consider Broadway or the East Coast? If not, is it because you prefer to act on screen (why)? Thanks, Monica

Brett: Hi Monica, I just recently did a one night only performance of a one-act called “Pervasive.” It’s a play dealing with autism and Catherine O’Hara, Patricia Arquette and myself performed in it. It made me dearly miss my days in the theater and I would certainly jump at the opportunity to do more. I would love to work on the stage in NYC or anywhere for that matter. The main problem with stage work is they seldom pay very well. I now have a family, mortgage, etc., that keeps me looking towards jobs that will pay me enough so I can have the freedom to work on stage again. I love the theater and it saddens me that the American theater can’t compete with television and film for the talent that’s out there. I also love working on film but it doesn’t give you the instant gratification that the theater does. So, there you go…I hope this answers your question and thanks for writing.

Question: Hi Brett. I’ve admired your work for a long time. What type of horseback riding do you enjoy? Trail riding? Team penning? Show jumping? And have you ever tried riding a Peruvian Paso? Robin and Glen Kashuba

Brett: Hi Robin and Glen, I trail ride and I used to team rope (I was the heeler) and team pen. I mostly ride quarter horses but I used to own a polish Arab. I don’t think I remember ever riding a Peruvian Paso…Why… should I have?

Question: Dear Brett, How many Southern Accents are there? How many do you know? How do you keep them straight for roles? Best Wishes, Pam

Brett: Pam, there are lots of different accents or regional dialects just in New Orleans alone. If you are going to use a dialect or accent for a character, study it and use it all the time. With time it will become second nature. There are lots of books and tapes that can get you started.

Question: Brett, I have a two-fold question for you! 1) Would you ever want to tackle the role of Stanley Kowalski” in a stage production of “A Streetcar Named Desire”, or would the shadow of Brando be too daunting. Personally, I think you’d rock in that part. 2) If I recall correctly, didn’t you have to ride a motorcycle on “Falcon Crest”? Do you own a cycle of your own? If you were to have a bike, would it be a Harley? Thanks!! Paul

Brett: Hey Paul, Yes I would love to play Stanley and No, I don’t have a motorcycle. You think I’m nuts? LOL!!!