Transcript from August 5, 1998 Talk City Presents Actor, Kerr Smith, Dawson Creek Kerr Smith joins the cast of 'Dawson's Creek' and takes residence in Capeside this September. He plays 'Jacki,' a troubled teen and loner, whose mystery will unfold over the next season. He will also be seen over the coming months in two independent features, 'Kiss and Tell' and 'Hit and Runway.' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CCCMyst: Talk City Presents in association CCCMyst: with iXL Live * CCCMyst: Welcomes You to Tonight’s Feature Presentation CCCMyst: and now without further ado CCCMyst: Welcome Kerr Smith CCCMyst: Kerr, welcome to Talk City! KerrSmith: Thank You! Questions: mysterygirl says: Kerr, welcome to Talk City! Tell us about your role in the show, Dawson's Creek! KerrSmith: It's a new character this season He's been brought on to the show with his fraternal twin sister.He and his sister Andy are going to stir things up a little bit this year! Questions: tori says: How did you land the role on Dawson's Creek? KerrSmith: I had just moved out to LA about two months ago, and I met with the head casting director over at Warner Brothers and she and I really hit it off. I went through about two dozen auditions, and then got the part! Questions: katieh_tx_98 says: What is it like coming into a cast that has already worked together for a whole season? KerrSmith: I'm used to it, I've always joined a show after the first season. It's easy here because the entire cast is extremely nice. We all hang out when not working, and it's a really good time! Questions: rtang84 says: Hi. My sister is going to be in Dawson's Creek, is there anything that she should know? As coming on the set of this great show? KerrSmith: Call me! Questions: wimpy says: Will there be other additions to Dawson Creek in the near future? KerrSmith: I'm sure there will be some additions to the cast. To be honest I wouldn't really know, but they always add new characters for recurring roles throughout the season. Questions: enigma says: Kerr, who or what gives you inspiration? KerrSmith: My father! I get inspired by people who figure out what it is in life that they want to do, and work 110 percent to achieve those goals. Questions: jcbookworm says: What is your character like and how does he fit in with the rest of the cast? KerrSmith: Jack McFee is an introvert. He kind of keeps to himself, he's not really quiet but doesn't really interact . He has a lot of family problems in his history, which will be coming out later in the season. There will be some interesting things happening with Jack, the audience will find out that he's not what he seems to be.As far as a love interest, he will definitely get together with one of the girls on the show, I'm not going to say which , but he will definitely stir things up this season. Questions: snowqueen says: How did you know you wanted to be an actor? KerrSmith: I took a sales job out of college, Hated it! The only thing I liked about it was giving the large presentations in front of people, and realized that's what I like to do! I went into the city, found an agent, and the rest is history!! Questions: stardust says: Which actors would you like to work with on future projects? KerrSmith: I'd love to work with Tom Cruise. I like the kind of movies that he does. I think that it's just amazing that he's been able to stay on top that long. Harrison Ford is another one, Jack Nicholson... another! Questions: lilianna says: What type of research did you do for your role in Dawson Creek? KerrSmith: For a character like Jack, not much research is required, not like a film role where the character is completely different from me. Jack isn't exactly like me... but as far as research, not much. Questions: rebecca says: Do you find that your degree in Business is useful in managing your career? KerrSmith: Yes, absolutely! When I went to college, I knew that I didn't want to go to school for theater. I knew I wanted to get a degree in something that I could fall back on if acting didn't work out. Acting did work out, but I've found that using my business degree works out, because I'm the product. Questions: norton says: What are your favorite activities for your days off? KerrSmith: I'm learning how to play golf. I'm horrible but learning! There are a lot of good golf courses down here in North Carolina. My favorite sport is snow skiing, but unfortunately it's seasonal. Questions: nate says: If you found you couldn't pursue acting any further as a career, what would you do instead? KerrSmith: That is a tough question! I would probably go into some other aspect of making movies. I've always had huge interest in making movies, behind, in front of the camera ... I don't care. Because I've been in TV, there are different jobs I'd be interested in doing. Nothing behind a desk, that's for sure! Questions: yokelcletus says: How do you think you will deal with the fame that comes with being on a hit show like Dawson's Creek? KerrSmith: I'm not the 9-5 type... I've always known that! I've actually had a taste of it. I used to be on a soap called As the World Turns, and if any of you guys watch daytime TV, then you know that the soap fans are very enthusiastic ! Questions: blossoms says: was this a goal you set for yourself to be in "Dawson's Creek?" KerrSmith: Specifically, no. It was a goal of mine to land a good role in a hit TV series. It's an excellent way to get yourself seen, to learn more than anything. It's a great stepping stone into film, which is what I ultimately want to do. Questions: bethanne says: You play two completely opposite types of men in your two upcoming movies. Which did you feel most in tune with? KerrSmith: Neither. Neither one of the characters was me. I had fun playing both of them, in Kiss and Tell when I played Kelley, I had fun playing that character because that whole film was an improvisation. Myself and the other actors made it up as we went along, to get that opportunity this early, was amazing. In the other movie, the character of Joey, was something I jumped at. I have some friends that are gay, and I've always wanted to play a young gay man. It was a challenge, because it was something I'm not, it's what an actor looks for. Questions: martha says: Which did you find more challenging, movies or tv? KerrSmith: So far, TV. By far the most challenging thing I'd ever done, was daytime TV.When you work in a prime time show like Dawsons Creek, you produce a one hour show in 7-8 days. In daytime TV, you do a one hour show in one day ...It's the difference in memorizing 40 pages ... like Dawsons Creek Questions: tori says: have you ever felt nervous in front of an audience? KerrSmith: Absolutely! When you first start out, everyone has that fear of being on stage, or in front of a camera with a bunch of people watching. As you grow as an artist, you lose that aprehension. It's like any job, you're going to be a little nervous or scared at first. Questions: romeo98_20 says: Can you tell us anything about how your character will change the relationship between the four friends? KerrSmith: I can't tell you much, but Jack will be breaking up one relationship on the show.If I told you any more than that, the producers would come over to my room, break down my door, and probably fire me . ;-) Questions: greenice1 says: How does your character influence your life? KerrSmith: I think playing Jack gets me in touch with the kind of loner side of myself . There's definitley a part of me that likes to be alone. Don't get me wrong, I like to hang out with my friends, but being alone is what Jack's all about. Questions: blossoms says: if you were able to create an episode of your own in "Dawson's Creek".. what will it be about? KerrSmith: I'd start sleeping with my teacher. I thought Pacey had a great story line last season. Questions: troll-1 says: What kind of movies would you like to make? KerrSmith: Everything! Action, drama, comedies!That's my goal to play as much as I can, and as many different parts as I can. Just to keep coming up with new challenges! Questions: jacara says: It seems like you have been out of college for a while, it seems that you are in your late 20's...Is it going to be hard for you to play a teenager? KerrSmith: I'm not quite in my late 20's. I've always played young roles. It's not difficult to play that, I look 8 yrs younger on camera. I enjoy playing younger roles, it brings me back to the days of High School, and to relive that experience that I had. It's fun! Questions: moxiegrrl says: will u be in any promotional items, such as a dawson's creek book, or something along the lines of that? KerrSmith: I would imagine yes, but not at this moment since no body knows who Jack "is" . I would imagine that once the season begins in October, there will be plenty of that stuff coming out. Questions: yokelcletus says: Do you get to have some input with your character or you leave that to the writers? KerrSmith: Yes, it's part of my job to figure out exactly who Jack is. It's the writers job to create the character and figure out the story line. Questions: romeo98_20 says: how would you characterize yourself growing up....like joey, dawson, pacey or jen? KerrSmith: I don't have say in where the story goes, but I do have say as to how Jack handles the situations that Jack is put in. Like Pacey! I was definitely outgoing. I played a lot of sports in High School, always had a girlfriend. I don't think there's a character on the show, now that I think of it... perhaps a cross between Dawson and Pacey.... let's call him ...Pawson... or Dacey ... LOL!!! Questions: lilac says: Where is the most interesting place you ever filmed and why? KerrSmith: Good question. I've only really filmed in big cities, NY, DC, LA ...The most interesting place I've ever filmed is here in Wilmington, a small historic town with many characters, the stuff you read about in your history books is here. You imagine what this town looked like back in the early days. Questions: tigerezz says: who was your hero as a kid, and who is your hero now. why? KerrSmith: My hero is defiantly my grandfather.He knew he had an artistic talent as a musician, and he took that talent and used it to make a lifelong career for himself. He’s been playing the piano for 50 years, and still going strong at 80. Plus I thank him for giving me the musical talent, I play a little piano myself. Questions: jacara says: If there was one aspect or event of your life that you could change, what would it be? KerrSmith: I've been fortunate enough to not have anything devastating happen in my life, so I don't think I would change anything. I've made mistakes, but when you make mistakes is when you learn, so I wouldn't even change the mistakes. Questions: merimont says: Do you feel you will want to expand into producing or directing roles at some point? KerrSmith: At some point, I would enjoy directing, but that is a long ways down the road. I have a lot to learn before I can step into the directors shoes. Questions: yokelcletus says: What's the first big thing you bought when acting starting to pay off? KerrSmith: A computer! I bought a Gateway 2000 with my first big paycheck! It's funny, because this year I ended up doing a national computer for a Gateway 2000, I should have asked them for an upgrade on my PC! ;-) Questions: fleixdaddy says: Is this the best role you ever did? KerrSmith: I don't know yet, it's still too early to know.So far I've only filmed one episode, so as I get further into the season, I'll have an idea if it's the best role I've ever played. I'm having a great time playing it, and it's definitely a role I haven't played before. Questions: tigerezz says: if you were to describe the kind of person you are in one word,what would that word be? KerrSmith: Focused! Questions: blossoms says: what do you like about "Dawson's Creek" and what you don't like? KerrSmith: There's nothing I don't like about Dawsons Creek. I just got into town two weeks ago, and since then, there's not one person in this cast and crew that I don't get along with. When you have that type of chemistry with the actors, you can see it on camera. It's what makes it such a great show. Questions: fulcanelli says: Is there any truth to the rumor that Kerr was originally considered for the role of Mr. Shhh in "Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead"? KerrSmith: No, I never even auditioned for it. Questions: techtcc says: Have any funny experiences on camera (like bloopers) you could share with us? ;-) KerrSmith: I'd say that the most embarrassing thing to me that's ever happened was when I was on As The World Turns, was that I got a "kissing" note from the director.We were told to "tone it down" that it was a bit too much, they told this in front of everyone in the studio...and it was a bit embarrassing! Questions: wimpy says: What's the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in your entertainment career? KerrSmith: That was the funniest... I'm still laughing! Questions: ^flirt_14^ says: i would love to be an actress myself so i was wondering how did you get started? KerrSmith: I started out in Philadelphia ...from a little suburb. I was lucky enough to find a manager, working out of Philadelphia...she started sending me out to NYC ... he drive between the two cities was 3 hours... after a year I got tired of doing this.I decided that if I was going to do this, I sold my car, and moved. The key is that if you want to do this, decide to do it.. and give it 100%. Get into a class, and stay in a class, it's very important! Questions: anne says: Do you feel your role on Dawson Creek will be long term? KerrSmith: They tell me it will be, but you never know, anything can happen. As far as I know, I'm on for the season anyway. Questions: [x]zakuti0n3r says: Hi, Have You Ever Seen Dawsons Creek before actually being on it? KerrSmith: Yes, I actually watched the show last year. I have to admit that I haven't seen all of the episodes, but I've seen a few of them. I actually just asked for all the tapes from last years season, so I'll be watching them all next week. I'll be catching up on last years season! Questions: wimpy says: Why do you think Dawson's Creek is so popular? KerrSmith: Because it's a great story, a great concept and it's a story about something that teenagers and people in their twenties can really relate to.It's a story of four, and now six growing up and what they go through. Questions: techtcc says: Where are you originally from? ;-) KerrSmith: A little town outside of Philadelphia. Questions: yokelcletus says: How weird is it to know that millions of people will be watching you every week? KerrSmith: Pretty weird! A lot of actors pray for a job like this, I was very fortunate to get it after moving to Los Angeles so quickly. It's going to be fun though, it'll be a good ride! I used to get recognized a lot! A funny thing about soaps is that when your story line is big, you do ...and when it's not....you don't. When it wore off ... it was about 6 months after I left the show....and for a year and a half it was nice. I would imagine that once this show airs, it will pick up again! Questions: north says: If you could pick one show to star on what would it be? (don't say Dawson Creek ) KerrSmith: It's funny, because I just said this to someone a few weeks ago. When I moved out to LA a few weeks ago... I said "either Party of Five, or Dawsons Creek" and two weeks later it happened ... so I'm very fortunate! KerrSmith: I loved The Brady Bunch, Cheers, Threes Company and I'm a huge Seinfeld Fan! When Seinfeld went off the air, I was so bummed! Knight Rider... I was a HUGE fan of Knightrider! I had the opportunity to meet David Hasselhoff... I did an episode of Baywatch a while ago.I couldn't believe I was standing next to him! He's one of the biggest stars in the world... both on the show and his music career. I'm not mentioning all the beautiful women running around! Questions: [x]zakuti0n3r says: Are The rumors True That Katie Holes will be leaving the show? KerrSmith: Katie Holes isn't going anywhere to my knowledge. She's a great actress. Katie's got a really interesting story line this season...so watch! Questions: miles says: What do you do to stay in such great shape? KerrSmith: I work out a lot and run a lot. I try not to eat anything that's unhealthy. I sit here and say that like it's no problem, but it's very difficult. You need discipline to watch what you eat, and to keep exercising! Questions: wimpy says: Are you going to grow your hair out for the new role in Dawsons?? KerrSmith: Yes, I am. Questions: yokelcletus says: Kevin Williamson seems to cast a lot of his upcoming movies with ppl from Dawson's Creek. think you'll be in the next Scream?:) KerrSmith: I hope so! I just met Kevin a few weeks ago. Yeah, that would be great. If he asked me, I definitely would. Questions: lovergirl says: Do you have favorite girl now? KerrSmith: Yes, I do have a girlfriend, she just moved into Wilmington last night actually. We're having a good time down here in North Carolina.We met in New York, she's an actress as well... A couple of months ago we were sitting on my sofa in NYC and said, it's time to move to LA, so we got rid of our apartments, rented a 50 foot truck...loaded it up with everything we own, drove 3000 miles across the country to Los Angeles.Of course now she's living in Los Angeles, and I'm in Wilmington.It's tough, because it's the first time I've had to do this long distance. But Love prevails! Questions: laura says: When's your first air date? KerrSmith: Jack comes in on the second episode of the season, I would imagine mid-October. Jack will be kind of kept in the background for the first three or four episodes. They're going to try to keep him a little mysterious. Questions: cccmyst says: Kerr, it's been a pleasure to have you with us tonight! Are there any final thoughts you'd like to leave us with? KerrSmith: That's a tough question! Yes, just find out what it is that you want to do with your life, and do it! Do it 110% and don’t' let anyone tell you that you can't do it .If you believe in yourself, you will do it! I never thought I would be an actor, but when I was up there giving that presentation, I knew. It took close to four years to get here ...but I'm here! KerrSmith: So, good luck!! CCCMyst: As the spotlight dims, our show comes to an end tonight. CCCMyst: We Thank You our Great Audience CCCMyst: and a very special Thank You to our Guest CCCMyst: Kerr Smith CCCMyst: We look forward to seeing you back here again soon. CCCMyst: Talk City Presents is produced in conjunction CCCMyst: with iXL Live(tm) & Talk City(tm), a CCCMyst: production of LiveWorld, Productions Inc. CCCMyst: If you would like to provide feedback on this chat please CCCMyst: go to. http://www.onnow.com/feedback.shtml CCCMyst: The feedback will help us to provide you with a best chat experience online and provide valuable editorial for CCCMyst: OnNow - Liveworld's guide to live events.