ask randy

Question 001: So many people wish to meet you. How do you feel about that, and will their dreams ever come true? - Kim Stewart, Austin, Texas

Answer: Well, I'm very flattered that everybody wants to meet me. I wish I could meet everybody. I keep trying!

Question 002: My question for you is which character on Loving did you have more fun playing: Clay Alden or Alex Masters? - Michelle

Answer: Well, that would definitely be Alex Masters.

Question 003: Are there going to be any other events of Project 51 in the DC area? - Sofia Balino

Answer: Uhh, no, unfortunately, Sofia, Project 51 has run its course. BUT, who knows, there may be a USAR-1 tour one day soon. Keep your fingers crossed.

Question 004: As a nurse I have to ask you, did you learn any of the skills that you portrayed on
Emergency? For instance did they teach you how to take a blood pressure, check pulses, check pupils etc. I know the IV starts weren't for real, they were too darn fast. - Mary Cathleen

Answer: Yes, Mary, we did take the course. We took the paramedic course. We didn't take the written exams, but we learned how to do BPs, pulses, the whole thing, respirations; we even learned how to do an IV, which was my favorite thing to do. But if you guys hurt yourself and fall down in front of me, I will call 911 just like everybody else.

Question 005: How do you like your new computer and what do you like best about having a computer? - Lee

Answer: Lee, I haven't had the computer long enough to figure out what it is that I like about it. I'm not entirely certain I do like it. It's just new. Give me . . .give me a couple more months and then ask me that question.

Question 006: I was wondering how your project USAR- 1 is coming along and will we be seeing you on any TV and Movie projects soon? - Laura Shane

Answer: USAR-1 is coming along. We are still working on it and trying to get it picked up by a network; hopefully that will be USA. And as far as working on another show right now, probably not. I'm devoting about 90% of everything I have to getting USAR-1 developed. So until I do that, I think I'm going to have to take a little bit of a hiatus on other shows.

Question 007: What one person from history would you like to spend an evening talking to? - K

Answer: Well it wouldn't be one person; it would be two people. And that would be Lewis and Clark.
Question 008: What kind of music do you like? Do you like any of the new groups or new singers that are hot on the music charts today? If so what is your favorite song that is played on the charts or your all time favorite song from the past? - Lori

Answer: I like good old-fashioned rock and roll. But if you have any dance mixes you want to send me, go right ahead.

Question 009: Because of your exposure to the paramedic program on Emergency! did you ever consider getting certified as a paramedic or pursuing it in 'real-life'? - Pattie

Answer: The answer to that would be 'no.' I just don't think I have the equipment to do it, and I stand in awe of anybody that does.

Question 010: I know you said Kevin might do a guest appearance on USAR-1 (and we would love to see him)!! Do you think some of the other guys may do a guest shot (like Mike, Marco or Chet) or that Hannah, Ed, Gino or Mike Norell (who does great writing for Nash Bridges) may do a script for you? - Jessica Hatton

Answer: Well, I would love to have everybody work on the show at one time or another. But I may not have the power to say who's gonna be on the show and who's not.

Question 011: What was your favorite Emergency episode? - Maura Shea

Answer: Actually, that's like asking 'who's your favorite kid?' I really don't have a favorite.

Question 012: Do you like little kids grabbing you around the leg at events like the Project 51 event in
LA? - the mom of the grabber kid

Answer: {Laughing} I have absolutely no problem with kids grabbing me around the legs. It's when they start throwing rocks at me that I have a problem!

Question 013: Are there any talents of habits that you learned during Emergency! that you still use, or can do today? (e.g., rope knots, rappelling, Heimlich or fire precautions ... ) - Jeannie, Phoenix, AZ

Answer: Well, really, all those things. But CPR I learned, and that came in handy a couple of times.

Question 014: What advice would you give to today's kids about becoming an actor? - Jeannie Bennett

Answer: Well, you really have to follow your own dream. But I must warn everybody that this is a very tough business to get into and to stay into. But if you really want to do it, I would suggest that you start as early as possible by doing high school plays, community plays. Don't just come out here and think you're gonna get a job; it just doesn't work that way.

Question 015: Have you ever attended a high school reunion? - Carol

Answer: No, I haven't. And I really don't plan on doing it any time soon! Sorry!

Question 016: My question is about the early episodes of Emergency! where John and Roy seemed to talk in short, clipped sentences, especially when they were on a call. Was that Jack Webb's influence on character development since he used it in Dragnet? And, if so, what happened to it, since it appeared to be gone in later episodes that first season? - Cheryl

Answer: Yes Cheryl that probably was Jack Webb's influence. He owned the show. But after the pilot, he was no longer a part of the show and as the show progressed, we decided that that kind of dialogue , the way we would speak, that kind of dialogue, just wasn't very realistic. That's not the way the fireman really talked so we decided to be more realistic and have it in a conversational tone.

Question 017: I have always wondered how you got the scar on your cheek. Oh, and I was also wondering if you received the book I sent for your birthday? - Janice Bean

Answer: How I received the scar on my cheek, I was just a small child and I believe we were living in Kansas at the time and I fell of the front porch of the house. Believe it or not, I cut a huge gash on the side of my face from a toy fire truck. How odd is that? (laughs) Yes I did receive your book. Thank you very much.

Question 018: If I were a genie in a bottle and could grant you three wishes, what would you wish for? - Jaye

Answer: The three wishes would be to wish for the courage to do the things that I'm afraid to do and the strength to actually do them and the third wish would be to know when it is that I'm supposed to do these things.

Question 019: In Dick Friend's account of the drive of the new Engine 51 across the country, he tells the story of the day they were in Las Vegas at a mall and you appeared, not recognized at first by Dick and Mike Stoker because you had a couple weeks of camping under your belt. What are your remembrances of that day? - Connie Jellison

Answer: It was really added fun when I did see Dick, Mike Stoker, and all the rest of the guys, some of the fire department guys that aren't necessarily in front of the camera. To see them and the engine was a real jolt for me 'cause I had been in the woods for so long.

Question 020: It's pretty obvious that today's reality TV was born of shows such as Emergency. I saw you appear recently on Paramedics on TLC. Would you ever be interested in assuming the role of interviewer on a special episode of that program and speaking with some of today's paramedics? - Dyan Beller

Answer: Yes Diane, I would love that. I would welcome the opportunity to do something like that. All I have to be is asked and I'm there.

Question 021: I know you're very busy trying to get USAR-1 on the air (and we all hope you're successful!!) but I was wondering if there is any possibility of your being lured back to daytime in the near future. Have you been approached? Your daytime fans really miss you! Do you still keep in touch with any of your former co-stars? - Christy

Answer: Well, the answer to the first question is there really isn't a possibility, is not a possibility for me going back into daytime in the near future. Have I been approached? Yes I have, a couple of times. Do I keep in touch with any of my former co-stars? Yes I do, they're very close friends of mine.

Question 022: In a recent interview, you mentioned that your dad was a Julie London fan. did you ever get the chance to introduce them to each other? - Chan

Answer: Unfortunately no, I did not get to introduce them so my dad never really got the opportunity to meet Julie London.

Question 023: How was Jack Webb to work for and with? - Rita Weisburgh

Answer: Well my experience with Jack Webb is there was a bit of animosity between us. We never really saw eye to eye. He didn't like my long hair and I didn't necessarily like his short hair. (laughs) Although now my hair is shorter than his ever was. I was always a little bit afraid of Jack. He was quite a slave driver. If I saw him in the hallway, I'd always turn around and find someplace else to be. Jack always liked me, but he always treated me very harshly at times. I'm a little surprised that he let his hair down since he didn't have a lot of hair to let down. As far as working with Martin Milner and Kent McCord, it was great. Actually Martin Milner, right after Emergency ended, played my father on the Seekers. Kent McCord and I have never worked together since Adam-12 but every now and then, maybe twice a year, we talk on the phone just to kind of reach in touch.

Question 024: How did you like Chicago when you were here for the Project 51 tour? - Connie W.

Answer: To tell you the truth, I had never really been to Chicago before. As a child, I had lived in some of the outlying areas, like Aurora and Joliet and those areas but never really in Chicago itself. I was absolutely delighted when I got there. I found it to be like a clean New York.

Question 025: Why do you specifically support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western Massachusetts? Surely there are chapters closer to home for you! Do you have ties to the area? Donna

Answer: We decided that we were going to throw our support to the Make-A-Wish that had the most difficulty in raising money. It's not a very rich area and we decided some of the areas in LA and NY, they have a wealth of people helping out them and giving them donations. They aren't hurting for money quite as badly.

Question 026: Being a writer yourself, have you written (and published) any short stories or poetry? and knowing that you have worked on Broadway, do you have any desire to maybe someday write a Broadway play? Or perhaps an autobiography? - Rae, Wisconsin

Answer: I have written short stories, none of which have been published>I'm not even certain I would like to do that. Poetry is beyond me. I'm not good at that. My mom is but she didn't pass that gene onto me. I would like to write a play. Whether it's going to wind up on Broadway or not, I have no idea. Autobiography? I don't think so. I still have a lot of living to do before I write any autobiography.

Question 027: I understand you have an allergy to chocolate. Me being a doctor, I wondered what sort of symptoms it gives you? - Willowwind

Answer: I don't crave chocolate. It doesn't even enter into my world. I just have to dodge it every now and then. And my throat actually swells up. It's kind of like when people are allergic to shellfish but probably not as severe as that.

Question 028: Is there any truth to the rumor that you are being considered by ABC to play "Clint Buchanan" on "One Life to Live," a role which was created and played by Clint Ritchie for 20 years? - JHS

Answer: Actually the very first time I heard of this was when I read your question. No, nobody is considering me to play the role of Clint Buchanan on One Life to Live for ABC. I don't want to go in playing somebody else's character. If I go in playing a character, it will be a character I create.

Question 029: I'm an elementary music teacher, and my favorite episodes are the ones when Johnny was trying to develop some sort of musical talent. So my question is, do you still play the guitar (and yes, I saw the picture of you on the site…yummerz!)? And if you do, will you make a sound wav of yourself playing the guitar? - Linda Joiner Hammond, LA

Answer: Well, the answer to that is absolutely not. I learned about 4-5, 7 chords just to get by on Emergency! What you're seeing in the picture is me basically using the guitar as a prop. She doesn't want any sound wavs from my guitar. It will blow out your speakers. You really don't want to hear me play the guitar.

Question 030: Which do you enjoy doing more, writing or acting? - Sarah Bradley

Answer: That's a tough question. I really do enjoy writing. I have more control over content than you do with acting. When all is said and done, I would probably have to say that acting is probably what I enjoy doing more.

Question 031: There seems to be a bit of inconsistency regarding the year in which you were born (I've read 1945, 1949, 1950), so my question is…which year is it really? - DiJ

Answer: Well you know impolite 1950 to ask someone 1945 how old 1949 they are. So please 1952 refrain from 1948 so doing so.

Question 032: Ok, besides USAR-1, which we your fans hope like heck gets on the air soon, what role or character would you most like to do that you have not done in your career? - Jennifer

Answer: Well, that's a tough question to answer because I like to do original characters or original roles so chances are the role or character I'd most like to do hasn't been created yet. As far as the type of show I'd like to do…well, you know I've always had a hankering to do a western.

Question 033: My name is Meryl Kaye and I have a twin sister named Cheryl Faye and we attend Twins Convention every year. My question is, have you ever had the opportunity to act in a television show or movie with a set of twins? - Meryl Hollar

Answer: And the answer to that is yes, many times. I'll tell you why. Usually when you're acting with little babies the laws state that these babies can only be in front of the camera and under the lights for a few minutes of each hour. So what they will do is normally a lot of times they will take a set of twins. And they will then switch off as they're shooting. So we think there's just one baby but there's actually two. So many times I have worked with twins in that capacity.

Question 034: Now we all think you are perfect, and find absolutely no faults with you. So what do you think your faults are, i.e., what would you change about yourself, your life, your career? - Bree

Answer: Well, Bree, you're absolutely right. I am perfect. And there are absolutely no faults with me whatsoever. And I wouldn't change anything about me. Oh, by the way, I don't know whether you all know this or not but I have been nominated for sainthood. So as the information comes in I'll keep you guys posted on that. Thanks, Bree!

Question 035: In what part of Washington state did you live? - Rhonda McCaffrerty

Answer: I used to live in a town called Washougal right on the Columbia River, which I believe is just east of Camas, Washington. And then I also lived in a town called Yakima, Washington.

Question 036: I am interested in learning about different cultures. I think this is because my family is from the Caribbean and we are mixed with so many different things. Anyway, right now I have gotten back into reading about the Native American culture and history. I say gotten back into it because at one point I was going to teach on a reservation. Could you suggest any good books on this subject? - Charlene

Answer: These are very good books that you read. In novel form "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" by Peter Matthiessen is a good book.   "Hanta Yo" by Ruth Beebe Hill is another good book. But I think you're leaning towards the history of different tribes. And there's just so many books out there that you can get all this information. One book would be simply called "The Native Americans" and the other book would be "Five Hundred Nations". That'll get you started. They're huge tomes. They're huge books so start reading notes and see what you think.

Question 037: Have you ever had to react to a real-life emergency where you could have at least started to help in that situation? I know you are not certified but I would think with the knowledge you acquired on Emergency you could have begun to help in some capacity. - Louse Troutman

Answer: Yes, on quite a few occasions that has happened. And I did thank God that I did absorb some of the information that I learned over the years of "Emergency!". I'm not going to go into detail about what they were because, frankly, I don't think I did anything that any one of you people wouldn't have done out there in the field. It's just part of being a good neighbor. When somebody's in trouble everybody should take whatever knowledge they have and apply it to the person that's in need and I didn't do anything different than anybody else would have done.

Question 038: Is it all right to send in a donation to the Walk of Fame as small as $20? I don't want an amount as small as that to be construed as an insult. With two kids in college things are tight but I very much want to support your star and to have a way to thank you for all the pleasure I've received watching your work. (Here's where I don't want to offend - I've had more than $20 worth of enjoyment!) - Cara B

Answer: Basically, I just want you guys' support. And if you can't afford it I don't want you to do this. You know, there are people who can afford it and we're not hurting here. So don't do it. Just send me a letter and say that you support it and that'll make me feel just as happy.

Question 039: Are there any projects that may have you traveling to the Midwest any time soon? - Charla, Kansas City, MO

Answer: Well, actually yes. On June the 7th, I'm going to be in Minneapolis, Minnesota to give a keynote address to a firefighting function. But that's it so far. That will be June the 7th of this year. And then, of course, I'll be in Johnson City, TN on June the 14th. So if you guys are anywhere near those areas come on by and say hi to me. I would really life that.

Question 040: What parts of Pennsylvania did you reside in? - nightbull

Answer: Well if I can remember correctly it was a long time when I was just a little boy when I lived there. But I lived in Lancaster (pronounced Lan-CAS-ter) or as they say in Lancaster: Lank-ester. And I also lived in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. And actually Coatesville, Pennsylvania was where I had my very, very, very first job. I sold newspapers. I sold the Coatesville Record for I think 25 cents. Sold it on the street.

Question 041: How do you cope with being recognized so much? I know you love and appreciate your fans. But does it ever become overwhelming at times and how do you handle it? - Regina, VA

Answer: That's a very good question because you're right, I did hide an awful lot. It was very difficult for me. One of the biggest obstacles I had in life was to get over that. And I realized one day that it took a lot of energy to hide with glasses and try to be alone and not be recognized and it took very little energy on my part to just simply look up, smile, and say thank you. And to be honest with you it really became kind of a lot of fun when I got over that period in my life where I wanted to hide from everything. But there are times, you're right, sometimes it is a little overwhelming, there are times when I would like simply to walk the streets with the same anonymity that you guys do and see the sights, rather than be the sights.

Question 042: How did you feel when you realized you were helping make history when the show Emergency aired? - Lynda Phillips, Independence, MO

Answer: Well to be honest with you, none of us thought we were making history when "Emergency!" was being aired. It wasn't until rather recently that we realized that it did change the face of emergency medicine, as we know it in the field. How does that make me feel? Incredibly proud and I also feel incredibly lucky that I was lucky enough to be on that show.

Question 043: I was wondering if you will ever be coming down to San Antonio, Texas. You have a lot of fans here. - Laura Turner

Answer: Well actually no, not in the future. I haven't been asked to go down there so I don't see anything happening in the near future anyway. I was, however, there in San Antonio, Texas for TV Land last year, I believe it was. So if you know of any fire departments down there or anything that would invite me down, talk to 'em. I'd be more than happy to come down to San Antonio. It's one of my favorite places on earth.

Question 044: Would you rather love or be loved? I have found in my lifetime that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they answer this if they answer it honestly. - Jeannie

Answer: Okay, I'm just going to assume that you're talking about romantic love. And in that case, love or be loved, I don't believe that you can make a distinction like that. Because I truly believe that you can't really love someone unless they love you back. You can be in 'like' (laughs) but I don't believe that you can love somebody without being loved back. You can admire them and cherish them and like them a lot. But if we're talking about a good 'soul' love, I don't think you can make that distinction.

Question 045: What type of roles do you enjoy doing (comedy or drama), and have you ever been to West Virginia? - Jenn

Answer: Question number one: You know, I love doing both comedy and drama but I must say I probably bend a little bit towards comedy because even when I'm doing drama I always try to inject some sort of comedic values to it 'cause I think life shouldn't be taken too seriously. And have I ever been to West Virginia? Yes, indeed, I have. It's one of the few states, however, that I have never lived in.

Question 046: What is your favorite song that Dr. Demento would play or what is your favorite funny song? - Melissa Kutcher

Answer: Well, Melissa, I have a real problem. I don't remember song titles. (laughs) It's just a thing of mine; I don't know what it is. There are a lot of very funny songs out there that I love; I just don't remember their titles. I do, however, remember that I used to think that Loudon Wainwright III used to crack me up with his albums. He would always have these strange, weird lyrics in his music that was hilarious to me.

Question 047: I was just wondering if you had read any of the fan fiction that was on the internet and what you thought of the stories if you have. - Shawna/Erin, FFRS

Answer: To be honest with you, Shawna, I haven't. I know you guys have embraced it and love it and I'm so happy that you have. But it is something that I did over 25 years ago and it makes me feel very uncomfortable to go back that far and relive Johnny Gage. It is something I did, I loved doing, but I have kind of moved on now. "Emergency!" is a very important part of my life but it is not so important that I want to go back constantly to revisit it.

Question 048: Was there any significance to the green pen that Johnny always used on E!, what ever happened to it? - Schuster (?)

Answer: No there was no significance whatsoever. It was a way that we could figure out whose pen was whose. Mine was green and I think Kevin's was black if I'm not mistaken. Whatever happened to it? I have no idea. I've often thought about that green pen too. I would love to see it again 'cause I used it, literally, for seven years.

Question 049: Do know how I can find out info about being an EMT? - Elizabeth Davis

Answer: What you do is you walk into any fire station or any hospital and ask your questions to them and, believe me, they will walk you right through everything you have to do.

Question 050: What was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) things you learned from your experience with "Emergency!" regarding the role of a public servant (ie firefighter, paramedic?) - Robin W

Answer: I guess one of the biggest, I don't know if it's the greatest or not, but one of the biggest things I did learn is that it takes a very special person to be a public servant-firefighter, paramedic, what have you. How many people are out there who do this sort of thing for very little personal gain and this coming from an industry that I'm in where I see everybody around me that will do anything and everything, including stepping on the body for personal gain.

Question 051: Can I ever hope that you will make an appearance somewhere in Ohio someday? - Charlene

Answer: Well, yes of course there's always hope. I don't see it in the near future anyway. I'm looking at my calendar and I don't see Ohio on there. That doesn't mean that I won't/ All I need is an event, shoot a film there, what have you, and I'll be in Ohio. There is, of course, hope.

Question 052: As an outdoorsman, for fresh water fishing, do you prefer an open-faced or closed reel? - Kathy R

Answer: Well, to tell you the truth, I prefer open-faced. Why? That's because I can untangle it better that way.

Question 053: One of my favorite things to do is watch live theatre. I thought that I had read that you have done live theatre. (Randy's response Pt. 1) Are you planning to do anymore in the future? And do you do touring productions? (Randy's response Pt. 2) If given the choice, which show would you like to do? (Randy's response Pt. 3) - Karen R

Answer: Yes, of course I've done live theater. That's how I got my start. They saw me in a play in New York and brought me out to California to work for Universal Studios. Then I got Emergency after that. I still try to do as much theatre as I possibly can.

Yeah, not solid plans but yes I would like to do more and do I do touring productions? No, that takes way too much time.

There's a lot of them that I would like to do but one of the new shows that hasn't had an opportunity to be mounted anyplace big would be a show called "Evil Little Thoughts" - very very funny. I love that play.

Question 054: In Martin and Porter's Video Movie Guide 2001 the write-up on Enemy Action reads as follows: Enemy Action **1/2 Low-budget Roger Corman production about officers trying to stop a terrorist plan to detonate stolen bombs in Washington DC. Standard thriller fare enlivened by Randolph Mantooth as a scene-stealing villain. Rated R for violence and profanity...... Do you feel that this is an accurate description of your portrayal of the character Solansky? - Ann Fick

Answer: Well, I had to laugh when I read that. I had not seen that before and she ask "do you feel that this is an accurate description of your portrayal of the character Solansky"? Again, I had to laugh at that. Sure, maybe I was stealing some scenes and I'm glad they think I enlightened it. It was kind of a dismal little movie. It needed some enlightening. Thanks for the question. (laughs)

Question 055: Now that you have your very own computer, have you visited the many websites out there that are dedicated to you? - Mary Lee

Answer: I don't really hang on the computer an awful lot. I kind of read my email and get off but I have popped in on some of these things. I always get a little embarrassed. I'm still a little uncomfortable with all the angulations…but I will try to make a point of dropping in and taking a look. It's like reading your own reviews. You get a little uncomfortable at times. Believe me, I do pop in on you guys…I keep an eye on you. (laughs)

Question 056: Are you a basketball fan? Who are your favorite teams? - Anita Kay, Spencer, IN

Answer: To be honest with you, I'm not that big of a basketball fan, I'm more of a baseball and football fan Anita. I do, however, like the LA Lakers, only because they are here in LA> If they were to lose to the Indiana Pacers that really wouldn't break my heart at all.

Question 057: Did you ever live in Minnesota and, if so, where and when? - Sandy Erickson, Brainerd, MN

Answer: Well, I don't know. I was very, very young. I guess I was 11 or 12 years old. I lived in St Cloud Minnesota and I lived there during the summer so I didn't really get to experience the Minnesota winters.

Question 058: How did you feel when you got to be on "Diagnosis Murder" (with the one) and only Dick Van Dyke? - Millisa Gingerich

Answer: I was absolutely privileged to work with Dick Van Dyke and no, I wasn't nervous. I was more excited. I too am a very big fan of Dick Van Dyke. He was probably one of the nicest men I ever met in this business.

Question 059: Is there a particular natural or manmade wonder you still long to see (e.g. Victoria Falls, Macchu Piccu, Great Wall of China)? - Marty

Answer: Yes, I want to see the Russian Steps. I would love to see Mongolia and I would love to see the Alaskan Wilderness.

Question 060: Do you keep in touch with KevinTighe? - Lisa

Lisa, Kevin and I are still best friends. Yes I see him as often as I possibly can and we talk at least once or twice a month.

Question 061:I've read here and there that you write. Aside from screen plays, is there anything else you write, such as short stories? - Sage Rory

Answer: Yes, I do write short stories. Have I ever been published? No, I have not been published. And would I make one available on my site? No, I don't think so. I kind of write for me and I write characters and these characters may wind up in a screenplay one day. I don't want to put them on the site 'cause they can be stolen. Sorry about that Sage.

Question 062: How much of Randy is in John Gage and Alex Masters or did more of these character's traits rub off on Randy and he become more like them and if not, what trait would he like to have gotten from each one? - Barbara, Pasadena, MD

Answer: As an actor, you bring different parts of your personality into a character. It's like a light that you have inside-multiple lights. What you do is you dim some down and brighten others. Gage just happens to be a part of me I had to magnify. Yeah, you'll find that in most actors when they're doing a role. It has to be part of them. The role very seldom ever turns around on itself and makes you a different personality.

Question 063: What was it like, working on Emergency? - (no name, email sig cgb12)

Answer: Well cgb12, it was great!

Question 064: What color iMac did you get for Christmas?! - Mary Lee

Answer: Well, the color would be white.

Question 065: I was just wondering if you have ever surfed any of the websites your fans have made? - Colleen

Answer: I'm not really on this computer an awful lot and I'm not really good at surfing just yet. Basically, I pick up my email and then I get off as quickly as possible. I do have an opportunity every now and again when someone is with me and helps me out to find these different websites and I really like them. They're cool! Sometimes I get a little embarrassed. Sometimes I don't feel a little comfortable with this. I feel unworthy of it all but I do enjoy them. I really do.

Question 066: What has been the most challenging role you have ever played? Darlene

Answer: Lately I have to say the role of Solanksy in Enemy Action was pretty demanding. It wasn't a well-written script and it was done on a very, very low budget and the constraints on the actors were enormous. We all felt that if we could do a good job under these conditions, then we've done a pretty good job. So, indeed, that probably was the most demanding role.

Question 067: I read in the fun facts section that you love camping and cross country travel. Are there any places that you have been to that you would recommend to others who love cross country travel and camping? - Amanda

Answer: For you people in the east that would be the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs all the way from Virginia to North Carolina to Tennessee. Great, great, wonderful drive. From the south the Natchez Trace Trail that leads from middle of Tennessee all the way down to Mississippi. And basically any place in the west is good, just get off the freeway and the turnpikes. Get on the 2 lane roads, go through the small towns and believe me, you won't be disappointed.

Question 068: How come on the show "Roy" always got to drive the squad, EXCEPT when "Roy" would have to go into the ambulance with the victim, then "Johnny" would drive the squad to the hospital? - Susan Hartzler

Answer: Basically it was just a bit of an accident. When we were shooting the stock footage of us leaving the fire station and going out on these different calls, it happened to be that Kevin was driving. Well, they never had me drive so all of a sudden for years, I had to always be in the shotgun position in the truck because they really never shot me driving the truck before. That was basically really what it was. Nobody wanted to go back and shoot that whole day's worth.

Question 069: Was there ever any strife between you and Kevin Tighe since you were the single hunk of the show and he was the married, plain kind of guy? - Susanna Savidge

Answer: Never, never once. Kevin and I were always very close on the set. We've remained close throughout all the years that we have been together, been friends. No, never once had a cross word between us. We've remained very supportive of each other.

Question 070: Where is the museum that the squad is located at? - Brenda

Answer: It is located at the Los Angeles Country Fire Museum and if you come into town and call the LA County Fire Department Headquarters---remember it's the LA County, not the LA City--- LA County Fire Department Headquarters at (323) 881-2472, they will be able to give you directions on how to get there.

Question 071: Have you or will you ever write an in depth auto biography? - Thompson

Answer: The answer to the first part is no, I haven't and the answer to the second part is probably not. I've got a lot of living left to do to be thinking about an auto-biography.

Question 072: Have you decided on a cast of characters yet for USAR-1? If so, who are they? - DianeMarie, Culver City, CA

Answer: That's not up to me. Usually the networks do all the casting. I'm not going to have too much of a hand in that. They pretty much will tell me when to show up for work once this thing gets sold. Before that, we have to get USAR bought by someone and we don't have that yet. So we're not worrying about cast or characters just yet. Once we get in that position, we'll let you know.

Question 073: The physician in me is curious about such an unusual malady, and the unreformed chocoholic from Hershey PA is curious about such an unfortunate malady. - Denise

Answer: Well since chocolate had sort of made me sick even as a child and as I got older, I started having more and more of a reaction. It's not really a malady. I don't miss it. I don't crave it. I just know it's no longer a part of anything that I can eat.

Question 074: If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and why? - Margaret, Surrey, BC, Canada

Answer: I'd love to go back in time in history and meet Louis & Clark. Why because these guys got to see the United States of America before white people messed it up. The Native Americans were out there and it was just filled with herds of buffalo and elk and wonderful things that unfortunately all of us, you and I, will never see again. I'd like to talk to them, sit around a campfire and ask, "What was it like?"

Question 075: In watching Greatest Rescues of Emergency!, there is a scene at the end where Roy and Johnny were saying goodbye to one another. It appeared to be an emotional scene for the characters, just by their actions and lack of words. Was it emotional for you and Kevin to film that scene? - Janet

Answer: I think it was at that particular point where we were second guessing ourselves after seven years of doing this show. You really do make very close friends with one another and even though the show showed us being promoted to Captains, we knew that basically we were going to be out of work. So, to a great extent, that was one of the most memorable scenes I had with Kevin.

Question 076: I am from Colorado Springs, CO. My question is will the show USAR-1 have an actual firefighter/paramedic on the show similar to when Emergency! had Mike Stoker as a real life firefighter? - Lisa Thompson, Colorado Springs, CO

Answer: First we have to get it sold and you have to understand the networks have a lot to say as far as what actor is going to be doing what in the show. I probably won't have a heck of a lot of say when it comes to this sort of thing. But we don't know what's going to happen there and we may not be able to find an actor who can drive the rig so we may have to get a real firefighter. It's still up in the air, we still have to sell the show. So let's do that first and then we'll worry about getting a real firefighter on the show.

Question 077: If your favorite team is the LA Dodgers; Why are you sporting a Baltimore Orioles jersey in your pictures? - Marion

Answer: Well, the answer to that is real simple. It was free. (laughs) A very good friend of mine, Evelyn Ellers, works for the Baltimore Orioles and she gave me the jersey. If the Dodgers are not going to be in the World Series and the Baltimore Orioles were, I would then become a Baltimore Orioles fan because I would know that my Dodgers were out. Thanks Marion.

Question 078: I am now 41 with 2 wonderful kids (but no body to speak of); work at night and have no formal training in the art of acting. (I feel I have talent, but I am sure everyone thinks so). My question is, do you think it is possible to try to pursue a career in such a venue without training, or do you think training is needed to become successful? - Tammy

Answer: Well Tammy, you're really behind the eight ball. It really does take quite a bit of training. It's tough. I'm not going to say it's impossible because it isn't. I do know a handful of actors who did start right about that age. But believe me, it's a daunting process. I don't want to be a downer and crush your dreams. If you feel you want to be an actor and it burns bright, then I suggest you somehow, someway, get on stage. Just like everybody else, find local theatre, audition for it and get up there on stage. Get your feet wet, See if it works for you.

Question 079: John Gage made the 'bi-carb thumb-pop' pretty much a legend among EMS workers. Everyone's always told not to "Johnny Gage-it". My question is…if we're NOT supposed to do it that way, then how else would you say it's supposed to be done?? Personally, I really don't think it matter as long as the caps come off and the drug is given. And I like the 'thumb-pop'…I don't care what 'they' say! - Ria

Answer: Well, I agree with you. I was told not to do that but that's the first thing you have to remember about me is when you tell me not to do something, then I'm probably going to go right ahead and do it. I thought it was the fastest and quickest way to do it. The other paramedics sad "Great, you can do that, we can't. We're told we're not supposed to." What the heck, I was starring in my own show (laughs) so I could do whatever I wanted. I can't think of any better way so keep on thumbs-popping it.

Question 080: I have recently become interested in learning about Native American culture, especially about spiritual beliefs and relationships to nature. Has your heritage had an influence in your life-if yes, in what way? Do you have any favorite books that you would recommend? - Nancy

Answer: Books that I would recommend that you would read, "Bury My Head at Wounded Knee" would probably be first. A couple of other books would be "Hanta Yo" by BB Hill. Another very good book would be "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse". There are so many books out there, just drag one down and read it. Providence always takes over at that point. You're supposed to learn what you're supposed to learn from any book that you read. Those are good books - those are just barely scratching the surface.

Question 08: I would like to know where the producers of Emergency! obtained Boot and Henry. Were they rescued from a shelter? - Robin, Oklahoma 1

Answer: Well, I'm not really sure. I do know that they're trained dogs. <chuckles> Believe it or not, Henry really was trained; he was trained to just sit and do nothing. But they came with the trainers whenever we would shoot that day and we would have to use the dog of course the trainer was always there with them. So where the trainers got the dogs I have no idea. Probably, Boot was a rescue dog. Henry, I'm not really sure. But they were great dogs!

Question 082: My question is do you have any children? - Micheline from Ottawa, Can.

Answer: No, I don't. One of the sad things of my life … I would like to have some. It's not too late but as of now, no I don't have any children.

Question 083: My question: What is your favorite national or state park or national scenic treasure? - Amy, North Carolina

Answer: Yellowstone is right up there. The Redwoods is pretty high on the list too. Yosemite … I always call Yosemite God's front yard. Joshua Tree National Park … oh my, there's just so many. But Yellowstone has to be right up there, mainly because it's so big and it's so close to the Grand Teton Mountains. But there are some wonderful places also on the east coast that I love. And the Everglades in Florida. Those certainly are … the ones that I mentioned anyway … are right up there on top of the list.

Question 084: I was wondering if you think you might ever come to the Oregon coast for a visit. - (no name, outdoorspacifier.com)

Answer: Well, actually, yes. Kristen and I are going to drive up to Seattle to see Kevin sometime this summer. And we're going to camp all the way up the northern coast of California, through Oregon and then on up into Washington. Yes, in fact, I used to live in Oregon but not anywhere near the coast.

Question 085: I read that a long time ago you went on a winter camping adventure in Newfoundland. I am very familiar with that part of Canada because I lived in the Maritimes for twenty years. I would like to know if you enjoyed the experience. Was it a positive or a negative one? - Chris Neidig High Prairie, AB

Answer: Well, it was definitely a positive one. I had never been up in that area before. A real good friend of mine, Bob Pratt, and I had two Land Rovers and we decided to go on a camping trip in the spring. We had no idea that Canada doesn't have a spring <chuckles> so we found ourselves camping in the snow an awful lot. Our plans were to go just to Nova Scotia, only because it seemed so far away to us. And when we got to Nova Scotia we just decided to keep on going. We put our Land Rovers on an icebreaker and went on out to Newfoundland. And that was extremely cold. But it was a joyous, joyous trip.

Question 086: What was your most embarrassing moment on the set or while filming? - Jennifer

Answer: I don't like being in water, especially cold water. And we were shooting a rescue one day and the water was so cold and everybody else was in the water but it didn't seem to bother anybody else but it bothered me to the point that I couldn't even remember my dialogue. All I wanted was out of the water. I had all this dialogue I was supposed to say and, frankly, it went right out of my head. Somebody was supposed to ask me, "Is there anybody else in the car?" and I had about a paragraph I was supposed to say. And all I could say was, "Hell, I don't know!" <laughs> And so at the end of the day's shooting everybody said, "What happened to you?" and all I could say again was, "Hell, I don't know!" That's a great memory!

Question 087: While working on Emergency! what was the funniest prank someone played on you? - Laura Holland, Michigan

Answer: I don't really remember pranks played on me. I only remember the ones I play on other people. And the greatest one that I ever played on anybody … ever … was on Kevin. He was asleep in the motor home right before we were supposed to shoot. And he was sleeping with his mouth open and his teeth were showing. And I took a magic marker and I blackened out his two front teeth and never told him. And he went on the set with two blacked out teeth. And I had a good laugh about that. <laughs> But pranks on me, I don't remember.

Question 088: I was wondering if they let you keep the game ball from the game in Baltimore. - Cathy McDonnell, North Olmsted, Ohio

Answer: Well, yes indeed I did get to keep the ball.   Eddie Murray, who caught the ball, actually handed me the ball at the end of the pitch and signed it for me. And, yeah, I love baseball too.

Question 089: I was wondering if you were ever going to be in any big screen movies? - Kelly Cosnowski

Answer: Well, I would love to be. First you have to get the role and so far I haven't been offered one. But that doesn't mean I won't. But in the near future anyway it doesn't look like I am. But who knows? You never can tell.

Question 090: If you had the power to change one thing in the world what would it be? - Clare (from England)

Answer: It's amazing … how do you know me from England? Well, I would probably change the human being's life span from about 75 to 80 years old to about 275 to 280 years. That would be neat.

Question 091: Have you ever lived in Virginia, and if so, where? - Frannie West, VA

Answer: When I was very, very young. I don't remember actually living there, I was so young … I think I was like two or three years old … my family lived near the Roanoke, Virginia area for just a little while and then we moved on.

Question 092: I understand that you won't do a reunion show; that is understandable. But would you and the other cast members be willing to do a Reunion/Convention for the 30th Anniversary of Emergency! which would be next year? (This would be exactly like the one that was hosted in Los Angeles in 1998 that I read on a web site recently and maybe some or most of the proceeds would benefit a charity like Make-A-Wish foundation). - Jenny Rehman

Answer: Uh, Jenny, this is a difficult question. I have no idea what the others would want. I do know that they're flung out all over the United States by now. And it would be tough … it was wonderful the reunion we did do but to have a reunion every two or three years, I think … I wouldn't know what purpose it would serve. I just don't see it happening. There are different ways of making money for Make-A-Wish. I think it's time to move onward and upward and not keep going back too many times to the well.

Question 093: Is Project 51 going to be coming to Indianapolis this year in June for the World Police and Fire games? - Andrea & Bradley, Indianapolis, IN

Answer: Project 51 is about to wrap it up. Our goal was to have it going for two years and by September of this year it'll pretty much peter out. No more road trips. Everybody's got a busy life and we're all trying to make money as best we can. Our goal was to get the artifacts and the props and everything to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Having done that, I think now we're just going to disband it as quietly as we can.

Question 094: Have you EVER owned a new pair of jeans? :) - Carrie Angell

Answer: Well, of course, Carrie. They were ALL new at one time.

Question 095: Would you put more photos of you as a child on your website? The one of you as a little boy is adorable. - Deborah

Answer: You have to understand, I lost my house to a fire a long time ago. And I had my mom's photo albums that I was supposed to take pictures of and make a big slide show out of 'em. And almost all those photos were, uh … well, not almost, ALL the photos were destroyed. And now I have to rely on relatives to get more photos of me. But they're almost all gone. I just don't have them. That one survived it … how, I don't know. It probably wasn't even at my house. But I just don't have them. I wish I could accommodate you but if relatives send me some and I find some, I will put them up.

Question 096: Do you have any personal appearances scheduled for the Tennessee area? (Nashville or surrounding area?) - Connie

Answer: The answer to that is yes Connie, I do. On June 14, I will be in Johnson City, Tennessee for a big firemen convention there and I will be speaking there and signing autographs. So Johnson City, TN, try to find out if you can be there and I'll sign whatever you want, shake your hand, and talk with you a while.

Question 097: Have you ever considered doing anything else besides acting? - tm

Answer: Before I actually got into acting I thought maybe I'd take a whack at baseball. Then I thought maybe I'd like to be a ranger, a forest ranger or a park ranger of some kind. I think at one point I even thought maybe I could teach geography or history in high school or something. I loved those things; they always fascinated me. But no, I think I always knew deep down that I wanted to be an actor and that's pretty much what I wanted to do. I think the only variation now is that I'd like to write as well.

Question 098: Have you gotten used to that computer you got for Christmas (proof is in the pics) yet? :-) Kathy St. Louis, MO

Answer: No, not really I mean I sort of know how to get my email. I got to this point where I can scroll down and read your guys' questions. It's like homework to me getting in front of this computer. I know everybody is all excited about it and they love it. I'd rather be doing something outside than sitting here looking at this monitor. I'm working at it; I'm doing my best so just be patient with me.

Question 099: Is it true that you are sensitive to chocolate? - Teddy

Answer: That would be a big 'Yes!' Sensitive is kind of an understatement. I'm allergic.

Question 100: If you didn't get the role of Johnny Gage, what other role on the show would you liked to have played? - Amy Babb Dalton, Georgia

Answer: I don't know. That's a tough question. I guess if I had to make a choice I'd guess it would have been the role of Chet cause he was a real prankster and so am I. (laughs) So I probably would have enjoyed playing that role.

Question 101: Are you still recognized frequently in public as you were during the making of Emergency!, or are you now able to purchase Mayonnaise in considerable peace? - Joyce

Answer: I'm probably recognized more now than I was when I was doing Emergency because the show had been in syndication for so long that all ages recognize me now. It's absolutely stunning to me that it would work out that way. And am I able to purchase mayonnaise in considerable peace? Probably not, but it bothers me less now.

Question 102: Now that you are have a computer, have you ever read any of the "Emergency!" fan fiction? - Zapper

Answer: No, a little bit but not a lot. Going back and reading Emergency again is not a lot of fun for me. You have to understand I did it for seven years and it's a 25+ year old show and I really would like to move on from Emergency! But I totally understand why you guys write it. It certainly has captured your imaginations and some of it is very well done. But it's not daily reading for me but keep on doing it.

Question 103: What differences do you see from being a contract actor back in the 70s to the way things work now? - Kim

Answer: Well actually the contract system died in the 70's too. The way things are now; it's a big difference. When we were under contract, you were sort of guaranteed a certain amount of pay. It wasn't a lot of pay but you were guaranteed that pay and also the studio was behind you to get you jobs. Now you're on your own out there. These young kids are fighting and scratching for every little piece of work they can get. When I say young kids, I'm talking about the older actors as well. Everybody is fighting and scratching to get a job. There's very little parachute for these people. You either work or you don't.

Question 104: Are you going to be coming to the Chicago/Indiana area again any time soon to meet with your fans? - Cyndi Taylor

Answer: Nothing is on the schedule right now but if it happens, I will certainly post it and let you guys know.

Question 105: Did you and Kevin ever have a giggle fit during a scene? You know, a time when the two of you just couldn't keep a straight face..........I want details! - Beth from Memphis

Answer: I think at least 2 or 3 times a week we would get into these giggling fits and it was basically whenever we were really tired or something particularly funny would happen. We would start laughing and couldn't stop. Of course the directors were very irritated at that but they knew once we got into these little fits, they just had too run there course. Then we could get on with shooting.

Question 106: If you hadn't become and actor or, hadn't been as successful as an actor, what would have been you alternate choice for a career? - Lorna Irwin Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Answer: I said this before. I loved baseball; I thought about that once. I thought maybe I'd like to be a forest ranger or a park ranger at one point. And I even thought about being a teacher, teaching history or geography. I love that. So those were sort of in the back of my mind but acting was always the first choice and probably still is.

Question 107: If there was one thing that you could go back and change about your life - what would it be? Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions! - LCZ, Marion, OH

Answer: Well I'm going to be very honest with you. There really isn't anything that I would change. If you change one thing that would alter the next thing and that would alter…and you may wind up having a life that you don't really like. I like my life; I like where I am right now so there's nothing I would really change.

Question 108: What brings me to my question in a round about way, was something David Duchovny recently said, about being known the rest of his life as Mulder (and not liking it), and knowing Carroll O'Connor will be known his whole life as Archie, how does one process being locked into a character that way? How does it feel to engage with fans that obsess over a character you played or even a much younger you? It must feel good to be recognized and appreciated, but there must also be another side of you that rolls your eyes at how shallow or obtuse some of your fans must seem. At this point in your career, with so many people clinging to your Emergency! days, how does your ego make sense of your life now? I realize you have done a lot of other work besides Emergency! must I think I am correct in saying, it will be the role you will most be remembered for. And what is that like? - Sophia Farrell Ontario Canada

Randy's answer, Part 1 Yeah it can be very, very tough and I spent years running from the role of Johnny Gage. It's so hard to be remembered by one character and particularly a character I did at a young age. It's like life doesn't stop with Emergency!, it has to go on. That's why I'm a little uncomfortable in constantly going back, talking about Johnny Gage.
Randy's answer, Part 2 Believe me, I was so appreciative. I loved that show. It was a huge part of my life and I will never forget it but to keep going back to it is a little taxing at times.
Randy's answer, Part 3 There are people who want to do reunion shows. We don't want to do a reunion show. We know that the shows means a lot to you guys and we are so happy that that is the case. But for us, life has to go on. You can't play the same role. I'm just not that young kid anymore. I'm a grown man who does other things. I certainly don't want to slap anyone in the face and say Emergency! is out of my life but Emergency! has to be a part of my life but it's not the here and now.
Randy's answer, Part 4 USAR-1 is going to be something that I want to do. There are people out there who say we should do a reunion show and they don't want to see USAR-1. I'm sorry; I have to move on as a person. It doesn't mean that I'm locking out Emergency!. Of course not. I wouldn't be standing here, or sitting here answering all these questions for everyone if I were totally locking it out of my life. But everybody has to realize that life has to go on.
Randy's answer, Part 5 You guys should always remember Emergency! for what it was, not for what it can be because it really can't be anymore. Hmmm, I got very deep on that. (laughs) Sorry!

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