Stargate Atlantis' Rachel Luttrell Answers Your Questions (Part 2)

 
Rachel Luttrell as Stargate Atlantis' Teyla Emmagan. Photo copyright of MGM.

The following is the second half of the SciFiAndTvTalk readers' Q & A with actress Rachel Luttrell from Stargate Atlantis. Enjoy!

First of all HOWDY Rachel from Texas! May I say you are truly missed. Hoping all is well with you and family. Your little boy is likely now a little man; they grow so fast. This leads me into my first question: 1. Joe Mallozzi at his blog implied that Teyla had Torren with her in Atlantis during the events of Enemy at the Gate. As a mother, is it likely that you would take your young child into a potentially no win situation... into a war zone willingly? Is this something Teyla would do? 2. If there had been a season six, how do you think Teyla's relationships with Kannan and Sheppard would have evolved? 3. Did we really see the last of Michael? He cloned Carson and threatened to do the same to Torren, so why not himself? Connor Trinneer in an interview stated as much; do you agree? 4. Connor also said that Michael had a *thing* for Teyla, which I have to say I agree with given his performance. Do you support this view of Michael's and Teyla's relationship? 5. Lastly, who is Torren's *real* dad? Thanks for listening and hopefully responding. 8-) (2bluaeryn).

 

Howdy, right back to you!

Thank you for your supportive words.  All is well, indeed with me and my family.  My sweet little man will be three in a couple weeks!  Yes, time does fly....

In answer to your first question:  Teyla would have left Torren in the safest place she could.  Her ties to her people are so deep and full of faith.  She would have left Torren in great comfort, care, and safety among her people.  

Now for question 2:  Kannan represents tradition, history, and connection to Teyla's people.  She is so steeped in the traditions of her people and her responsibility to them and to her own Mother and Father's legacy that Kannan was a natural choice. Sheppard represents a break from tradition, but a heartfelt one. Teyla and Sheppard share a deep connection as well but it is at odds with Teyla's need to "do right" by her people. Their relationship is a complicated one....  Love and respect exists within both relationships.

3:  No, we had not seen the end of Michael. And I think that Teyla knew that. It was a fear that she wouldn't give voice to.

Connor is the only one who can speak to Michael's feelings for Teyla. We did discuss this possibility as actors, though. I do think it deepens the complexity of their interactions.

4:  Torren's "real" Dad...? Hmmm.... I have my own beliefs regarding this, but I think I am going to let it sit in mystery for a bit. That's more fun.

 

 

Hi Rachel, Miss seeing you on screen and I hope all is well with you and your family. :) My question is: If Season 6 had went forward, what would you have like to have seen happen between John and Teyla, especially if you knew it was the last season, and if or when they do the movie(s) would you like to see some kind of confirmation of their feelings for each other.... even if it's just them telling it to Ronon or Rodney? Thank you for answering and God Bless. I can't wait for your CD to come out. (Lea).

 

Hi Lea!  Thank you for your question.

You know, Joe Flanigan and I never really talked about the underlying feelings that Sheppard had for Teyla and visa versa, (I know, crazy!!!), with the exception of the moment when Teyla revealed to John that she was pregnant.  Joe looked at me and said, "You know, I think that Sheppard is pretty jealous." I think that they have always had a connection that was deeper then just team mates. They had a deep friendship and respect for each other. That there would have been some revelatory moment for them in season six...? Who knows? As an actor, I am big on scenes that further relationship between characters. So, yes, I would have liked to have had more moments for Teyla and John to just, be.... Where that would have taken them, who knows?

 

Questions for Rachel - What would you have wanted for the character of Teyla if you were in sole charge of her future in SGA? What story lines would you have liked to have seen explored? What out of all your experiences on set of SGA do you now miss the most? (wedjatqi).

 

Hey there!

I would have liked to have explored what truly happen to Teyla's Dad.  He was such a great influence on her as a child.  And I think his influence reaches into her choices as an adult as well. I also would have liked to have explored to a fuller and richer capacity Teyla's bond to the tradition and mythology and strength of her people. I would have liked to have had more one-on-one moments between her and her fellow team mates; see what they are like when they are not out there battling impending doom. A deeper exploration of the relationships that she has with them. I would have liked to have discovered the "gifts"that Torren possesses. His abilities far surpass those of Teyla's. It would have been wonderful to see the burgeoning strengths of these capabilities. And on and on....

 

I would like to know how you felt in the Teyla role; for example, did you feel like you had a lot in common with your character, or was it quite a change or challenge to act as her? (Sarah).

 

Hi, Sarah.

I did draw upon my own perspectives and lineage to bring Teyla to life. I took elements of me that perhaps don't get expressed as much in my own life and nourished them in Teyla.  It's one of the great gifts of being an actor. We all have so many "unexplored" sides of ourselves. As an actor you have full reign to dive into those other elements within the comfort of character. So, no, it wasn't hard for me to bring her to life. I always felt a connection to her.

 

Dear Mrs. Luttrell, Do you like reading or watching Sci-Fi? What is your favorite genre in the movies or books? Thanks. (Newkax).

 

I do enjoy Sci-Fi. I was nourished on a healthy diet of it as a kid as my Dad is a big Sci-Fi guy. Always loved pondering the universe. I love going to the big Sci-Fi films and I enjoy reading Sci-Fi and Fantasy.   

 

Hi Rachel! How did motherhood change you as an actress and generally as a human being? Thank you! (Eddie).

 

Well, if I weren't a Mom, I would have been able to get to these questions a lot sooner.  Never a dull moment. Life is busy and full!  

Motherhood has deepened my compassion. I am so easily moved to tears by the injustices in the world. I am even more emotionally available as an actor. I also have the mother bear strength. Don't mess with my boy! You will have BIG trouble coming your way!  

The opposite ends of the scales, those of venerability and strength, have increased within me immensely.

 

What have you been doing with/for yourself since Atlantis (apart from being a Mom)? (Sandra).

 

Hello, Sandra!

I have been working on my CD. I get into the studio on the 16th of October to record it. I have butterflies thinking about it. It is mainly a jazz/standards CD with some bosa nova.  Have been working with some pretty spectacular musicians. It should be out by the end of November. Very excited about it!!

I have also been working with my husband on a number of film projects. We are working on developing a fabulous action-fantasy-western-revenge tale- female hero driven feature. I am writing it. 

 

What kind of music do you most like to listen to? to perform? (Sandra).

 

I have a very eclectic musical taste. From classical symphonic pieces, to jazz, to folk, to reggae, to rock, to dance trance music to hip hop...  It really depends on my mood and what aspect of me needs to be musically nourished at any given moment.  

My voice is  best suited to jazz, folk, classical and musical pieces. I am working with a vocal coach to broaden my vocal capacity. Pretty exciting.

 

How involved were you with the design of the costumes Teyla wore and how do they compare with what you prefer to wear? (Sandra).

 

Well, I don't wear leather pants and I don't really do crop tops....  But I was pretty involved with the design of Teyla's clothes.  : )

The wonderfully creative and talented folks behind the wardrobe department would come to me with concepts for future episodes and run them by me. What colors, what textures, what materials and cuts. Because Teyla was involved in a lot of action, this dialogue was very important. I had to be able to move comfortably within the wardrobe. They did a knock out job! I loved Teyla's wardrobe.

 

If you could write a book/screenplay what would the story line be about? (Sandra).

 

Well, I am writing one!! With my hubby, Loyd. It has a strong female character, a lot of action, and a bit of the fairy tale elements (the darker Grimms tales). I have a couple of other ones mulling in my mind. I like epic tales. I am also a fan of comedies. My story telling taste is as broad as my musical tastes. 

 

I have to ask this one, as dog lover and rescuer: What part do you think dogs can play in the lives of people and children? (Sandra).

 

They are calming and loving additions to family. They teach us compassion, humor, patience and the power of being in the moment.  They also teach us about forgiveness and loyalty.

 

What are your favorite pursuits and hobbies? (Sandra).

 

Watching movies, hiking, sitting in nature, travel, travel, travel, music, singing, dancing, writing, watching movies, making movies...  good food, time with friends and family....

 

What do you like and dislike about various places you have lived (Tanzania, Ontario, Vancouver, So. California)? Which was most like "Athos"? (Sandra).

 

Tanzania is my native land and it is the birthplace of my Mom and all of my ancestors from her side.  It means a lot to me.  It is beautiful and rich in culture and history. The land is just gorgeous and varied from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti, to the Indian Ocean, to Zanzibar and on and on. People know how to laugh. Life is not easy. My family there have their hardships, but I find it to be a very spiritual and organic place for me. I am looking forward to bringing Caden there someday. Out of all the places that I have lived in Tanzania is what I drew on the most for my connection to Athos and Teyla's people. So much of how my Mother grew up and the traditions that she was raised with I imbued into Teyla. My grandparents on my Mom's side were a rich source of inspiration for me when I was building that world.

I still love Toronto.  It is a beautiful city.  I have family there and many, many, many friends.  But It gets too cold for me. Vancouver is goregous. I love it! But the rain got to me. I was born on the Equator and I need the sun to support my well-being. Los Angeles is home now. Sunny and warm and wide. My parents are here and two of my sisters, nieces...It feels like home. But who knows what the future holds.

 

Which causes do you support - no names, necessarily, just types (Sandra).

 

Children, children, children!!!! "Save The Children" and "Unicef." I also support environmental causes.

 

Have you ever considered doing voice recordings of stories, important writings, etc? (Sandra).

 

Yes. I have recorded some of my own short stories. Just wondering what do do with the recordings now.

 

What kind of books, movies, etc. do you read/watch (again, not necessarily names if you prefer to avoid those...just type, genre, etc). (Sandra).

 

As far as film goes, if the story is compelling and the performances are good then I am into it. (With the definite exception of horror movies of ANY kind!). These days I read children's books more than anything...In fact, I am hard-pressed to remember the last time I read a book just for me. The last book I truly lost myself in was called The Magician's Apprentice. The last book I read was a parenting book.

 

Which of the other actors you worked with on Stargate Atlantis did you get along best with and why? (Sandra).

 

All of them. Truly. For different reasons. We were very lucky with our cast. We took care of each other.

 

Sorry, I just found this blog and have lots of questions. Final one: what do you see yourself doing in 10 years/ Will it involve acting/speaking/recording, or is that over now that you are a Mother? (Sandra).

 

Good Lord, I hope it's not over!! Heck no!!!! I think it is important for a parent to stay connected to their passions and pursue them. What a great example for our children. To be able to see that Mom and Dad are continuing to learn, to be excited by and challenged by their own pursuits. So, yes! I will still be working in the industry. I think that my involvement in it will broaden. Writing, producing, singing and recording as well as directing and acting.

I am a Mommy and I LOVE it! I am enriched and blessed by my bond with my son every moment of every day. But I am more than that as well.

 

What did you have to do in the audition to get the part of Teyla Emmagan? (Julia).

 

I had to read two scenes with Joe Flanigan in front of a bunch of network executives at the network here in LA. I waited for two hours pacing while they saw other actors. It was nerve-wrecking. But I managed to stay focused and Joe and I just had a great connection in the (audition) room. It all unfolded beautifully.

 

Hello Ms. Luttrell: First of all, I would like to thank you for all the great work that you have done over the years from appearing in shows like Charmed to your more recent work on Stargate Atlantis. Do you think that a Stargate Atlantis movie will be made any time in the near future? (BillieO).

 

I don't know...My feeling is that they won't be doing it. But I could be wrong. :)

 

Question for Rachel: what is your most enduring memory of working on Stargate Atlantis? Thanks! (Elyse).

 

My relationships to my fellow cast mates. The fun that we had off-camera and on-camera. It felt like home. Friendships.

 

And finally, a message from Rachel to one of SciFiAndTvTalk's readers - Hello, Shan! The blanket is holding up beautifully. Thank you!!! The pilot project has been waylaid a bit I am afraid. Thank you for your support of the CD! I will check out your blog for sure :)

 

Thanks again to the lovely Rachel Luttrell for graciously giving up some of her time to answer all these questions! As noted above, photo copyright of MGM, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Comments

[Elyse]

Great interview. Thanks for posting, and Rachel answered my question :):)

[SciFiAndTvTalk]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Elyse! Glad you enjoyed the Q & A! There's more like it to come.

[Kitty]

More to come? Can we still ask a question? I really enjoyed this interview. Rachel Luttrell seems like such a genuine, honest, and caring person. I'm glad her life is going so well.

[SciFiAndTvTalk]

Hi Kitty! Thanks for your comment. Ooops, should have been more specific on my "more to come" comment. I meant more actor Q & A's to come. However, this one with Rachel was SO successful that I just might ask her if she'd be willing to do another one in the future. In the meantime, I'm really glad that you enjoyed this one. Yes, Rachel is an absolute delight and a wonderful, kind and generous person :)

[Auntie Shan]

Thanks again for "passing on" my message to Rachel. And, the rest of the Q&A opportunity. Much appreciated!

[SciFiAndTvTalk]

My pleasure, Shan ;-)