Jonathan's Temple

JONATHAN'S UPDATES: Message: Registrant: Jonathan Brandis Club (JONATHANBRANDIS-DOM) P.O. Box 2570 4901 51st Ave High Prairie, AB, T0G 1E0 CA Domain Name: JONATHANBRANDIS.COM Administrative Contact, Billing Contact: Burgar, Jeff (JB3694) ace@INETNORTH.NET Internet North P.O. Box 2570 4901 51st Ave High Prairie AB T0G 1E0 CA +1 780 5235750 (FAX) +1 780 5233039 Technical Contact, Zone Contact: Lumsden, Justin (JL3613) sysadmin@INETNORTH.NET Internet North P.O. Box 2570 High Prairie AB T0G 1E0 CA 780-523-5252 (FAX) 780-523-3039 Record last updated on 04-Apr-2000. Record expires on 07-Sep-2000. Record created on 06-Sep-1996. Database last updated on 7-May-2000 20:38:41 EDT. Could this client be affiliated with Jon's management? If not, he could get rich hehe... Karin Here's something new about Janet Leigh and A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH. SECTIONS Breaking News Front Page (Image) World National Local & State Business & Stocks Technology Sports SV Life Entertainment Opinion Weekly Sections Special Interests Columnists Comics Weather SV Magazine CLASSIFIEDS & SERVICES Classifieds Jobs: CareerPath Homes: HomeHunter NewHomeNetwork.com Apartments.com Mortgage Link Cars: Cars.com Personals Yellow Pages BayArea.com Entertainment: Just Go S.F. Bay Traveler Archives: NewsLibrary E-mail Dispatches Contests & Events ABOUT US Mercury Center Advertising Information Privacy Policy Site Index San Jose Mercury News Advertising Information Newspaper Subscription Mercury News Jobs Published Wednesday, April 12, 2000, in the San Jose Mercury News Leigh, Hitchcock knew they never could top `Psycho' BY GLENN LOVELL Mercury News Film Writer HALF JOKING, half dead-serious, Janet Leigh says she might even have broken her ``No showers, ever again!'' rule to re-team with Alfred Hitchcock. Unfortunately, their 1960 collaboration, ``Psycho,'' turned out to be too darn successful. Too successful? ``I was at a party with Hitchcock and we were talking about the `Psycho' phenomenon,'' recalls Leigh, 72, upon the latest revival of the classic (Thursday-Sunday, Palo Alto's Stanford Theater). ``Hitch said, `You know, old girl, we can never work together again.' '' Leigh sobbed, ``But, Mr. Hitchcock, what have I done wrong?'' Hitch reassured the actress: ``I mean it as only the highest compliment. Because of the success of `Psycho,' if I put you in another film, the minute the credit `Hitchcock Presents Janet Leigh' pops up, the audience is going to think `Psycho.' We've already put a stumbling block in front of our picture.'' ``I understood what he was saying,'' continues Leigh, almost as well known for ``A Touch of Evil,'' ``The Manchurian Candidate'' and daughter Jamie Lee Curtis. ``That picture was etched on people's minds. It would have been impossible to overcome that. But it sure was a blow to my ego.'' Not as much as the blow administered to filmgoers' psyches in 1960. ``Psycho,'' shot in black and white for a paltry $800,000, would go on to become the Master's top-grosser and the most influential fright film of all time. Everyone from Brian De Palma to Wes Craven to Gus Van Sant has studied its trap-like structure and its brilliant use of subjective camera. The Bates Motel shower sequence, wherein Leigh's Marion Crane meets her fate, represents 70 camera setups. It's over in the flash of a knife -- 45 seconds. But what a 45 seconds! ``Psycho's'' appeal is timeless because it involves the viewer, allows him to become ``part of the creative process,'' argues Leigh. ``It gives the audience respect. It gives them the opportunity to use their imagination, instead of having it all laid out and being treated as dumbbells.'' Hitch, of course, is toying with us. ``You might say I was playing (the audience), like an organ,'' he once said. Hitchcock sent the 31-year-old Leigh the Robert Bloch source novel with a note asking her to consider a beefed-up version of the Marion role. Leigh recalls finding the book ``disgusting -- but fascinating.'' She was paid $25,000 for three weeks' work; Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates, got $40,000. Worse than the actual shower murder was playing dead, as the camera corkscrewed out from her lifeless eye. This shot (preceded by a censored overhead shot of the corpse slumping over the tub) took 20 takes because the camera had to be focused manually. Leigh's throat pulse and blinking eye ruined more takes than she cares to remember. ``It was the most uncomfortable position I could possibly have been in,'' Leigh moans. ``My head was against the porcelain floor, my nose was scrunched up. Water was running down my face. It tickled!'' And the moleskin covering her breasts kept falling away, thanks to steam from the shower. ``We seemed to have many more assistants on scaffolding that day. But I didn't care. I just wanted the shot to be over.'' To this day, Leigh has a soft spot for Perkins' deranged mama's boy. She recalls sharing a sandwich with Norman in the motel parlor, decorated with stuffed birds, ``Norman is very vulnerable, very likable. You, er, almost want to mother him. There are only flashes of disturbance.'' Much has been written about Perkins being ``typed'' after ``Psycho.'' While working on her 1995 memoir (``Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller''), Leigh asked Perkins' wife and son if the actor resented this. ``My memory of Tony is that he had a wry sense of humor,'' Leigh says. ``He was very observant, very smart. He cut to the chase. Near the end of his life, his son Osgood asked, `Dad, if you knew the result or aftermath of ``Psycho'' and they offered you the role today, would you take it?' He didn't answer right away. He came back a day later and said, `Yes, I would. We're in a business to create images, to project an image that's believable. I projected an image that was so believable, they wouldn't let me play anything else. I did my job as an actor.' '' ``Psycho'' received four Oscar nominations -- for Leigh, Hitchcock, cinematography and set design -- but went home empty-handed. In all, Hitchcock was nominated five times for best director. ``And he never won! Isn't that amazing? I cried for him. This man deserved to win an Academy Award for `Psycho.' But the Academy felt that it wasn't worthy. It really was a slap in the face.'' Though she has seen the ``Psycho'' sequels and prequel, Leigh has steered clear of the ``Psycho'' rip-offs and wannabes, including the recent ``Scream'' satires. She has choice words for Van Sant's recent shot-for-shot copy of ``Psycho.'' ``I don't know if it's good or bad -- I haven't seen it -- but the concept is ridiculous,'' says Leigh, who returns to the screen this fall in ``A Fate Totally Worse than Death.'' ``Why would you copy something that was done so well in the first place . . . unless you had something to add . . . a different take? Van Sant's concept didn't make sense.'' Ginger Q1. What is Jonathan's hairstyle for his role as "Drew" in the movie "A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH"? A1. Short and light brown

Q2. Do you as his manager have to accompany him on the set of his roles for movies or tv roles? A2. No

Q3. How did Jonathan like working with Christopher Lloyd in the movie "A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH"? A3. He really liked him

Q4. Has Jonathan taken up rock climbing as a hobby these days? A4. No

Q5. Was Jonathan disappointed on how well "RIDE WITH THE DEVIL" did? A5. He liked the movie and loved working with Ang Lee

Q6. What is Jonathan's current height and weight? (I noticed a weight gain in "RIDE WITH THE DEVIL") A6. No he has not gained weight.

Q7. What kind of vehicle does Jonathan drive? A7. He drives a Jeep Cherokee

Q8. What color is Jonathan's Jeep Cherokee? A8. Black

Q9. Does Jonathan work a job anywhere in between the times he works on a movie or TV role? A9. No

Q10. Does Jonathan wear glasses or contacts? A10. No

Q11. Is Jonathan dating a girl named Amanda? (Rumor is, she is a waitress) A11. No

Q12. Does Jonathan have a special girl in his life now? A12. Yes

Q13. Does Jonathan have any pets? A13. Yes, but they live with Greg and Mary Brandis being Jonathan can't have any pets in his apartment.

Q14. What does Mary Brandis do now that she is no longer Jonathan's manager? Has she gone back to teaching? A14. No, Mary is retired now

Q15. What are the dates that "A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH" filmed in Vancouver, Canada? A15. October through December 1999

Q16. Is there any chance for a "SEAQUEST" reunion? A16. No

Q17. Does Jonathan keep in touch with his "SEAQUEST" costars? A17. Yes

Q18. Has Jonathan read for the Anakin Skywalker role? A18. Yes

Q19. Has he been to Skywalker Ranch and meet George Lucas? A19. No

Q20. Does Greg Brandis still work for Pepperidge Farms delivering their products? A20. Yes

Q21. What is the difference in a manager and an agency? I know you have to have both, but what is the key role of both? A21. The key role of the manager is say, the manager is the quarter back for Jonathan's team.

Q22. Has Jonathan gotten his own place or does he still live at home with Greg and Mary Brandis? A22. He has his own apartment.

Q23. In September 1999 Jonathan did a chat for TV Guide Online. Was this this really him? A23. Yes

Q24. Has Jonathan been able to do anywork behind the camera since "SEAQUEST"? A24. No answer

Q25. Has Jonathan got any up coming projects you can tell me about? A25. He has several irons in the fire, but nothing firm

Q26. Does Jonathan still smoke? A26. Yes Unfortunatly

Q27. Can you tell me about Jonathan's role in "A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH" and when will it be in theaters? A27. Jonathan has the male lead role and we don't have a date yet to hit theaters.

Did you work on the set? Answer: Yes, I built scenery for A Fate Totally worse than Death.

Did you see the filming of the movie and did you meet the actors and actresses? Answer: No, I wasn't on set while the talent was there. I didn't see even one actor on this project.

Is there anything you can tell me about the movie? Answer: I have a draft of the script, so I know what it about. I don't know if you want me to tell you about the whole thing, or if you want to find out when the movie comes out.

What part does Christopher Lloyd play in the movie? Answer: Christopher Lloyd play a suspicious teacher. He spends most of his screen time getting beat up and broken while he tries to catch the three protagonists in the act.

Is there anything specific you can tell me about Jonathan Brandis? Answer: I am presuming he is one of the actors. Aside from C. Lloyd, I didn't recognize any names on the cast list. There are four supporting male roles on the film. C. LLoyd's teacher role; a nerdy guy who chases the leading girl around; a not so nice 'popular' guy; and a nice guy who falls for the wrong girl.

I know this seems like alot. But in your own words what can you tell me about the movie and what was your job on the set? Answer: I have my doubts about the validity of the script. I am surprised that it was produced at all. It doesn't seem to be a very good story. Apparently it is based on a novel of the same name. Who knows, it might not be bad once it is edited and it hits the screen. I came in on the build in the second week of production. I built scenery for the convalescent home scenes and some bits and pieces for other scenes.

Are you familiar with the T.V. series, Stargate SG1? They have permanent set installed in a soundstage that used to be a bicycle factory. If you have seen the show the set I'm referring to is white stucco with huge columns, tall windows, a brick red terra cotta floor, and shimmery reflecting pools that run down the sides.

That set was rented for the final scene in the film. I spent a lot of my time refitting that set so it became a teenage girl's fantasy bedroom in the sky.

We changed the shape and color of the pools and floors; installed a glass block wall; put in a bunch of maple paneling, doors etc. We changed the entire look and feel of the set.

Take a look at Stargate to see if you recognize the set I described. Then when Fate comes out you will see a little more than everyone else.

Thanks to: Rick Forbes Interviewer: Ginger

Courtesy of Ginger True Obsession to Brandis messageboard

Ride with the devil: Review Jonathan plays Cave Wyatt in the new movie, "Ride With The Devil." Cave fights alongside of the other main characters for the Southern Bushwhackers. Jack Bull Chiles (played by Skeet Ulrich), Jacob Roedel (Tobey Maquire), Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright) and Sue Lee Shelley (Jewel Kilcher) are the four main characters seen throughout the movie. Cave Wyatt is shown when all of the other Bushwhackers are shown. I'd estimate that to be about half of the movie's two hours and eighteen minutes. I did not expect to see or hear Cave much. I was pleased to discover that he has a good amount of dialogue when compared to the amount of time he is on- screen. This movie is full of war drama, romance, and humor. Cave is not part of the funny dialogues. He seems to have a serious outlook on everything. At one point in the movie, the Southerners read a letter from a Northern mom (they stole the mail) and then talked about how nice the mother seemed and how she reminded them of their own mothers. Then Cave walked off mentioning that the sweet mothers' son would shoot them as soon as he had a chance. He put a reality check on the Bushwhackers' reminiscing. However, Cave was compassionate to his friends. When they were injured, he helped them get to safety. As to injuries to himself, Cave was spared. Not a single bullet grazed his skin. Everyone else around him was injured (generally multiple times) but he shed not a drop of blood. Two summers ago, I read "Woe To Live On" by Daniel Woodrell. From what I can remember, the movie follows the book very well. The movie has added scenes (like the beginning one to set everything up) and dialogue. However, it keeps the same injuries, major events, and most of the dialogue. The ending of the movie is different. Cave's last scene is when he leaves Jacob Roedel with Sue Lee Shelley and her neighbors after he was shot in the leg. As a final note, in the "Ride With The Devil" trailer on the internet, Cave Wyatt (about half way through) says "Them Yankees want to kill him real bad" (referring to Daniel Holt). I recommend seeing this movie in the theater while you can. Enjoy!! Source: Review by Heather True Obsession To Brandis 2nd of december 1999

Review on Ride with the Devil Director Ang Lee once again takes audiences on a journey to a different time and place, and into his characters' internal conflicts. A cast of rising young stars portray young Americans, striving to define themselves and the country they had always called home, amidst national turmoil. The screenplay is adapted (by Lee's longtime collaborator, James Shamus) from Daniel Woodrell's novel "Woe To Live On".

SYNOPSIS Only once in the history of the United States has the nation been at war...with itself. In 1861, the Southern Confederacy is formed, and the American Civil War ignites. While the official military campaigns are being fought miles away, the pro-Southern Bushwhackers engage in guerilla warfare on the back roads and across the countryside. Along the Kansas/Missouri border, childhood friends Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire), the Missouri raised son of a poor German immigrant, and Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich), the son of a Missouri plantation immigrant, join up as Bushwhackers. These young men are, or must quickly learn to be, skilled gunmen and expert horsemen executing daring raids on the North's Union solders and sympathizers. When the seasons change and the brutal battles intensify, the young men reach turning points both in the fighting and in themselves. Ang Lee, Director "I grew up in Taiwan, where older people always complained that kids are becoming Americanized: they don't follow tradition, and so we are losing our culture. As I got the chance to go around a large part of the world with my films, I would hear the same complaints. It seems so much of the world is becoming Americanized. When I read Daniel Woodrell's book "Woe To Live On", which we based Ride with the Devil on, I realized that the American Civil War was, in a way, where it all started. It was where the Yankees won not only territory but, in a sense, a victory for a whole way of life and of thinking." "The Yankee invasion and victory not only had a surface meaning but also an internal meaning. It changed everyone. Everyone is equal, everyone has the right to fulfill himself: this is the Yankee principle... The Civil War was not only a physical war -blood and guts - but also a personal war, one which led to the new world that we are living in today: the world of democracy and capitalism."

ON LOCATION Because the story takes place in Kansas and Missouri, there was no question in the filmmakers' minds that Ride with the Devil would be filmed elsewhere but in those regions. Lee claimed that this was necessary "in order to stay true to the heart of Daniel Woodrell's story." The Lawrence Massacre (re-created in Ride with the Devil) of Aug 21, 1863, holds a horrific place in US history as the largest mass murder on record. Bushwhacker William Quantrill (John Ales in the film) led a hurriedly assembled group of raiders on what many thought would be a suicide mission. But when the raiders descended upon the abolitionist stronghold of Lawrence, Kansas on that Friday morning, more than 180 Lawrence citizens - men and boys - lost their lives within hours. The town itself was burned to the ground. The Pattonsburg, Missouri location where the sequence was re-created for the film is just a few miles from the western Missouri birthplace of the infamous James brothers, Frank and Jesse. It has been written that Jesse James participated in the Lawrence Massacre. This is a questionable assertion, as he was only 14 at the time...but he did join Quantrill's gang the year after. James Schamus, screenplay Ride with the Devil marks Schamus' sixth collaboration with Lee. "One of the great things about working with Ang from the very beginning is getting to see him grow organically as a director. He's now able to work on a much larger scale, with a much greater and more varied palette of colors and resources. This was far and away the biggest film either of us have worked on, and yet, oddly enough, because of the choice of cast and crew, it has the same kind of family feeling as we had on our very first movie." "One of the interesting things about this film, as opposed to other movies set against the backdrop of war, is that it doesn't propose that one should come of age by going out and killing a lot of people. Ride with the Devil actually says one comes of age by assuming adult relationships, be they friendships or romantic attachments."

THE CHARACTERS One of the most intriguing characters is Daniel Holt, the former slave (played by Jeffrey Wright) who fights with the Bushwhackers, on the side of the Confederacy. James Schamus "Holt is a fictional character, but he is an imagined composite based on real men. It is a little-known fact that a small number of free and slave African- Americans fought on the side of the Confederacy during the war, and their stories are among the most fascinating of the period." "Some wanted to prove to white Southerners that blacks could be as loyal and trustworthy as whites, in the hope that after the war, if the South won, the treatment of blacks would improve. Some were fiercely loyal to white friends or masters, whom they often served as manservants. Others saw service in the war as a welcome relief from the drudgery of plantation life. But, probably for the majority, being near the front lines meant being that much nearer the North, and when they got the chance, they crossed the lines and joined forces with the Union army. " Jeffrey Wright, Daniel Holt "Holt gets caught in a situation that is beyond his control, and ends up responding out of loyalty to his friend George Clyde. Through that friendship, he ends up on this journey into the belly of the beast. Since Jake's character (Tobey Maguire) is an outsider because of his heritage and my character is much the same, there is an unspoken kinship there." Ang Lee "The part Tobey plays is the underdog: he can be a passive bystander, but your heart is still raised to him. Tobey is a rare talent. He believes in what he's doing, and his face just draws you in." Tobey Magurie, Jake Roedel "This is beyond any film I've done. It was so physically demanding. The script and character are so rich." Skeet Ulrich, Jack Bull Chiles "It has romance, action, bigger-than- life emotions...I would go see it even if I wasn't in it!" To capture the dehumanizing and tragic effects the war had on the young men fighting it, the principal actors were required to go through three weeks of "boot camp," which included intensive horseback riding training, weapons training, rehearsal, history seminars and dialect coaching. Ang Lee "Ride with the Devil is not simply a war movie. It's more about the love and friendships that take place during a war. The film is both big and small, both epic and domestic." Source: Film Reviews Site (1999/www. filmfestivals.com)

TV Guide: Jonathan Brandis, one of the stars of the new movie Outside Providence, is here to talk about the new movie, the upcoming Ride with the Devil, Ladybugs, and the series Seaquest. Thanks for coming. Brandis: Hello! I have no real opening statement here! Macrodgers: Just how long have you been acting? I first remember you in The Neverending Story. What was before that? Brandis: I did a couple of movies before that film. I did a film called Stepfather 2 which was a really low budget horror film and a comedy with Louie Anderson before that. And basically The Neverending Story was my first big film. Before that I had done a lot of commercials in New York City, and some episodic TV work, guest spots and stuff. I started acting when I was about four, got in really young. Started in NYC and then moved out to LA. Scarletrose17: Was it hard to play a druggie in Her Last Chance? (Which by the way, you were so good in!) Brandis: I actually hadn't done any of the drugs, the hardcore drugs, the guy had done in the film. So I called a friend of mine who had a little bit of a problem at one point in his life, and asked him about some of the experiences he had. It's nice to have those kinds of resources, even though it was too bad he had to have gone through that stuff. It was educational, one of the most daunting roles that I've had, and I'm pretty proud of it. georgie_elf: How are you finding it, working in the bigger budget movies after your time on TV/TV movies? Apart from Ride with the Devil, are you going to be blessing our screens again in the near future? Brandis: Ride With the Devil was the last film that I did. That's coming out in November. And I think there are a couple of television series, one on the WB that I MIGHT be doing. Then there is a miniseries I may do next month. I'm just auditioning for a lot of movies right now. I'm not in the status where I get offered films, so it's just take it as they come. deon_elf: What was the most challenging role you've ever played? Brandis: Hmm. I don't know how challenged I've been yet, I don't think there has been a role that I've had to research a lot or really had a lot of trouble with. Ride With the Devil required some training to do some of the stuff we had to like shoot guns, and not only shoot guns, but learn how to load and clean and assemble these guns, which were of course 19th century muskets. And we had to learn how to ride horses, which I hadn't done a lot. So physically it was challenging. And on top of that we had to go into the gym and work out, and there was a lot of history we had to learn for the film. So I guess that film would be the one. j_t_walsh: Are you a fan of Ang Lee's previous movies? Brandis: Yes, actually I auditioned for The Ice Storm. I really didn't get that close on it. Toby McGuire had it way before I did, I think he was cast the same day I auditioned for it. I am a fan of that film and Sense and Sensibility which I rented when I learned I got Ride with the Devil. He has a keen eye for detail, and a lot of his films take place in very unique points in time. He definitely has an affinity for detail and perfection when it comes to recreating certain moments in history, which I appreciated and admired. tiff_girl_sq: Was any of Outside Providence actually shot in RI? Brandis: It was shot entirely in Rhode Island. We shot the film in 1997, and it took unusually long to come out. We had to go back, actually, earlier this year, and shoot more stuff in Providence. I think the Farrelly brothers are originally from Rhode Island. They actually shoot all their movies in Rhode Island. They were shooting Something About Mary at the same time we were shooting Outside Providence. georgie_elf: There are rumors floating around about an unproduced script you wrote for third season in SeaQuest 2032. Are these rumors true, and where would us eager little Questies get our dirty hands on it? (Great job on "Siamese Dream" by the way, very ELFy) Brandis: That's interesting. Yes. I wrote three episodes, one was produced. We were five episodes away from shooting the episode that I wrote in the third season, which I was also slated to direct, and then the show got cancelled! So we never got to make it. I guess I have a couple of copies, whoever wants to get it can somehow get in touch with me. MrSparex: I spoke with Paul Meir, Ride With The Devil's dialect coach. I asked him how you did when learning your dialect for the movie. He said you were a wonderful student. Can you tell me about the dialect you did in the movie? Brandis: It's a very deep Southern accent. Ang Lee gave us the freedom to explore different kings of southern accents, because there are many. I decided maybe this guy was from a very southern part of Missouri. The accents are broken up into sections of the state in the south, so we all had very distinct southern accents. It was a deep Southern accent. Earth2Kim: How do you handle nervousness? Brandis: I really don't seem to get nervous so much I don't think. MrSparex: I heard you were going to college. Is this true and what are you taking? Brandis: No I never went to college. The years when I would have gone to college I was on Seaquest. I thought about taking some courses at one point but never got around to it. I'm just an uneducated actor, I guess, a dropout. malone_elf: What was your favorite episode of SeaQuest? Brandis: Maybe the one where we're stuck in the lifeboat in the Bermuda triangle. We shot it at Universal Studios. Shooting it was a lot of fun. Spielberg came by the set a couple of times. It was fun cause it was shot in the same lake that they shot some of the Jaws movies, the back lot at Universal. dagrgirl: What is your favorite thing to do to Kill time? Brandis: I like to write. I wrote and directed a short film this past spring. I like to go out at night in LA when I'm not working. There's not really a lot of stuff to do in LA, so I hang out with my friends. Go out to clubs, audition, that's kind of my afternoon past time every other day. It's pretty uneventful. I don't get to travel as much as I'd like to, but when I'm working it gets me out of town fortunately. dagrgirl: If you could work on any currently running TV show, what would it be? Brandis: There are a couple of cable shows I like, a Showtime show called Beggers and Choosers that my friend Charlotte is on, it's an inside industry show. I don't really watch a lot of television. I probably wouldn't ever do a sitcom. But I would like to do an hour long drama or something, which might happen soon. dagrgirl: What has been the scariest experience of your life? Or happiest? Brandis: Scariest? Happiest? I'm happy when I'm working and doing something productive. Actually on a set, not sitting in a trailer. I've been doing it most of my life and I'm comfortable with it. I've never really been in an accident or anything like that. There was a scene in Ride With the Devil when we had like 500 civil war re-enactors, riding horses. And I was in front of these guys, riding my horse, and I was falling off, holding on by the side, and if I had fallen off I probably would have died cause there were all these horses and carriages all around me. That was probably the closest near death experience I've had. That and the time I went skydiving. chicacaliente19: How did your bird Ernie die? Brandis: My cat killed him. MrSparex: I was wondering how is that adorable pooch Meagan doing? Brandis: Oh, Meagan died too. Meagan died two years ago. She had a tumor in her mouth and by the time we found it, it was too late, and we had to put her to sleep. Bye Meagan, bye Ernie! cammy_elf: I saw Outside Providence and you only had a small part. What part will you be playing in Ride with The Devil? Brandis: They completely cut me out of Outside Providence. So much so that I was originally the guy that dies in the film instead of the other kid and then they changed it. I kind of got the short end of that deal. Ride with the Devil, I play one of the bushwackers, the southern guerilla freedom fighters. And I'm friends with Toby McGuire, and Skeet Ulrich. jdisher99: What are some of your favorite books/authors? Brandis: One of my favorite authors is Jon Krakauer, who wrote Into Thin Air, and Into The Wild. He's a terrific writer and they are two of my favorite books. I like Michael Crichton and Stephen King. I'm a big Edgar Allen Poe fan and Craig Hosoda, The Bare Facts, where you can find all of your favorite celebrities naked in movies. I highly recommend the book! I went through a whole thing when I was like 16 and rented a bunch of movies and did the Bare Facts thing. That ended about a week ago! Destiny_37272: Are you judging the AFI Visions of U.S. contest in 2000? If not, you really need to judge again. Brandis: Yeah, I judged one year, and no, I'm not judging it again as far as I know. MrSparex: Did you do a partnership against drugs commercial that shows a girl drowning? It sounds like your voice! Brandis: Yes I did. I did it like four years ago, and I think they just started running it again. stephanie1979a: Do you still want to direct someday and give the older pros some young competition? Brandis: Well, yeah, I was kind of planning to do that with SeaQuest, and I did this short film in March. It's always been an occupation I'd like to tackle. I've worked with many directors, some good, some bad, but being on the set for so many years, I feel like I've gained a pretty solid education. That explores the infrastructure in that atmosphere so I think I could do it well. babyblue22579: What is your favorite/most rewarding role? Also, you've worked with some great people, did any of them have a profound impact? Brandis: Roy Scheider was a big influence, I think he's a fine actor, I think he was a little out of his element on SeaQuest. But he gave very instructional guidance and advice. And I think Ang was probably the best director I've worked with, terrific. I did an episode of Webster in 1988! I was the cousin that came in and stole some stuff or something. But Emmanuel Lewis was a big influence on me. jesman_elf: In "Reunion" (third season SQ) what were you and Ted Raimi laughing about in that one scene? Brandis: We had done a very, very concentrated amount of whippets, and we were actually laughing at Ted's fingernails, which appeared to be growing. Quickly. TV Guide: Thanks for chatting with us Jonathan. Any words before you go? Brandis: Check out Ride With the Devil, and probably a show next spring. And take care! Source: TV Guide site (7th of September 1999 (www.tvguide.com)

excerpts from Jonathan's AOL interview on November 22, 1996 The entire interview can be found somewhere on AOL:

Question: Who is the most inspiring person you have ever acted with? JBrandis: Roy Schneider was cool. I learned quite a bit from him. But I can't really think of one actor that really stands out. AOLiveMC13: Sandy2377 would like to know: Question: Jonathan, did you enjoy making the movie "Ladybugs?" JBrandis: Yeah, I remember it being fun. I didn't want to dress up like a girl initially, because I was like this insecure 15 year old at the time. Question: My brother attended a preview of "Ladybugs" with Rodney and enjoyed his comments. How did you prep for your role as a "soccer drag queen" in the movie? JBrandis: I put on a wig. That's about it. The character wasn't really supposed to know how to act like a girl. So that part worked 4 me. I still dress in women's clothing occasionally. AOLiveMC13: MDgirrl asks: Question: Hi from Maryland. Why did they take "Seaquest" off? It was the best family show on Sundays. Good Luck with whatever u do. Looking forward to your movie on Mon. JBrandis: It wasn't doing as well as the network wanted it to do in the ratings. Probably because nobody was taking off their clothes or we weren't blowing up enough underwater vehicles. WHO KNOWS? I miss working on it sometimes, but we all had to move on. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. AOLiveMC13: RyanJMcNK would like to know: Question: Jon, what music are you listening to these days? JBrandis: Counting Crows, Snoop Dogg, Babyface, Primitive Radio Gods, Eric Clapton. A bunch of different kinds. AOLiveMC13: JB Cult has a web question: Question: Have you seen the shrine to you on the web and what do you think of it? JBrandis: I haven't, JB. I will check that out though. AOLiveMC13: GaMoonsta asks: Question: Were you ever nervous when you started out in showbiz? JBrandis: Not really. I was so young I really didn't have any real fears or hesitations about the business. It's when I got older when I realized how much it all meant. JBrandis: I'm sorry if I'm misspelling. I'm typing this myself! AOLiveMC13: SharHamill asks: Question: Do you prefer making movies to having your own series? JBrandis: I like both. I have more control on a series. AOLiveMC13: CLim2944 asks this computer question: Question: Are you a computer genius in real life? JBrandis: I am the farthest thing from a computer genius. AOLiveMC13: STurner45 asks: Question: Is there any way we can get autographed photos? JBrandis: They have an address in some of the Teen Mags. AOLiveMC13: Jarben asks: Question: What do you enjoy doing with your spare time? JBrandis: Having fun with my friends. Writing. Dis an Dat!

A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH book/movie reviews A Fate Totally Worse than Death by Paul Fleischman. Several self-centered members of the ruling clique suddenly begin to rapidly age. Who or what are they becoming? (Y Fiction)

A Fate Totally Worse Than Death Paul Fleischman In this horror novel parody, three self-centered members of Cliffside High School's ruling clique, who are beginning to age rapidly, become convinced that the beautiful new exchange student is the ghost of the girl whose death they caused the year before.

A Fate Totally Worse than Death BR 10800 by Paul Fleischman 1 volume The Huns are a group of very rich students at Cliffside High School. Earlier three Hun girls arranged the death of an outsider who tried to date a Hun. Now Helga, a new girl, is showing interest in a Hun boy. But as the girls make their plans for Helga, their bodies start aging rapidly. For junior and senior high readers. 1995.humanitarian group. You will struggle and experiment with personal relationships, and forge new models for how people can relate as friends, family members, and members of nations as well.

Personal Profile for: Jonathan Brandis April 13, 1976 Danbury, CT

Section 1: The Inner You: Your Real Motivation Sun in Aries: You are a person who thrives on challenge, and you often feel that you must battle your way through life, depending upon no one and nothing but your own strength, intelligence, and courage. You believe in being totally honest, true to oneself and one's own vision and convictions, even if that means standing alone. Honesty, integrity, personal honor, and authenticity are your gods, and you have no sympathy for weakness of character in others. You crave the freedom to do things in your own way, and you work very well independently. Cooperating with others or carrying out another's will is not your style. You like to be the chief -or to go it alone. You love action and if others are settling down into a nice, comfortable little rut, then you are always ready to stir things up, do something new, make changes, bring in some fresh blood. Routine and sameness are like death to you. You are not afraid of trying something that's never been done before, and even though you may be seen as a fool sometimes, you also discover, invent, and initiate things that others will later emulate. Taking risks and following your own star are the breath of life for you, and you wilt (or get very frustrated and angry) if you cannot do this. You are spontaneous, impulsive, direct, enthusiastic, and assertive. You believe in the power of positive thinking and positive action, and you think of yourself as a strong person -even invincible. You hate being ill or in any way in a position of dependency. Accepting your own human limitations and emotional needs is often difficult for you. You are basically aggressive in your attitudes and have less facility in the receptive arts of relating to others, picking up subtle messages and nuances, listening, nurturing, and harmonizing. Often you are so fired up about your own projects or goals that you inadvertently run over or ignore other people's feelings and interests. Being receptive and appreciative of others' contributions, ideas, and feelings would go a long way in improving your relationships. Your impatience to get on with things causes you to be rather insensitive, and to therefore alienate others unnecessarily. You also frequently try to accomplish your ends by using anger or some version of a temper tantrum. You would gain much by learning to slow down, relax, and just let things be sometimes, but your energetic, restless nature rarely allows you to do this. Sun Square Saturn: Feelings of personal inadequacy, inhibitions, and self-doubt often plague you. You have a cautious, careful, realistic attitude toward life and are highly responsible and disciplined with regard to your obligations and duties. You tend to work and struggle more than you need to, and to take yourself too seriously. Sun Opposition Moon/N. Node Sun Opposition Uranus/Pluto You have a great desire for freedom and independence and are subject to strong emotional tensions. You are very creative and forge ahead tirelessly. But you tend to make the highest demands on your physical energy and are prone to over-stimulate your nerves. Section 2: Mental Interests and Abilities Mercury in Taurus: Your mind operates in a very deliberate and methodical manner and you dislike being rushed or forced to give an opinion before you have thoroughly ruminated and digested an idea. You are also difficult to influence once your mind is made up. Though slower to grasp new concepts or learn new skills, you are patient and persevering and, in fact, often become quite adept at whatever you put your mind and hand to, for you are willing to devote much time and attention to it. You succeed not so much because of your mental brilliance, but because you have the ability to concentrate and follow a project through to its completion. You have an aptitude for singing or drawing. Mercury Conjunct Jupiter: You enjoy philosophical speculation and theorizing about abstract ideas and concepts. You are interested in the broad view, universal principles and systems, seeing connecting relationships and patterns, and seeing the whole picture rather than its component parts. You have a great respect and thirst for knowledge and education, and are the proverbial "perpetual student". You also have a talent for teaching and sharing your knowledge, and as a teacher you present yourself as a fellow participant in the ongoing quest for understanding rather than as an authority. You may become involved in television, publishing, or other fields that involve sharing ideas with large groups of people. You excel in areas that require long-range planning and foresight, and can therefore be very successful in business, but you are rather sloppy and haphazard when it comes to implementing your ideas in a concrete way. You should leave it to someone else to take care of the details. Travel or long-distance contacts and communications will play a large role in your life and work. Mercury Opposition Uranus: You have a brilliant, inventive mind, and your sudden flashes of insight and clear perception enable you to understand concepts very quickly. At times your mind dances from one subject to the next so rapidly that you cannot thoroughly take in and digest any of them. You get bored and restless, and you intellectually rebel against too much tedium. You may be abrupt and impatient with people who plan and plod along, because you like to be open to inspiration and be spontaneous. You could invent or discover something truly original, unique, or unheard of. Uranus Opposition Mercury/Jupiter You are inquisitive and curious and have great interest in novelties. You have the gift of replying with a swift witty answer when challenged, and flexible in thinking, you change your plans quickly if necessary, and always seem to make the right choice. Section 3: Emotions: Moods, Feelings, Romance Venus in Aries: Your love feelings and desires are easily aroused but it may be difficult to sustain your romantic interest in a relationship after the initial, exciting "chase and conquest". You enjoy a partner who is dynamic and alive, someone with a strong independent streak, and you do not like things to become too peaceful or predictable in the love arena. You want to see sparks fly once in awhile, even if that means instigating a fight. Venus Quincunx Uranus: While you may seek loving companionship and an "everlasting" love, this is not easy for you to find -- or more precisely, to sustain. When you become romantically involved with someone, either you or the other person will create rifts once a certain level of comfort and predictability has been achieved. Even if there is no outward break in the relationship, a certain emotional aloofness or dissatisfaction is apt to develop. This is because you really want both closeness and absolute freedom --a combination that is difficult to attain. However, if you do not at least attempt to honestly fulfill both of these urges, events seemingly out of the blue will wreak havoc in your closest relationships. Venus Opposition Pluto: Intimate relationships are the arena in which you plumb the depths of which you are capable. You could fall intensely and fanatically in love and be obsessive, extraordinarily jealous, or deeply involved with partners who are. You will experience both heaven and hell in your closest relationships. There is undoubtedly a peculiarly karmic, fated quality to these relationships which, though difficult, will teach you things about yourself and about love that you could learn in no other way. Often you will enter a relationship which you know rationally will be very difficult but, which you nevertheless can not resist. Do not berate yourself for these "bad" choices; instead learn what you can from them. Venus Opposition Moon/Pluto Venus Opposition Saturn/Neptune Your energy and initiative seems to be a bit weak and could frequently inhibit your sex life. Your unrealistic ideals about relationships could lead to disillusionment, and you may feel that real mortals are disappointing, and prefer your fantasies. Neptune Opposition Jupiter/Saturn You tend to be a bit pessimistic and may feel sort of helpless about your circumstances. This could be the result of having your goals not planned very realistically. But at the same time you are inclined to begrudge other people their good fortune. Section 4: Drive and Ambition: How YouAchieve Your Goals Mars in Cancer: You avoid direct confrontation as much as possible and are uncomfortable with aggressiveness, competition, and personal power. Your ego drive is not very strong and you are not especially ambitious or eager to push your way to the top. You may feel inadequate in situations that call for strong, forceful action. The only instance in which you will really fight is when you feel your loved ones, or something dear to you, is being harmed, for then you are a fierce defender. You have a very strong protective side. You act on impulse and instinct and may lash out at anyone you perceive as threatening to your home or family. However, you will rarely initiate a confrontation. Your goals also tend to be very personal and centered around family closeness and inner satisfaction rather than worldly achievement. You are sensitive to stress and do not handle a high-pressured, competitive atmosphere very well. You are very touchy, irritable, and difficult to live with when there are many demands or tensions at work. Your energy level is inconstant and is very much dependent upon the emotional harmony (or lack of it) in your home. A supportive partner is of great benefit to you in helping you achieve your goals and desires. Mars Quincunx Neptune: You have a streak of the pacifist or defeatist in you. Learning to assert yourself in a strong, clear, forthright manner, and developing stamina in the face of obstacles are necessary to counter such tendencies. To accomplish all you are capable of, it would also be very beneficial for you to work on building up your physical energy. Get regular exercise, eat healthfully, get plenty of rest (something you may require more of than average), and especially avoid activities and people that dissipate and waste your time. Mars Square Pluto: You have a powerful will and when you want something, you pursue it passionately and relentlessly until you achieve it. You may be so driven by your desire that you lose all objectivity. You often become compulsive, even obsessed, with doing or achieving something, no matter what the costs or how hard you must work for it. Your forcefulness may be veiled or subtle, for often you do not reveal your real aims and intentions to others until they cross you. Intense power struggles and relationships with a strong dominance/submissiveness theme are likely. You have enormous energy reserves, and are capable of extraordinary effort and great achievement if you use your energies for constructive purposes. Section 5: Growth and Expansion: Areas That You Enjoy Jupiter in Taurus: Material comfort, security, and well-being are quite important to you, and you are not one to have your head in the clouds when financial matters and future security are at stake. Your strengths are practicality, a love of the earth, and the ability to take great delight in the sensual pleasures of the natural world. Also, when you feel secure financially, you are likely to be very generous and hospitable. Jupiter Opposition Uranus: Your gaiety, enthusiasm, optimism, and a positive, energetic, upbeat attitude generate a lot of opportunities for you. You enjoy being spontaneous and taking risks. You must have a great deal of personal freedom and independence, and prefer the "wide-open spaces" to a very rigid, structured lifestyle. Your sense of humor and playfulness enable you to make it through the rough spots in life, as well as to bounce back when those gambles you make do not quite pan out. You enjoy surprises and exploring new territory, both intellectually as well as physically. Section 6: Areas That Challenge You Or Are Difficult For You Saturn in Cancer: You fear becoming emotionally dependent upon others, and may distance yourself or deny your needs for closeness and intimacy so that you won't be vulnerable to rejection or abandonment. On the other hand, you may cling excessively or need constant reassurance from loved ones and family. Developing a deep, inner sense of security, as well as the ability to give and receive nurturing are important tasks for you. Saturn Opposition Venus/N. Node Around others you are somewhat humble and shy and prefer to be by yourself. You tend to limit your contact with others and associate only with like-minded people. You are inclined to be cool and reserved even toward those you love. Section 7: Generational Influences: Your Age Group The Subconscious and Emotional Drive of Your Age Group Pluto in Libra: You are part of a 12 year group of people who are deeply interested in personal relationships. Your age group has a deeply-rooted yearning to see people relating and communicating with each other effectively and harmoniously. There is little egotism and a willingness to hear the other person's side of the story and a readiness to compromise and arbitrate different points of view. In fact, the need for harmonious, peaceful relationships is so strong that there is a tendency to overlook real differences and to focus only on the similarities in an attempt to bring different parties into harmony with each other. Interest in psychology and sociology is high in your age group. There is a tremendous heightening of awareness of social skills. Your age group will experiment with different marriage styles, family relationships, and even business relationships in an attempt to bring fair treatment and effective communication between people. Interest and appreciation for other cultures is also strong, and your age group will work hard to preserve and support the cultural heritage of all ethnic groups. Your strong yearning for equitable and harmonious relationships is also reflected in major advancements in trade agreements, arms control, and international cooperation that are designed and implemented by your generation. These agreements and policies foster a much safer and more cooperative environment for all, although there is also a tendency for greedy individuals to take advantage of the conciliatory atmosphere and twist situations to their own ends. In short, you are part of a generation of individuals who are deeply interested in other people; you are a humanistic and humanitarian group. You will struggle and experiment with personal relationships, and forge new models for how people can relate as friends, family members, and members of nations as well. The Ideals and Illusions of Your Age Group Neptune in Sagittarius: You are part of a 14 year group of people that are extremely idealistic and farsighted in their dreams. Your age group is very liberal and expansive in outlook, and consequently churches become much more flexible and more eclectic in their approach during your life time. Religions that do not adapt to the broad-minded attitude of your age group simply are unable to attract very much interest and involvement from you. A great deal of metaphysical musing and speculation is evident in your age group, and there is a very strong interest in all manner of psychic phenomena, UFO's, prophecy, etc. This interest will open many new doors and insights, but will also often lead to a great deal of fantasizing and speculation that is taken more seriously than it should be. Neptune Sextile Pluto: The entire generation to which you belong has tremendous opportunities for spiritual rebirth and awakening. This will not be forced upon you or precipitated by unavoidable events, rather it comes from an inner yearning and a natural propensity to seek the depths. What is New and Different in Your Age Group Uranus in Scorpio: You are part of a 7 year group of people who break up all manner of taboos regarding death, sex, and any other personal, private, or difficult topics. Your age group is less modest about sex than other age groups and promiscuity is not uncommon. You love emotional intensity, and there are many extremists and fanatics in your age group.

Celebrity Spotlight & Birthdays Updated 1:35 PM ET April 5, 2000 By The Associated Press In the birthday spotlight: Oscar nominee Haley Joel Osment, born on April 10, 1988, was the third youngest supporting-actor nominee in the history of the Academy Awards. Brandon De Wilde, a nominee for "Shane" in 1953, was a day younger, and Justin Henry, nominated for "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979, was 8 years old. "I never had dreams of the Oscars, even when the movie came out," Osment said. Shannen Doherty, born on April 12, 1971, recently starred in ABC's "Satan's School for Girls," a remake of a 27-year-old movie that capitalized on television's current obsession with the supernatural. Doherty, one of the stars of The WB's "Charmed," said her portrayal of Beth in the TV movie was probably one of her more interesting performances. "I'm not saying good, I'm just saying interesting because my reactions are really bizarre. When horrifying stuff happens, my character sort of deadpans it and rolls her eyes," she explained. Country singer Vince Gill, who was born on April 12, 1957, is one of the nominees for best male vocalist at this year's TNN Awards. Winners will be announced June 15 during an awards ceremony to be broadcast by the TNN cable network. Gill and singer Amy Grant were married recently in Nashville, Tenn. The couple scored a crossover hit in 1994 with "House of Love." Celebrity birthdays April 9-15: April 9: Actress Michael Learned ("The Waltons") is 61. Actor Dennis Quaid is 46. Humorist Jimmy Tingle ("60 Minutes II") is 45. Actress-model Paulina Porizkova is 35. Singer Kevin Martin of Candlebox is 31. Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam ("The Cosby Show") is 21. April 10: Actor Omar Sharif is 68. Reggae artist Bunny Wailer is 53. Actor Steven Seagal is 49. Singer Terre Roche of the Roches is 47. Actor Peter MacNicol ("Ally McBeal") is 46. Singer-producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is 42. Singer Brian Setzer is 41. Rapper Afrika Bambaataa is 40. Actor Haley Joel Osment is 12. April 11: Actor Joel Grey is 68. Actor Peter Riegart is 53. Actor Bill Irwin is 50. Musician Nigel Pulsford of Bush is 35. Singer Lisa Stansfield is 34. Musician Dylan Keefe of Marcy Playground is 30. April 12: Musician John Kay of Steppenwolf is 56. Actor Ed O'Neill ("Married ... With Children") is 54. Talk-show host David Letterman is 53. Singer-actor David Cassidy is 50. Actor Andy Garcia is 44. Singer Vince Gill is 43. Musician Will Sergeant of Echo and the Bunnymen is 42. Singer Art Alexakis of Everclear is 38. Singer Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls is 36. Singer Nicholas Hexum of 311 is 30. Actress Shannen Doherty ("Charmed") is 29. Actress Claire Danes is 21. April 13: Actor Paul Sorvino is 61. Musician Al Green is 54. Actor Ron Perlman is 50. Singer Peabo Bryson is 49. Musician Joey Mazzola of Sponge is 39. Actor Rick Schroder is 30. Actor Jonathan Brandis is 24. April 14: Actor Rod Steiger is 75. Singer Loretta Lynn is 65. Actress Julie Christie is 60. Actor Brad Garrett ("Everybody Loves Raymond") is 40. Actor Robert Carlyle ("Angela's Ashes") is 39. Singer-musician John Bell of Widespread Panic is 38. Actor Anthony Michael Hall is 32. Rapper Da Brat is 26. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar is 23. April 15: Singer Roy Clark is 67. Actor Michael Tucci ("Diagnosis Murder") is 50. Actress Emma Thompson is 41. Singer Samantha Fox is 34. Musician Ed O'Brien of Radiohead is 32. Ginger

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