Kari Wuhrer Chat at Universal on April 30, 1997


Moderator says, "Greetings Universal Chatters and welcome to another live moderated chat! Tonight we're privileged to have Sliders star Kari Wuhrer at the Backlot Café. Just to give you a little background on Kari, she plays Captain Maggie Beckett on Universal Television's hit series Sliders and was recently featured in the box office hit film Anaconda. You might also remember her asthe co-host of that zany MTV gameshow Remote Control. Kari spent two years on MTV and then moved on to bigger projects, including a reccurring role on the ever popular Beverly Hills 90210.Kari has worked with a slew of hot actors and directors, including Sean Penn, Jack Nicholson, John Singleton, Eric Stoltz, and......um......um......Andrew Dice Clay (how can we forget Ford Fairlane)!Ladies and Gentlemen......it's chat time. Please welcome Kari Wuhrer! First off, have you ever chatted live on the internet before?"

Kari_Wuhrer says, "No. Only answer occasional mail, I get on my girl friend's computer."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #14 from Worshipper: Kari, Hope you had a Happy Birthday! So what's happenning with that Kari Wuhrer Music CD? (And as head of your old fan club, why doesn't your manager and publicist send me any material as I've requested several times?)

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Dearest Andrew. I am in the studio currently working on my new stuff. I'm very excited about it. This time it's for real. I also hired a new publicist in addition to our lovely Diane at Universal who will be getting stuff as early as next week -- promise! And, by the way! I think you're awesome!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #22 from The_eft: Was there anything in particular that attracted you to 'Sliders'? Why did you choose to audition?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I didn't choose to audition. I was fortunate enough just to get the offer. And, I'm attracted to Slider for the obvious reasons, it is a great way to play with your imagination."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #38 from J-depew: How did you feel filming the snake episode of "Sliders" after so recently appearing in the film "Anaconda"?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I love snakes!!! Any chance I get to work with animals I jump at."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #27 from The_eft: How long did it take you to land your first part in a regular TV series? Months? Years?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I started acting professionally at 15. I got my first series on network television at 25. Before that, I did a series on USA Network called "Swamp Thing." I was 22."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #62 from Czaritza: Kari, How do you feel about being looked upon as a sex symbol ... is this the way you wanted yourself portrayed ?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Ponder. This is a very difficult business. I wanted to work. I may not have made all the right choices, but I am very blessed and am thoroughly enjoying my career now. Sex symbol, schmex symbol!"

Kari_Wuhrer throws her head back, cackling with glee.

Moderator presents the speakers with question #70 from J-depew: Did you feel a great burden in "living up" to the role as a replacement to Professor Autro's character? :) Thanks.

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Well, they wanted me to gain 100 pounds! No. Just kidding! It's difficult entering an already established show, but the character, Maggie Beckett, has been really challenging and a lot of fun. Everybody has made me feel very welcome. At least on the set."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #94 from Shaeng: Has fame changed you in anyway...Are you still a "down to earth" girl?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "When I'm famous, I'll let you know!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #36 from Jinxed1: Out of all that you have done to this point... what are you most proud of?

Kari_Wuhrer ponders thoughtfully and says, "Currently. In the video stores, there's a little movie I did with Stanley Tucci and Ron Eldard called 'Sex and the Other Man.' I'm disappointed it didn't get a theatrical release, but the movie is rather good. Rent it!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #111 from The_eft: How does it feel to be typing in front of hundreds of crazed Kari Wuhrer fans?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "My fingers are killin' me! Actually, ask Mike, he's doing the typing."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #136 from Cereal_killer: On camera you aren't very friendly with the other Sliders. Are you good friends with them off the set?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Conflict is great for an exciting show. It's not so great off the set. We are all having a great time, a great friendly time."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #147 from Czaritza: Kari, I like your sense of humor, will they let you incorporate some of it into the show ? Some people are begining to wonder if you have one ...now we see you do ! : )

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Thanks! Blush. Blush. You'll see shades of humor in Maggie, but they're shades of camouflage (you know, the military thing)."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #8 from Flashbiker: Where do you see the Maggie Beckett character heading. Do you see her rubbing off on the other Sliders, or vice versa?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "All I'm gonna say is look for the 'Big Smooch', May 16th."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #74 from Shaeng: Do you ever "surf" the internet?

Kari-Wuhrer says, "Only when I have a bottle of red wine and am wearing my glasses."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #57 from Nirvana: Who are you most influenced by in Hollywood?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Dennis Rodman. Just kidding! Right now, it would have to be my . . . strong-willed, controlling . . . manager. She's a real 'blank' buster!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #113 from Shaeng: Are you truly as "WILD" as your on-screen characters?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Only when my husband is not around. Kari_Wuhrer throws her head back, cackling with glee. Honey! Honey!!! I was just kidding!!!!!!!!!!!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #95 from The_eft: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Kari_Wuhrer ponders thoughtfully. That's a great question! However, I never plan that far ahead. Maybe swimming in my Hollywood Hills pool with my kids -- maybe?!?"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #149 from Tim_lucas: Have you been around the net to see all the web pages, etc., devoted to the show? How do you feel about the controversy over your character?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "It doesn't matter what they say about you. As long as they talk about you! Quoting the great Tallulah Bankhead. Or as Mae West said: 'It's better to be looked over than overlooked.""

Moderator presents the speakers with question #46 from J-depew: How did you get into acting? Any advice?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Run!"

Kari_Wuhrer laughs hysterically.

Moderator presents the speakers with question #86 from Shaeng: What do you think was your "big break"

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Definitely MTV. If it weren't for Remote Control, I wouldn't have as many groovy, crazy, wierdo, lovely, awesome, amazing . . . . . . . . . .fans. Thank you."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #33 from Jinxed1: Are you a Sci-Fi fan? Who's your Fav author?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "When I was a kid, I had to have every Kurt Vonnegut - everything I could find. I am a sci-fi comic book, cartoon fan! And yes, I don't mind the exaggerated female figures in sci-fi comics!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #185 from Sheridan: How long have you been married and how has it affected your career?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I've been married for two and a half years to a wonderful, talented songwriter who has done nothing but give me confidence and self-esteem, which, of course, can only help one's career."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #45 from Starscream: What do you do to keep yourself in such good shape?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I work my 30-year-old patootie off at the gym four times a week with a trainer and have 65 stairs to climb every time I want to go inside my front door."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #107 from Shaeng: Did you realize you had this many ONLINE fans????

Kari_Wuhrer says, "No! I can't believe it. Thank you!!! Kiss, kiss, kiss, hug, hug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kari_Wuhrer bows gracefully. Kari_Wuhrer waves at everyone.

Moderator presents the speakers with question #25 from The_eft: Is there any chance of a SLIDERS movie?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Oooooooooooooooooooo! Good idea! Any story suggestions?"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #76 from Whiskeyman: Who did you play in 90210?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I played Ariel Hunter, a record executive who deflowered David Silver in the back of a limo. Fun huh!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #191 from Jinxed1: What do you think of your popularity? Does it ever frighten you?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "It frightened me once when the grandson of Carlos Gambini decided to come to L.A. and take me dancing. I danced into a hotel as fast as I could."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #18 from Unigirl: I heard that the Dinosaurs for Dinoslide were created on a computer. Was it weird running away from dinosaurs that weren't really there?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Yes. It's just a good thing we had our executive producer, David Peckinpah chasing us with that growly face that he makes 'Aaaarrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!'"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #208 from Pkaye: Do you think Maggie will ever lose the attitude?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Do you want Maggie to lose the attitude?"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #205 from Czaritza: Kari, any chance of Arturo coming back , and do you know why he left , there are a lot of rumors going around about this ...

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Yeah. I made a call to Fox and said 'You better lose the old guy and put me on instead or else!' But, seriously, it was a mutual decision for his departure. He's happy and working and maybe his double will appear on another world?!?!?!?"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #212 from I_love_jerry_o: When you were in school(elementary,jh, hs) were you popular or were you sort of a slacker?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I was an overachiever. Not overeater! I used to wear my pajamas to school, dye my hair and do anything for schock value and 'no', I had no friends. I wasn't popular."

Moderator says, "Please submit your final questions for Kari....She can only stay for 10 more minutes."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #211 from Syrup: Were you ever interested in writing a scipt for an episode?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Yes. And it may just happen."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #213 from Bach: Are you working on any other projects besides Sliders at the moment?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I'm currently working on a feature film that stars Ray Liotta, Jeremy Piven and Anjelica Huston that promises to be a wild ride!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #215 from Pkaye: Do you regret any movies you've done?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "YES!"

Moderator presents the speakers with question #214 from Czaritza: Kari, what are your other intrests other than acting ?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I have a pottery studio at my house, three cats. I sing and write songs. And try to sleep to recuperate from it all."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #23 from The_eft: What direction would you like the show to take, if you were the director?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I think the show is headed in a great direction. We have lots of ideas for the next season. I think that the conflict between the Sliders will get us in many new and interesting predicaments; not to mention maybe werewolves. . ."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #222 from Jinxed1: What would your dream role be?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I always wanted to play Natalie Wood."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #224 from Tekkamanblade: Have you ever looked up at the stars and wonder if it is possible to go beyond them?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Oh, but I have gone beyond them."

Moderator presents the speakers with question #82 from Shaeng: Do you have any pets, names?

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I just got a new cat for my birthday! He isa Sphynx. And his name is 'Gato'. I also have two others, 'Monkey', the Abyssinian cat and 'Houdini', the Cornish Rex. I like wierd-looking cats, obviously. Thanks for asking!"

Moderator says, "O.K. Universal Chatters....Here's the final question for Kari.

Moderator presents the speakers with question #238 from Bo-ridley: Was tonight everything you expected? or did they just pay you big bucks for coming out?? THANKS FROM ALL OF US FANS

Kari_Wuhrer ponders thoughtfully.

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I didn't think of asking for money!"

Kari_Wuhrer laughs hysterically.

Kari_Wuhrer says, "I actually had a lot of fun! And would love to come back as often as Mike, the typist, wants!"

Moderator says, "Wow...That was awesome Kari. Thank you so much for joining us tonight!"

Kari_Wuhrer says, "Thanks you guys!!! I appreciate all the support; keep watching 'Sliders'. I know" "I'm doing all I can to see that it comes back another season. Big Kiss!

Kari_Wuhrer waves at everyone.

Moderator says, "Thanks again everyone!!!"


Back to Chat Transcript Home Page