Jerry O'Connell Chat at AOL on October 20, 1999

EAMusic1: Hello, Jerry! Jerry is on the set of "Mission to Mars."

Jerry O'Connell: I'm on the set of "Mission to Mars" right now. In between shots. I feel pretty gosh darn cool.

EAMusic1: Tell us about the new movie, "Body Shots."

Jerry O'Connell: It is basically about young professionals and their social habits in the late ‘90s. It's a how to choose your own adventure for sex in the millennium age.

Question: Jerry, are you planning on doing any more sci-fi series?

Jerry O'Connell: Well, I'm am starting "Mission to Mars," which is the biggest sci-fi, Brian De Palma directing. Gary Sinise and Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, starring.

Question: Did you enjoy playing the "Heartbreaker" in Mariah Carey's video?

Jerry O'Connell: Mariah is the most attractive woman on the face of the planet. I actually paid them to be a part of the video.

Question: Jerry, do you have a girlfriend?

Jerry O'Connell: No. I'm swinging and single. I'll be posting my e-mail address at the conclusion of this chat. Only smart women apply.

Question: Jerry, are you an Internet junkie?

Jerry O'Connell: I am. It started because I was in the sci-fi show "Sliders," and much like its sister show "X-Files," had a lot to do with it remaining on the air.

Question: Have you seen any of the Season 5 "Sliders" shows? What do you think of them? They just don't compare without you there!

Jerry O'Connell: I haven't seen any of them.

Question: Being an NYU grad in acting myself, what was your favorite class?

Jerry O'Connell: Barbara Malmet or Professor Richard Allen, both in the film school, good profs.

Question: Did you like the outcome to your character in "Scream 2"?

Jerry O'Connell: Well, it's always a little emotionally painful when you watch your chest explode. But it was still cool to work with Neve Campbell. Yes, I did.

Question: Are you still planning to star in "First Daughter," the script of which you wrote?

Jerry O'Connell: Definitely. We're rewriting it now. Brian Robbins ("Varsity Blues") will be directing.

Question: Jerry, what makes you laugh?

Jerry O'Connell: Jack Lemmon.

Question: What made you decide to get into acting?

Jerry O'Connell: I was picked out of my school in the 5th grade to audition for a little film called "Stand By Me." I went through the entire process and ended up getting it. Once I got bit, it was hard to turn away.

Question: Jerry, if you could be immortalized as a Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, what would you taste like?

Jerry O'Connell: Chunky Monkey, either that or Cherry Garcia.

Question: What was it like working with Tom Cruise?

Jerry O'Connell: He's terrific. He brings so much quality attitude and work ethic to work.

Question: Hi, what is your most favorite band?

Jerry O'Connell: Stevie Wonder.

Question: What would you suggest I do to get into acting? I live in Orlando and work at Universal Studios.

Jerry O'Connell: More and more business is coming to Orlando. I'd say dominate locally and then make the move to New York or LA. I'd say New York. Get an apartment. Do some theatre. Get to know yourself as an artist.

Question: I think both you and Charlie are very talented actors. Do you plan on working together again?

Jerry O'Connell: Definitely. After our seasons together on "Sliders," the fact that we were dating sisters, we needed a little break. Now we just live together and we only date cousins.

Question: Is it true you went out with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and if so, can I have your autograph?

Jerry O'Connell: She is hands down, one of the cutest women in the business today. Her show just gets better and better.

Question: When you played a role in "Stand By Me," what was it like working with lard a**?

Jerry O'Connell: That scene is, hands down, one of the funniest scenes in all of filmmaking. I can't believe I was in such a cool movie.

Question: Who do you play in the new movie "Body Shots"?

Jerry O'Connell: I play Mike Penorisi, a football player for the Raiders. Very loud, very physical, a lot of fun to play.

Question: Hi, Jerry -- so, your new movie is called "Body Shots" -- how many real body shots have you participated in?

Jerry O'Connell: Um, today? Or last week?

Question: Who is your role model?

Jerry O'Connell: Any New York Yankee that played in the late ‘70s.

Question: Jerry, I love your singing. I am a music agent. Could I get a tape of you singing? Just for me, but I'll publish you if you want.

Jerry O'Connell: Come to karaoke at any local Hollywood bar.

Question: Jerry, why are you such a hottie?

Jerry O'Connell: Thousands and thousands of dollars of plastic surgery.

Question: Jerry, I'm a huge fan. How does this role in "Body Shots" compare to some of your others?

Jerry O'Connell: I get a little craziness. It's kind of like a dark sequel to the Frank Cushman character in "Jerry Maguire."

Question: When is "Mission to Mars" going to be released?

Jerry O'Connell: March 10th, 2000. And I promise you, it's a kick-ass movie.

Question: After seeing you in "Jerry Maguire," I was just wondering if you’re a big sports fan?

Jerry O'Connell: Yeah, very much so. I'm going to the World Series on Saturday.

EAMusic1: We are chatting with Jerry O’Connell. Jerry is getting in a car with Gary Sinise.

Question: Have you heard the rumor about a "Sliders" movie?

Jerry O'Connell: No, not a possibility.

Question: Jerry, what is your favorite childhood memory?

Jerry O'Connell: Probably something to do with Christmas in New York, because it's the only time of year when people there are friendly. Or hitting a home run in summer camp '83 that won the World Series. And the teasing of my brother, definitely.

Question: Are you going to star in a movie called "Getting the Milk for Free" or something like that?

Jerry O'Connell: I'm going to star in a movie called "Buying the Cow," starring Brigitte Wilson. A romantic, that's going to be a lot of fun.

Question: Jerry, do you have an official fan club that we could join?

Jerry O'Connell: I don't know of any. I think there are a few websites. Maybe a few nudie pictures. I think it's kind of narcissistic.

Question: Who did you go to the senior prom with?

Jerry O'Connell: My brother, and a couple of dates.

Question: Why did you leave "Sliders"?

Jerry O'Connell: They cut the budget substantially, and I didn't think they could do the show for the price. Also the new “Mission to Mars" was around the corner, and I wouldn't have been available if I had done it.

Question: Jerry, had a good meatball parmesan sandwich lately?

Jerry O'Connell: It's tough to find them in Vancouver, where I've been shooting "Mission to Mars." FYI everyone, I will be on “Howard Stern” Friday morning in New York, and Conan that night, so I'll be sure to have one then.

Question: What hidden talents do you have?

Jerry O'Connell: I was captain of the NYU saber team my junior year of college.

Question: Jerry, I have a funny, funny question. How much do you relate to your character in "Body Shots," if any?

Jerry O'Connell: I think "Body Shots" is the type of film where we relate to every character, male and female. I myself relate to the fun side of my character, but not the violent side.

Question: What do you think of those rumors saying that you're going be the next Batman? Would you want be the next Batman?

Jerry O'Connell: I would have [to] keep working out at this pace for "Mission to Mars." I don't know if I have that kind of discipline. I do look good in tights, though.

Question: Who do you think will win the World Series?

Jerry O'Connell: I have to go with my Yankees.

Question: Jerry, is it true that you and Tara Reid dated for a couple of weeks to get to know each other better for your roles in "Body Shots"?

Jerry O'Connell: We definitely did our share of partying, strictly for research. Also, Tara went to high school with me -- I was a senior, she was a freshman. I don't remember her, but she grew up nice. She was wonderful in "Body Shots."

Question: Jerry, if you could be one Disney character, who would you be?

Jerry O'Connell: Definitely Goofy.

Question: Will you marry me?

Jerry O'Connell: Oh man, give me 'til the end of the chat, but I want to know how you can virtually get on one knee.

EAMusic1: Thanks, Jerry. Anything you'd like to say to your fans?

Jerry O'Connell: Definitely listen to Stern Friday morning. Conan on Friday night. "Body Shots" is a must-see for anyone who is as single as I am. Thanks, everyone!

EAMusic1: Thank you, Jerry! Be sure to check out "Body Shots"! Sorry we could not get to all of your questions! Take care, and have a wonderful night!

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