Cinextenso, September 16, 2002
After 4 seasons in the skin of the anthropologist Blair Sandburg of the series TV the Sentinel (The Sentinel in VO), Garett Maggart again speaks about himself. He has just finished the filming of Demon Under Glass, which enables him to pass from small to the large screen. It is a determining stage in the career of an actor still somewhat ignored and yet fabulously gifted.
It is Saturday May 11, towards 16h00 in Planet Hollywood of Paris which I had the chance to meet Garett Maggart. This last, of passage in France, to promote Demon Under Glass at the time of the Festival of Cannes nicely agreed to answer the invitation of the Sentinel French Fan Club. Available, smiling, relaxed and very pleasant, Garett Maggart wanted to discuss with part of its fans. Man not liking the great sways in the crowd, Garett agreed to grant an interview to me which was not initially envisaged in its planning. An additional proof of the gentleness (politeness, niceness) of the actor!
Q: What has the TV series "The Sentinel" brought you?
Work. It should be known that when one plays one of the principal roles in a series, that ensures you a regular employment. In addition to this, the series enabled me to become acquainted with the other actors who since became my friends. I think in particular of Richard Burgi (Jim Ellison, the hero) and Bruce A. Young (the police chief). On this subject, we usually follow our respective careers and remain in contact. Lastly, obviously, the series enabled me to be made known.
Q: At the end of the third season, your character, apparently, dies. A quasi-resurrection with the key, the fans did all that it was in their capacity so that the series continues. Did that touch you?
Yes, obviously. That proves that the series was appreciated on behalf of the public. Thus, even if the final decision did not belong to them, the fans ended up making the production yield. And it is as that which the last eight episodes (which form a mini-fourth season in which Blair Sandburg does not die,) were carried out.
Q: With the passing, what do you think of the end of the series? Was this good or a bad thing?
I have two answers. The first is yes because I wanted to do other things. The second is no because that implied the dissolution of the group. Fortunately, I kept contact [with the others].
Q: agree to play Blair Sandburg one last time?
(By making a grimace) Why not? It would be necessary that the other actors agree to take again their respective roles. Nevertheless, I prefer to remain about it there [keep it in the past?].
Q: Blair Sandburg is a specialist in tribal legend. He thus grows with mysticism. Is this the case for Garett Maggart?
I believe in the fantastic. I undoubtedly believe in it more than Blair. I admit however that I am obliged to be interested in it, since the Sentinel and Demon Under Glass refer there.
Q: Describe to us the role you play in Demon Under Glass.
In this film, I am Doctor Joseph McKay, one of the principal doctors charged to undertake experiments on Molinar, a vampire played by Jason Carter. Progressively, McKay will realize that the malicious one is not inevitably that which one believes. He carries out that it was engaged by people whose morality is not largest of qualities. He, gradually, will approach the vampire.
Q: According to you, which are the principal differences between Demon Under Glass and the other films of vampires?
I do not believe that one can catalogue Demon Under Glass like a vampire film. In any case, thus I conceive it. It is more a psychological thriller which however includes a great part of fantastic.
Q: In the Sentinel and Demon Under Glass, you play characters who had relations with the fantastic. A large coincidence or a choice deliberated on your share?
(Smiling) Indeed, it is only coincidence. But, I like much the fantastic.
Q: If Demon Under Glass is a success, it would give rise to a televised series. Would you be ready to endorse the role of doctor McKay for the entirety of the show?
All depends on the circumstances. If a series were to be born, yes, of course, I will be always Doctor McKay, with a great pleasure. Now, who knows what the future holds for us?
Q: Honestly, you would not have liked to play the role held by Jason Carter, namely that of the Molinar vampire?
(smile) Yes, to play the evil guy would have interested me, but I am already very satisfied with the role of McKay.
Q: And to play super-villains later, who would you play? You would have a preference?
(Laughter) The Green Goblin!! No, to be honest, I do not really have a particular idea. However, to play a bad guy, yes, that interests me!
Q: After an appearance in one of the episodes of the Sentinel, Jason Carter finds you in Demon Under Glass. In your respective series (Babylon 5/the Sentinel), you both had long hair. He kept his. On the other hand, you cut yours. Why?
(Smiles) I wanted to change my appearance. Being more than thirty years old, I wanted to change look, of style; to be more mature, more adult. And for this reason I cut the hair!
Q: While speaking about Jason Carter, since it is your second collaboration (the English actor appeared in an episode of the Sentinel), you liked to work again with him?
Yes. He is an excellent actor with whom I get along very well. We will take part in a convention in June in Los Angeles. We will speak there, of course, of our respective series.
Q: In Demon Under Glass and especially in the Sentinel, you play of the characters who seem to fulfill the function of guide. Wouldn't you like to change role?
Why not? That depends on the proposals. However, I am not any more 20 years old and I think that I will not be able to accept certain roles where the physique requires a too great importance. I am not sure to want it either.
Q: Like your father, you became an actor. Would you advise your children to follow the same way?
If they decide to engage in this profession, I will do all that it will be possible for me to make to help them. If they choose another trade, I will make in the same way. No matter what it in evening, the decision will belong to them.
Synopsis of Demon Under Glass :
Demon Under Glass begin with a tracking. That of a sordid killer who empties his victims of his blood. A team, carried out by Doctor Hirsch, launches out on her track. The race-continuation stops on the capture of the vampire Simon Molinar (Jason Carter). The force of intervention manages to control it at the price of many losses of which that of Doctor Hirsch. One of its friendly close relations, Doctor Bassett, undertakes scientific experiments on Molinar. To help it in its task, Bassett engages several doctors like one assistance-looking after, Joe McKay (Garett Maggart).
Disclaimer: Errors in translation are no fault of this site. You can find the original interview here, Cinextenso.