"I actually chose Helen Shaver because she's such a good actor, and certainly I knew her first from "Desert Hearts" -- and that performance left a profound impression on me. But I've known her work and encountered her over the years, and I have to admit that I cast her because of her strength.  I new that she would just tear that character up."

That is certainly the case for anyone that has had the fortune of seeing Helen in action.  Good morning, Helen. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us: Good morning, thank you.


Not that it surprises me, considering your extensive track record, but I hear you just finished up a project or are near to finishing it.  Care to share details on what is was you were working on? Actually, I've been busy directing for the past four, five years. I have a few projects that I've completed and have shown on television. The latest that I don't think has shown yet would be Numb.


When can we expect to see it in the States? this year [2007], in about two weeks


I have to admit, even before the website I'm helping with is going 'live', we've had folks emailing and asking if we knew what the cast was up to these days and if they even remembered the show.  Did you ever think that, with as much time since the series' cancellation, you would still have a fan following from Poltergeist: The Legacy? Today a series lives on after it goes off the air, with DVD and series being shown overseas, a series has a longer life than say, in the older days, when a series ran and repeated a couple of times and that was that. I was in France recently and was treated like royalty "Ms. Shaver have [this].", "Here is your [bagel], Ms. Shaver." They are still watching Poltergeist: The Legacy there [and some are just seeing it for the first time]. I accepted doing [Poltergeist] because it was a way to tell more than just a story of the demons we see, we were able to show the different [ways] of struggling with our own inner/personal demons, how to overcome.  And it was an opprotunity to direct. I got a deal to do the show and direct on another series [Outer Limits], so I had the leverage to direct on both [series] as well as act.


I've read in past interviews that the series was actually a learning tool for the cast, in particular Martin Cummins and yourself by way of directing.  You both worked on a movie while still working on Polt, didn't you?  A semi-autobiography of Martin's titled "We All Fall Down".  You won a Genie Award for best supporting actress.  Please share with us your memories of working on that film. (quiet laugh) Well the movie itself took about 13 days. It was great. People from the series chipped in and we all did it on [a very low budget]. It was a story Martin wanted to tell and I feel very fortunate to have been part of the [process]. He should be proud of his accomplishment. I'm proud of him.


Well, we've revisited the past with the show, but you have certainly kept busy and your fans entertained since then; both in front of the camera and behind.  We see your name every week with Judging Amy.  What other projects are you currently involved with? {I didn't ask this question again as we covered it earlier, so peek back up for the answer ;)}

Well, I don't want to keep you, although if given half a chance, I could go on and on.  As I mentioned before, we've gotten a few questions from fans.  If it's alright with you I'd like to share them with you? Sure, I'd love to.

The first question comes all the way from the UK. Lisa Hagerty asks: For the role of Rachel Corrigan, did you have to do any research into portraying a psychiatrist in regards to learning the terms or actual medical treatment of the patients your character would have on the show? {{Lisa, you are SO allowed to shoot me for this, but I completely missed this question.  I promise to ask it next time!!!}}


And from John in West Virginia, What dictates your choice of rolls? Does a script 'speak' to you, is the challenge of portraying a character or...? All the above


Cindy from Texas asks: Did you have any formal training in acting? How or when did you know you wanted to be an actress? Very little to none.  I started in High School; an after school [extra cirricular activity] and by the time I got out, I was already acting professionally.


Tina from further north asks: Do you have a belief in the paranormal? ____________

And, I have to admit this was my favorite question out of the bunch and so I'm not keeping you for too long, I do believe I'm going to wrap up with this one: It comes from Jenny in California.  'I'm a fan of your work and I watch a series called "Inside the Actor's Studio".  I wrote in to them that they needed to get you on there but I don't want to wait any longer.  Would you mind giving us our own version of the Q&A session each actor gives in the show?

What is your favorite word?gratitude/thank you
What is your least favorite word?I don't know/I can't
What turns you on (creatively, spiritually, or emotionally)? to me, it's an intergration of all three; it's a willingness to be present, in the moment, there.
What turns you off (same way)?[opposite of above]
What is your favorite curse word? (quiet chuckle) It would have to be 'fuck'
What sound do you love? the ocean
What sound do you hate? whining
What profession other than your own, would you like to attempt? painting
What profession would you not like to do? accounting
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Welcome
And I added this one on; Share one thing about yourself that would surprise someone to know: I'm shy

At this point I'm hoping Helen can't hear me going 'oh my' because I realize she's earned more of my respect just with the few moments I was able to interview her.  There are very few people in the Entertainment business that are genuine and I believe, after listening to her as she explained nuances of her work and why she takes on the projects she does, she is one of those few.

Thank you again Helen for taking the time in your busy schedule to speak with us and we will certainly be keeping up with what will certainly be an eventful and entertaining career!