Sam Ayers: Online Chat

Sam the Sweeper...loyal Centre employee. Through the years we have seen him clunked on the head in "Keys," stuck to the floor with roach glue in "A Virus Among Us," playing checkers with little Debbie Broots in "Betrayal" and really angry with Jarod over a lost button in "The World is Changing." "Sweeper Sam" Ayers took part in his first online chat on Monday, June 5 at the Patrick Bauchau Club on Yahoo, joining fans to reveal some of the "secrets"of the Centre.

Deb (Patrickphile) hosted and was assisted by Sara (bluecovede) and Marcia (MyDandy1). Sam appeared as both sam_sweeper and later as sam_ayers.

Patrickphile: Ready, Sam?

sam_sweeper: Fire Away

Patrickphile: OK.... How did you get the role of Sam?

sam_sweeper: I had worked w/Steve & Craig on an earlier project called Wilde Life in Fla. I was an Albino. It was a show about a modern day Doc Doolittle. When we finished they said to look them up if I'm ever in LA. 2 years went by and I finally moved to LA...took me 16 years to get there. I was looking through the production sheets, when I saw their names on New Prod. The PDR. So I had to get in to see them. It's not easy to get into Prod. Off. Anywhere

Patrickphile: OK, Sam is having a bit of a tech problem, so he's going to call me and I'll type for him. Stand by and we'll be back in a few.

(Momentary pause while Deb logs out as Patrickphile and in as sam_sweeper....)

sam_sweeper: (From Deb) OK, we're back.... Sara, do you have the questions ready? Let's start over...the question was how Sam got the job on tP....

sam_sweeper: Answer: I had worked w/Steve & Craig on an earlier project in Fla. called Wilde Life. I played an albino. When I moved to LA, I found out that Steve and Craig were doing tP. I went to see them to let them know I was in town. The last time I saw them, I was a blonde.... In order to get into the prod. office, I wore my Budget Courier uniform. I was trying to get past the secretary.... I got in, and Craig was on the phone at the front desk, with his feet on the desk. He looked at me, like, "Who are you?" I said, "Delivery." He waved ok. When he hung up, I did the opening lines from Wilde Life: "Congratulations, Professor Kline, Mr. Blaylock is bringing you out of retirement." Suddenly he realized it was me and said, "Sam! Good to see you!" Said they might have something for me. (Real original line...ha ha.) Two days later I got the call.

bluecovede: Q: Was Sam originally intended to be a recurring character, or did they make him one after seeing what you did in the role?

sam_sweeper: It started as a recurring day player, which then became a recurring co-star...which then became a recurring guest star. Hey, maybe after four years, if the show keeps going, they'll let me be a regular!

bluecovede: Q: How did you get into acting and who have been your biggest influences?

sam_sweeper: Mr. Hackett in Merrimack High School let me do a film in 11th grade. When I went to college that's when I really got involved. I was in Lambda Chi Alpha frat...we did skits. My fraternity brothers said I should be an actor. Originally I wanted to be a sports announcer. I created a mascot called The Medicine Man..."the spirit in sports." I formed teams' names (the letters) with my body. The fans loved it. I've always been a big fan of the old time actors like Ernie Borgnine, Robert Mitchum and Robert Shaw.

bluecovede: Q: We've heard that "The Pretender" cast and crew are very close-knit. What do you think makes this so? And do you hang out with anyone from the show when you aren't working?

sam_sweeper: Common goals...professionalism...love for craft. Jon and I hang out occasionally.

bluecovede: Q: Do you and Willie Gault ever compare notes?

sam_sweeper: Willie and I are (CENSORED BY THE CENTRE). Hmm...they're everywhere!

bluecovede: Q: How do you think Sam came to work at the Centre? Did you ever make up any history for him...or something to help you with his characterization? Do you think he has a family?

sam_sweeper: (CENSORED BY THE CENTRE)...stop that! One of the tools an actor needs and brings to his craft is the ability to create. What I brought to Sam is the idea that he's a former Marine recon major. My fam... (CENSORED BY THE CENTRE).

bluecovede: Q: Have you played football or other sports? Do you do anything special to work out?

sam_sweeper: I was the first varsity QB at Merrimack High School. I was a walk-on for Memphis State Football (corner back). I love baseball, volleyball, nordic and alpine skiing. I love and appreciate sports of all kinds and will try any. Work out...a must...running, weights, tae bo.

bluecovede: Q: What have you learned from your job on tP?

sam_sweeper: Patience is a virtue.

bluecovede: Q: What other projects have you been in, and do you have any favorites?

sam_sweeper: It's been an all-around education. I've worked on Quick Change with Bill Murray (lots of fun on that one), Martial Law, Bad Boys, and my fave...Wilde Life.

bluecovede: Q: Have you had any "starving actor" jobs -- what other things have you done?

sam_sweeper: PLENTY. Bartending for years, waiter, medical courier, lumber truck driver, painter, construction laborer, oyster shucker, catering...the man on the grassy knoll...(I DO work for the Centre ...)

bluecovede: Q: What's a typical work week like for you?

sam_sweeper: A work week for me will be exercise, reading the trades, submitting demo reels...any classes I have scheduled..."real" work to pay the bills, and of course, play with my daughter, Alexis. And keeping Mommy happy too. :-)

bluecovede: Q: Where is Sam's allegiance -- to Miss Parker, Lyle or the Centre itself? Do you think Sam and Willie would ever have a showdown because of differences in allegiance? If so, who'd win? <G>

sam_sweeper: I first work for the Centre/Miss Parker. (Trying to override Centre censorship here...) Willie can't shoot...I can't run...you decide.

bluecovede: Q: Sam seemed like such a nice guy when he was playing checkers with Debbie Broots in "Betrayal," yet he wasn't nice at all when tormenting Jarod in "The World is Changing." What do you think causes this difference in his behavior? And do you think he really enjoyed helping to torture Jarod?

sam_sweeper: I have orders...I'm a good soldier. I do what I'm told.

bluecovede: Q: What is your relationship like with each of the other cast members -- what do you think of them? What's the best thing about working with such a talented group?

sam_sweeper: (Thinking....)
sam_sweeper: (Pondering...)
sam_sweeper: I'm here...still thinking...and trying to outrun the Centre.... I get along with everyone. There is deepest forms of love for everyone on that cast. I've been blessed to work with such a talented group and to learn from them, and to see what they bring to their characters.

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