Actor Christopher Judge opens up about his past, current and future projects ahead of his upcoming trip to Australia for Supernova.
Chris is best known for his role as Teal'c in the military, science-fiction television series 'Stargate SG-1'. Chris is no stranger to conventions and is constantly astonished by the number of fans that turn out. “I'm surprised by the enduring popularity of it. We stopped shooting eight and a half years ago, so for it to still be as popular as it is, is quite surprising but I am thankful for it.”
Chris has recently finished filming the lighthearted sci-fi series 'Nobility', in which he plays the role of Admiral Nev. “'Nobility' is kind of a throw-back to a kinder, gentler time of sci-fi. Sci-fi started off as exploration and hopefulness for the future and now it's become so dark that it's not escapism anymore.
“Every sci-fi show now is about the earth being destroyed or aliens coming to earth to kill humans, it's ceased to be escapism. 'Nobility' kind of brings us back to having a sense of humour. It's a smile and a wink and it's a lot lighter than a lot of the shows now.”
Although being a part of one of the most successful sci-fi franchises in TV history, Chris explains he must continue to work. “When you have as many kids as I do [4], I don't think you are ever financially-stable. I am actually doing something now that can possibly be the biggest role of my career. To get an opportunity like this one at 51 years old is surprising and I'm grateful for it.”
The role he speaks of is yet to be officially announced. “I have a project that will be taking up the next number of years. Unfortunately I can't say much about it, in fact, I can't say anything about it.”
Chris shows his acting range in his latest film, 'To Have And To Hold', which is an adventure story set in American settlement times. Stepping away from the sci-fi genre has been a rarity in his acting career and being pigeon-holed as a sci-fi actor has been a struggle for Chris. “Because I've done something for so long, I guess that's what they associate you with, but Teal'c is so diametrically opposed to who I am. Even that style of acting, it was something that I created for that character, so I'm constantly surprised when casting directors are surprised that my acting range isn't limited to Teal'c.”
It is because of the success of 'Stargate SG-1' that Chris gets to travel the world to meet fans of the show. “I have had a great time in Australia all previous three times I've been there and I'm quite looking forward to it.”
Christopher Judge appears at Supanova at Adelaide Showground 20-22 November and Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 27-29 November.
