Patricia Tallman

I had the honor to do an interview with Patricia Tallman. For those of you that may not know, Patricia Tallman is an accomplished actress and stunt woman. Most notably she portrayed Lyta Alexander on the award-winning Babylon 5. She has starred in a countless number of television and film roles and worked with some industry legends like George Romero, Tom Savini, Bruce Campbell and Bill Moseley just to name a few. For a full biography and filmography visit her IMDB page HERE.

1. You're an accomplished stunt woman as well as an actress, which came first and was this always what you wanted to do when you were growing up?

I was torn between being a vet, in law enforcement, and acting. When I was a junior in high school, I had been acting a while and was leaning in that direction. But the FBI was really exciting to me too. I auditioned for Carnegie-Mellon's drama dept., and if I got in, I knew that's what I'd do. My dad was rooting for Quantico! I didn't even know there was such a thing as stunt work. Stunts were not on my radar at all. I met people who were doing it in NYC where I was in a period sword technique class. A stunt co ordinator said he needed a stunt woman to double an actress who was 5'9" with red hair to fall down some stairs. I said sure. I made more in that one day than I made working a whole month at Macy's. It turned out I was good at it! Which is ironic because as a teen I was super accident prone. My dad just couldn't believe I was making a living doing stunts.

2. How do you prepare for your roles in stunt work?

I usually rehearse with the stunt co ordinator and the other stunt people if there are any in the scene. We'll block out the action. In a fight scene, we choreograph the fight,and rehearse it slow. With the camera crew, we'll walk thru the action so they can plan their shots. When camera is ready, we'll do a full speed rehearsal usually shooting the rehearsal.

3. Who and what are some of your influences?

I loved action adventure movies, and theatre. I still collect old theatre and movie memorabilia. Black and white films...love them. Charles Nelson Reilly was a huge mentor for me. I miss him deeply. I had a wonderful bunch of teachers at CMU. Very lucky. I have worked with terrific people and they inspire me. I loved working with George Romero, and most recently Corbin Bernsen. My friends inspire me now. Just hanging in there in this business is impressive.


4. You have a film by Antibody Films coming out titled "Dead Air", tell us a little bit about that.

It's more than just a horror film. I love that about it. There are several layers to it. Like all really good movies, there has to be something to think about and argue over. I got to work with Corbin, the Antibody producers who are all gorgeous and talented, and a great cast. Bill Moseley and I were brother and sister in Night of the Living Dead. We are ex spouses in Dead Air. That was fun. Bill is wonderful to work with and great in the movie.

5. You played the role of Barbara in the remake of Night Of The Living Dead, how did that come about and what was it like working with George Romero?

I auditioned on tape and it was sent to NYC. I knew Tom Savini, which I think gave me an edge. Tom was a fantastic director for us actors. He made us feel so special and valued. I think it shows in the performances. I really worked with George on "Knightriders". I loved him. He was amazing. It was my first time in front of a camera and he made it easy for me. I'd have all these ideas, which he'd graciously listen to.

6. Were you a fan of the original before the remake?

I get very scared. I don't watch horror much except for the old black and whites. I really don't like gore at all. I thought the original was completely terrifying on a very primal level.

7. You were Lyta Alexander on Babylon 5, what was that experience like and how different, if at all, is working on TV compared to working on film?

TV is very fast. You work very closely with people for months and months, take a short break and start it all again. It's super intense. You spend more time with your TV co workers than anyone else in your life. Film is intense, but only for the length of time you are on the project. If you are on a tight budget, film goes faster, but still not as rapidly as TV.

8. You played the role of the "she bitch" in Army Of Darkness, how did that come about and what was it like working with Bruce Campbell? Did you do any other stunt work in the film?

I was in the Army too. The Deadites were built on a plaster cast of my body! The guys at KNB Effects got me hired to help with prep. I was cast by Rob Tapert & Sam Rami for the She Bitch. It was really hard work, but fun. And I have loved Bruce for years. I had met him years ago, he was married to a sorority sister of mine. He is enormously talented. So under valued in this town.

9. Other than the few mentioned you've acted or done stunt work in some great projects, do you have a favorite moment in your career where you stand back and say "wow, that was awesome"?

There are so many! I am incredibly fortunate to have made a living for so long in this business. I have worked with the most wonderful generous loving people. I have met great talent, which is fun. My whole career makes me feel like "Wow that was awesome!"

10. Is there a specific person, actor, director, writer, etc., that you would love to work with that you haven't had a chance to yet?

Lots and lots. I want to work with the biggies like Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, Sami Rami (without prosthetics this time!). I'd love to work with the talent that is yet undiscovered, be in their projects and help to bring it out. I'd love to work with Hugh Jackman, naked!

11. Anything else you want to tell the fans out there reading this?

Watch Dead Air! I am on Facebook. If you are making a film and can hire SAG actors, put me in it. I will be starting up the Holiday program for Penny Lane, home for abused kids this fall and I hope you all can help! Every little bit helps! Visit www.BeASanta.org

You can view Patricia Tallman's Facebook page HERE The official website for Dead Air HERE Penny Lane's Be A Santa Facebook page HERE and the official Penny Lane website HERE

--Interview by Shaun May