CynbytheSea Interview with Sian Phillips
(Adrian)

 
Q1.) What was your Favorite scene you had with Peta Wilson?

SIAN: I liked doing all the scenes I had to play with Peta.


Q2.) What was it like working with your husband Peter O'Toole?

SIAN: Interesting at all times.


Q3.) Doing theater, is there any one thing that you did to prepare yourself before you go on stage?

SIAN: There are about six things - all secret.

Deb Schwartz~ Michigan-USA
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Q4.) What was the most memorible moment in your acting carreer?

SIAN: I have too many to mention one.


Q5.) When did you decide to become an actress ?

SIAN: When I was six watching a Christmas pantomime in Swansea.


Q6.) Did you see any of the episodes of La Femme Nikita, before you did the audition, and could you tell us about the audition you did for Adrian?

SIAN: I didn't do an audition.

Chrissy Langeveld, Leiden Netherlands
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It's a great honor for us to be able to do this interview with you.

Q7.) From the many roles you've had over the years, which one is your favorite and why?

SIAN: I have many favourites.


Q8.) Do you have any special memory from filming La Femme Nikita?

SIAN: lying "Dead" in my see through coffin.


Q9.) Do you prefer acting on stage or on camera?

SIAN: I like both. Equally.

Dana Vrajitoru - Indiana, USA
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Ms Phillips, such a pleasure to be able to address you with these questions:

Q10.) When you worked with the cast and crew of La Femme Nikita, what were some of the thoughts you had regarding this series and the people that made the series?

SIAN: It was one of the nicest groups of people I ever worked with and I loved working in Canada.


Q11.) Did you have any "inside" joke that you might care to share while filming La Femme Nikita?

SIAN: No


Q12.) What is your next undertaking, is it film or theater?

SIAN: Theatre.


Q13.) Did you have any say in the way the portrayal of Adrian was done?

SIAN: No

Thank you so much and I say "Bravo" to you and all your endeavors,
Sandy Meridith- Kansas USA
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Q14.) How long have you been acting? What was your first role?

SIAN: Professionally Since I was 11- my first role was a ginger tom cat.


Q15.) Do you like to play villians or heros if you had your choice of characters to play?

SIAN: I do have a choice and no I don't have a preference.

Thank you for taking time to answer questions.
Angelique~ Norfolk, Virginia
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Q16.) I read that your given name is Jane, how did you come up with "Sian". Does it have some Welch meaning

SIAN: Welsh for Jane is Sian and when I started acting in welsh it was decided to use the welsh form.


Q17.) How do you decide what parts to take? You are great in whatever you decide to do.

SIAN: Thank you. I simply choose the best script on the table.


Q18.) Your daughter, Kate, is an actor; has she asked you for your advice on a part?

SIAN: Never!

Thank You;
Sandy Metzung~ Columbus, OH
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Q19.) Is there a charity or cause that especially pulls at your heartstrings?

SIAN: Naturally I am involved in the troubles actors encounter. Also I support animal causes.


Q20.) Which genre(s) of literature appeal(s) to you most?

SIAN: Biography.

Thank you so very much for consenting to this interview for Cyn By The Sea.
Joyce Wolf~ California-USA
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Q21.) Were you living in Canada or the United Kingdom when you were asked to be in the "La Femme Nikita" series? And if the UK, did they put you up in a nice hotel?

SIAN: U.K. Yes! a lovely hotel in Toronto and I loved being there.


Q22.) In the shows and movies I have seen you always seem to be typecast as a 'woman in charge'. Why do you think this is so?

SIAN: I've played an awful lot of victims as well - no reason I hope

Warren Stewart~ Perth Section
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Q23.) Have you ever worked before or after filming LFN with any of the cast members of the show? where?

SIAN: No


Q24.) Have you ever directed? if not, would you like to?

SIAN:I would hate to. I love acting.

Claudia Conde~ Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Q25.) In your role as "Adrian" the long lost "mother" of Section One on La Femme Nikita......it seemed to me that you exuded an almost motherly affection for Nikita in attempting to get her to do what you wanted.....while simultaneous zeroing in on your goal of regaining control of Section One...is that accurate and how difficult was that portrayal? (Adrian made me believe that she really sincerely cared for Nikita but I wonder....)

SIAN: Very accurate. Not difficult.


Q26.) If you can tell us, did you ever regret accepting a role?

SIAN: Yes. Whenever I take a part because I need the money.


Q27.) How did you feel about portraying screen legend Marlene Dietrich? Were you a fan before the role?

SIAN: It was an education! And yes, I was a fan before she became one.


Q28.) If it's not too personal, how did you manage the "superwoman" role as wife/mother/career woman when you were married to Peter O'Toole?

SIAN: I didn't! No one can do all that no matter what they might say!


Q29.) Did you ever "miss out" on your "dream role".....and if so, what was it?

SIAN:Yes. I was asked to plat Cleopatra at the Old Vic and family pressure meant I had to decline.

Brenda Allison~ Missouri-USA
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Q30.) So many of your roles portray a regal powerful woman. Is this a character type that you have culitivated, or have the roles found you as a result of your character and powerful presence?

SIAN: I think tall people are (mistakenly) thought to powerful personalities


Q31.) Who sought you out for the role of Adrian?

SIAN: I think one of the producers.


Q32.) Did you redefine/improve the character from the original concept?

SIAN: No

You brought class and character to La Femme Nikita and stood out amid a cast of exceptional artists. We LFN fans thank you dearly.

 SIAN:I loved doing the part. Thank you.

FK~ New York-USA
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Q33.) Where did you train to become an actress?

SIAN: I worked as a child (11) for the BBC (Wales) and then trained letter at the R.A.D.A


Q34.) In your history of acting, you worked with many great actors/actresses, are there any special memories with any of them in particular that you are fond of?

SIAN: Many memories of the privilege of working with Rex Harrison, Gielgud, Alec Guinness and especially Dame Edith Evans - my favourite.


Q35.) Casting you as the Founder of Section One on La Femme Nikita was perfect in the casting director's part, why do you suppose you were chosen for this role?

SIAN: I have no idea - people don't tell you these things.


Q36.) Currently you are involved in Theatre work, can you tell us about the play you are now acting in?

SIAN:"The Dark" a new play by Charlotte Jones


Q37.) It is my understanding that you looked absolutely stunning in a singing performance in "A Tribute To Dietric", the glamour you bestowed, uttered pure femininity, were you allowed to keep any of the gorgeous wardrobe pieces you wore in any of your films or stage work?

SIAN: No! They cost a fortune and are the property of the producers.


Q38.)The look in your eyes, the expressions you carry, tells me there's something deeper, in all your infinate wisdom, what can you share with us, so that we may treasure?

SIAN: You are too generous. I am usually just paying attention to other people - never endingly interesting.

Cynthia Wilkerson~ Texas- USA
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COMMENTS

I am very touched that such a relatively short part should have interested so many people. I had a great time doing the show although I am the least technologically capable person imaginable. Everyone was very patient!

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