Jane Seymour Official Web Site - Jane Sightings - Chats

Joining us in 30 seconds is actress Jane Seymour. She’s here to talk about her new movie, “Murder in the Mirror.” Send in your questions now.

Question: What's your new movie about?

Jane Seymour: “Murder in the Mirror” is based on a true story about a woman who is accused of murdering her husband. A woman whom the husband had completely transformed into a psychologist, and a wealthy one. He had married her and changed her to his idea of the perfect woman, like Pygmalion. We find her accused, and during the interrogation we see flashbacks detailing how she met him and what happened in their lives. She then does what she can to protect her innocence, and finds herself in very dangerous territory. I don't want to give the plot away!

Question: I love your new haircut! When did you cut it, and why?

Jane Seymour: The haircut was for the movie, “Murder in the Mirror,” but fortunately it was only a wig, not my own hair. This way I can still have long hair and play people with short hair in movies.

Question:Is it hard raising five kids and establishing a career? What is your priority each day?

Jane Seymour: My priority is my children. And I try my best to fulfill my other duties, and somehow we manage it!

Question: Will there be another "Dr. Quinn" movie? There are many of us “Dr. Quinn” fans who would love that!

Jane Seymour: CBS has just asked for one more “Dr. Quinn.” It has yet to be written by Beth Sullivan. When it is, and we're available to do it, we look forward to making that movie.

Question: Are any of your children interested in acting, and if they are, would you encourage them?

Jane Seymour: Currently, none of them are. I would encourage them only if they felt a passion for it in the way that James and I do.

Question: Who was your biggest influence on becoming an actress?

Jane Seymour: My first influence was Richard Attenborough, who encouraged me. And Anne Bancroft, who I watched work when I was 17, and was brilliant. I was also encouraged by Maggie Smith.

Question: Would you like to do another series, or do you prefer TV movies now?

Jane Seymour: Depending on the series and the logistics, in terms of location and amount of work necessary, I would do a series, but I am enjoying doing films right now.

Question: Hi, Jane. Do you champion any special charity?

Jane Seymour: Yes. I am the international ambassador for ChildHelp USA. I support all child abuse agencies. I run a program in Los Angeles called City Hearts which provides at-risk children with arts programming. I also support Christopher Reeve’s American Paralysis Association, lots of children’s charities relating to prevention of child abuse.

Question: Was your movie written by someone familiar with the case or by a Hollywood screenwriter?

Jane Seymour: It's based on a true story, which was given to us by the attorney that dealt with the case.

Question: Hi, Jane! How are you? What was it like researching Midwestern life for “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”?

Jane Seymour: I had no time to research anything, as I was hired about two hours before I started. But as I continued in the series, I read lots of books and talked to people who knew the facts about that period. We consulted the Smithsonian for medical history and had a doctor on the set at all times.

Question: What has been your most challenging role in a film?

Jane Seymour: Maybe Sandy Kemble, a movie for Showtime that will air in April, considered by those who've seen it to be my best work yet. Playing Maria Callas was also very challenging.

Question: Are you REALLY the Gerber baby? If yes, you were so cute as a baby! I love you!

Jane Seymour: No, I'm not the Gerber baby, she's an 80-year-old schoolteacher. My babies were in the commercial with me, and I continue to support Gerber products in commercials.

Question: How old were you when you were cast as Solitaire? And was that your first movie?

Jane Seymour: It was not my first movie, but my first big movie. I was 20 years old.

Question: What are your memories of working with Christopher Reeve in the film "Somewhere in Time"? By the way, I love that movie.

Jane Seymour: I have nothing but wonderful memories of the filming of “Somewhere in Time,” and whenever I see Chris, we reminisce. It was a magical experience.

Question: How do you feel when your fans approach you?

Jane Seymour: Very happy that people enjoy my work. The only problem I ever have is when I need to look after my children and someone wants me to sign autographs, and I have to give priority to my children's safety.

Question: Where do you officially call home?

Jane Seymour: Malibu, California.

Question: What kind of music do you like?

Jane Seymour: Many different kinds. Most good music. I love classical music. I love The Who; Elton John; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The music of my era. And I enjoy my children’s music that they introduced me to, like Ani DiFranco. The Cure and Radiohead have both recorded in my house in England.

Question: What were some of your favorite films and performances of 1999? Jane Seymour: I liked “The Green Mile.” I love “Cider House Rules.” “American Beauty” was great, but disturbing.

Question: Is there anyone you would like to work with that you haven't yet?

Jane Seymour: Harrison Ford.

Question: Do you miss England?

Jane Seymour: I go back quite frequently, and I love my visits. So I don't need to miss England.

Question: Have you ever done any Shakespeare?

Jane Seymour: Yes, I've played Lady Macbeth and Ophelia.

Question: Since you and your husband, James Keach, are producers, what would you recommend to young screenwriters and producers who wish to get a TV movie produced?

Jane Seymour: It's very hard. The best thing is to get an actor attached to the project that the networks really want to work with, or to find a production company that can make it happen. We read and have projects read all the time, looking for the good ones, and then we try to set them up with companies. Sometimes it can take, if you're lucky, four years to get them off the ground.

Question: How did you ring in the year 2000, and where?

Jane Seymour: At our house in Bath, England. We had a costume party with our friends and their children, people from aged 2 to 90 and everything in between. There are pictures in this week's People magazine that show us having a good time.

Question: Do you have any plans to be in a Broadway play at any time?

Jane Seymour: I did a Broadway play 18 years ago, “Amadeus,” when it first opened. I originated the role of Constanze Mozart. Currently, I'm not planning to go back to the Broadway stage, but one day I might like to do that again.

Question: You've done several great dramatic works, but are you itching to do a comedy?

Jane Seymour: I love to do comedy. I'd like to do one. I did “Dharma & Greg” last year, I think, or the year before. It was so much fun.

Question:: What's your favorite TV family?

Jane Seymour: I don't think I have one! “Dr. Quinn.”

Question: With all the press hovering around celebrities, how have you managed to keep your family and your private life private?

Jane Seymour: We try not to get into any trouble! And the press are usually only interested in bad news.

Question: Jane, where can one get more information on City Hearts? This sounds like an interesting program. And is it available in other cities?

Jane Seymour: It should be on my website, which is: friendsofjane.com. It should be in the Los Angeles directory under City Hearts....

Host: Thanks for chatting with us tonight, Jane.

Jane Seymour: Thanks, everybody, for showing up. And I really hope you enjoy this movie. It's different, but those who have seen it have really liked it.

Host: “Murder in the Mirror” will be on CBS next Wednesday night. And look forward to “Dr. Quinn” in a new movie, once they have a script, soon. Good night.