Interview with John Schneider

John Schneider who became successful with the 1980's series "Dukes of Hazzard" and has been portraying Jonathan Kent for five seasons on "Smallville" gave us an interview on his newest projects, his life and, of course, "Smallville". And he told us that he will be seen on another TV show very soon which we also offer information about on myFanbase!

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1. Since you finished your work on "Smallville", you've shot a lot of movies, like "Lake Placid 2", "Beautiful Loser", "Ogre" and "Sydney White". What can you tell us about these movies and the roles you play in them?

These movies have been very diverse indeed! In "Sydney White" I am a dad very much like Jonathan Kent but quite a bit more relaxed. He is in tune with the "issues" and "difficulties" that his daughter is going through as she moves on to college, but a bit more "lovey-dovey" with his daughter than Jonathan is with his son. He does come to the emotional rescue however just when she needs it most. I like playing fathers who know when something is wrong enough to intervene. "Lake Placid 2" finds me as a protective father once again but this time without a lovely wife to bounce things off of. This makes him a bit overbearing but that is a good trait to have when you are protecting your son, and the world, from a 40 foot crocodile! "Ogre" is a period piece where I play a town magistrate who made a deal with the plague (the devil) 100 years ago that promised a living sacrifice every year in exchange for not killing the town all at once. Bearded and mean with a black hat this film was soooo much fun! I can't wait to see it because it's possibly the most different work I've ever done. "Shark Swarm" is a two hour mini series that is very much like "Jaws". Daryl Hannah plays my wife and it is going to be fantastic! Look for it in '08 on television over two nights. Shew! Lots of work! Oh... I forgot to mention that I am going to be a VERY DIFFERENT kind of a guy on "Nip Tuck" starting in episode #5.05!!!

2. Besides being an actor, you're also a musician. Which of these do you like to do more?

I love to sing and play the guitar and cut up on stage in front of people... but I have to say that I like the technical aspect of movies and television most. One pleases the heart and sole more... the other the mind. That's why I try and always make time for both.

3. What kinds of music do you like to listen to?

I listen to Jazz and Classical music much of the time but mostly I listen to old time radio shows and books on tape. Pretty old fashioned, huh?

4. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

I started acting in theater when I was 8 years old. I was one of those kids who went to two movies every Saturday and decided that I was going to "be in them" some day. Many of my friends say that I achieved this goal mainly because I had the strength of my ignorance! I say it has bee determination and stubborn perseverance! Remember that old saying that "Success is when Preparation meets opportunity"? I believe that.

5. Have your roles ever influenced your life somehow?

"Smallville" actually made me a better father in many ways. The fact that I had to travel away from my real family in order to portray Jonathan Kent made me cherish the time I did get to spend with my family those 5 years. I clocked on a lot of air miles but it was worth it. I believe that my kids saw the effort and realized that I made that effort because I love them.

6. You directed, produced, wrote, edited and starred in the movie "Collier & Co.". What are the biggest differences between doing your own movie compared to just direct an episode on "Smallville" (#3.20 Talisman) or "Dukes of Hazzard" (#7.17 Opening Night at the Boar's Nest)?

The single biggest difference is financial. I spent my life savings on that film. If it doesn't work... my loss. If it DOES work... look out! People who own television like the "Dukes" and "Smallville", will make lots of money for the rest of their lives because of their ownership. Lots of money. The actors make a little, but it's not proportionate to their "drawing" power to the audience vs. the "drawing" power of the producer. Collier could make my children's children lots and lots of money. That's what I want!

7. Your character Jonathan Kent died in Smallville's episode #5.12 Reckoning. How long before actually begin to shoot the episode had you found out that this would gonna happen?

I had to keep that secret from the press and even the cast for a good two months. That was hard. Everybody knew that somebody was going to die, but I was the only one who really knew who it was going to be.

8. Did you like to play a "different" version of your "Smallville" character in episode #5.21 Oracle?

The actor in me always likes the opportunity to stretch his "acting wings" from time to time. The hardest place to do that is in a series. One of the great things about "Smallville" is that some odd occurrence can cause everyone to be different one week to the next. A series actors dream!

9. How did you react when you found out that you'd have the chance to come back to the set for one episode?

I enjoyed coming back to the Kent farm. Actually I believe I came back on three occasions. It was like a family reunion.

10. Are you still in contact with your former "Smallville" colleagues?

Oddly enough, the person from "Smallville" that Jonathan Kent has the most contact with... is... Michael Rosenbaum! Good old Lex Luthor!! Funny, eh?

11. Since myFanbase is a website dedicated to TV shows: do you have a favorite one and do you follow "Smallville"?

My family and I love to watch "Hell's Kitchen" and the odd game show. When I am on my own I look at shows that were popular when I was a kid. Shows like "F Troop" and "Hogan's Heroes" and "Columbo". "The Twighlight Zone" and "Andy Griffith" are also favorites. I do keep up with "Smallville" but mostly through contact with the fans of the show.

Elsa Claus - myFanbase