Chat with "Oz's" CO Howell

HBO presents

August 24, 2000

Actress Kristin Rohde answers questions about her role on HBO's hit television series, "Oz."

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HBO: Welcome to Oz Chat! Tonight's guest is Kristin Rohde who plays Officer Clare Howell. This is Kristin's second season. Kristin will answer questions about her career and her unique experience portraying the brutal and abrasive Howell. Welcome, Kristin Rohde!

Kristin Rohde: Hi. I'm glad to be here!

Alisa: Why do you think Officer Howell is so needy in her relationships with men, even though she is otherwise one of the toughest characters in "Oz?"

Kristin Rohde: Basically, I think it is from insecurity of love. She is mistaking affection for love, so to speak.

Bubba: Will we see a new character change for Officer Howell in Part 2 of season 4?

Kristin Rohde: Only time will tell what only Claire Howell will be up to in the middle of next season.

Kimz: Kristin - Were the scenes between you and Ryan especially difficult for you to act out in front of the cameras and fellow actors?

Kristin Rohde: Yes. Extremely, extremely, extremely difficult! Due to the fact that I was half naked and doing something that Kristen Rohde wouldn't do in front of a large amount of people. It was a very uncomfortable situation.

Ozguy6: Are you surprised at the popularity of your character, considering how unlikable she can be?

Kristin Rohde: Yes, as well as how many women identify with her as "woman power." It tends to even, kind of frighten me, in some ways.

Mondocane: How can Fontana make Howell a killer, doesn't ring true, is there a history of mayhem we do not know?

Kristin Rohde: No, there's no history. She is just moving forward and falling farther and farther over the edge.

Owl: The scenes between you and Dean are great fun for us to watch, were they fun to shoot?

Kristin Rohde: No. Nerve wracking and extremely self-conscious, even though Dean is a wonderful guy.

Mocchie: Do you enjoy any of the cast company as friends? (I'm a big fan)

Kristin Rohde: Yes, many of them. Lee Tergesen and I have been friends for 18 years. I find most of the cast very funny, very amicable, very easy to get along with. Lauren, Rita and myself have bonded as the three women. They are just a wonderful group of people.

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