LiveWorld Transcripts

Showtime presents

Chris Potter
Dr. David of "Queer as Folk"

March 18, 2001

Chris Potter, who portrays Dr. David on Showtime’s hit series, “Queer as Folk,” chats about his role on the controversial drama, the storylines he’s been involved in and his previous work.

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Showtime: Thanks for signing on for our chat with Chris Potter. Chris plays "Dr. David," Michael's boyfriend and resident chiropractor on QAF. Once upon a time, Chris worked on Wall Street until he was discovered on the stage and became an actor. Chris found success starring in several television series, including "Kung Fu The Legend Continues" and "Silk Stalkings." He has also guest starred on "Will and Grace." Recently Chris shot two independent features, "Rockets Red Glare" and "Arachnid," both of which will be released sometime in the next year. In addition to acting, Chris makes time to pursue his other passions- ice hockey and music as a singer/songwriter. Let's get started! Welcome, Chris!

Chris Potter: Hello everyone!

Frankster: Hi Chris! I really enjoy watching QAF. Your portrayal of David is great! How does playing the role of David challenge you as an actor?

Chris Potter: Well, the first couple of episodes were very challenging. But it became less challenging as the season went on. The most important element in the job is the growth in he character. That's what I always search for, in each and every job that I have chosen to do.

RichInAZ: Chris, love your voice and also how David gets "silly" at times. Have you ever played a gay character before?

Chris Potter: Actually, yes; in my first sitcom, for three years in Canada, my character was supposed to be gay, but the network at that time in 1988, 1990, around that time, didn't want a gay character on television. I think this was around the time Billy Crystal was on "Soap." So he became an asexual character who I just played with him as gay (laughing) with that in mind, even though he wasn't written gay, we all knew he was supposed to be. But certainly I haven't played something as openly gay as this particular character.

Marlene1974: Hello, I just wanted to say that I think that this show is a very good one and I am definitely ADDICTED! I was wondering if everyone hangs out after the show and has become good friends?

Chris Potter: I think more the latter than the former. Everyone seems to be good friends, it is always difficult to hang out with fellow actors and fellow crew when you are spending 14 hours a day to begin with. It's not that you don't want to, it's just that we all have lives outside of our work, and often it is difficult to spend any more time with people than you do at work. But definitely, there are some great friendships I see developing on the set.

Cpalsteph: What's with all the Band-Aids? In one episode, Dr. Dave had a Band-Aid on his thumb, and then in another, he had a Band-Aid on his upper arm when he was giving Michael a rubdown. Just wondering!

Chris Potter: I have no idea -- it's probably just the dangerous life I personally lead; it has nothing to do with the character. I remember early in the season cutting my hand open with hedge trimmers, and then back in San Diego, I was home trimming palm trees and cut my upper arm. The leaves are like razors! So that's probably what you were seeing. It had nothing to do with the character -- it had to do with my own hazardous life outside of being Dr.David.

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