Sho_Moderator: Michelle Clunie plays "Melanie" on Queer As Folk. Michelle studied under a scholarship at the Academy of Professional Ballet and went on to dance with the company in works choreographed by Dennis Spaight. After moving to Los Angeles, she co-produced the original play "A Comedy of Eros" and received a DramaLogue Award for best actress. Her television credits include "The Jeff Foxworthy Show," "ER," "Life with Roger" and "The Chris Elliot Show." Clunie made her feature film debut in the "The Usual Suspects" and later went on to work opposite David Spade and Sophie Marceau in "Lost and Found." Clunie also has numerous stage credits and played opposite Laura Dern in the SHOWTIME Original movie DAMAGED CARE. She has toured with the critically acclaimed "The Vagina Monologues" and is the Spokesperson for 'Destination Foundation,' a non-profit organization that grants dream trips to people in the San Francisco Bay Area community who are living with life-threatening illnesses. Let's get started!

Michelle: Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed the show tonight and thanks for joining the chat.

elizad: Is you personality and style anything like your character Melanie?

Michelle: I would say I am different from Melanie in many ways. I'm much more of a girly girl but the similiarities--there are a few. I relate to her honesty and her strength.

gina3: Are there any actors that have inspired you?

Michelle: I've been very inspired by Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon, Cate Blanchett, Vanessa Redgrave There are a lot of actresses who have inspired me, tons, and who I appreciate watching.

stateyourcase: How were you approached for the show?

Michelle: My agent sent me a script, and I read it, and I went to a series of auditions, and that's how I was approached.

hallex: Hey Michelle, I love your sassy new look. Was that your idea or the show? Also, are you a runner?

Michelle: Thank you very much. It actually wasn't my idea. We have a new hairdresser this season, her name is Clara. She came in and wanted to do something a bit different with my hairk and ergo, the new look. Thank you for noticing. And P.S. no I'm not a runner. I can barely manage to make it to the gym to work out. But I do have a great respect for runners; it looks exhausting. I don't know how they do it.

qaf2923: How do you feel about the fans' reactions to you, especially at the DVD signings?

Michelle: I think it's great. It's always interesting to see how many fans we have and to connect with people. It's wonderful to get out there and have an opportunity to talk and shake hands and chit chat and sign. I love connecting with the fans, and I appreciate their support very much.

weluvqaf: What's your favorite part about playing Melanie?

Michelle: I just think it's a very complex character, and that's probably what captivates me most about playing her. I think she's very human and very strong, yet still extremely sensitive, and I find that quite fascinating to play.

mari: Hi we are big big big fans of the show and of your character... We wanted to know ... do you think lesbians are a bigger taboo on television than gay males? If this show was based on lesbians and the friendship they have, do you think it would be as big a hit?

Michelle: Honestly, I'm not quite sure if they are or not, but I think that there are quite a few lesbian characters, at least as many as gay male characters. But as far as a taboo, I'm not sure. I think if a show is done well and it's about people relating to each other, and it's character-driven, then nothing is really taboo, then it will always hold people's interest. And that's what I truly think.

jackie: What is the most difficult aspect of working on QAF?

Michelle: I would have to say there is not a lot that is necessarily difficult about my job. But I would say if there is anything I find hard, that is moving back and forth every year. I find that to be a bit unsettling. But as far as the job, it's a great job, and the people I work with are great, and the producers are great. It's a lot of hard work, and yet there's a wonderful reward.

cookie: Where do you live when you're not filming in Toronto? Where would be your ideal city to live in?

Michelle: The last couple summers I've lived in Los Angeles, but I think ideally I would like to have maybe three or four houses in different cities, and just sort of hop around. I think that would an ideal way to live. To have three little cozy homes and go between them.

afb: Do you have a personal opinion about gay families? Has it changed due to work on the show?

Michelle: My personal opinion on gay families is and has always been that they're no different than straight, heterosexual families. That was my opinion before "QAF" and it's still my opinion.

mpf555: How do you deal with the criticisms that Queer As Folk portrays stereotypes?

Michelle: That criticism to me doesn't really hold a lot of weight. I know just from my life alone specific people that remind me of every single character on the show. So based on that, I don't see any of the characters as stereotypes. And at the end of the day, everybody has an opinion.

paulab74: Michelle you play a jewish girl on the show...do you practice Judaism in real life?

Michelle: I've looked into Judaism. I've read a few basic, simplistic books that barely touch on the Kabbalah, but I have yet to completely commit to any sort of studies in Judaism, although I do find it one of the few religions worth studying.

mari: How do you prepare for a love scene?

Michelle: I take off all my clothes. But seriously, I try to figure out what is the emotion and what's specifically going on in the love scene. And then once I've done my homework and we're about to shoot the scene, I try to connect to that which I've figured out what the scene is about. And then I try to truly forget there are people standing around staring at me.

absolutheather: I read you moved to LA early in your career. I'm moving there soon from NYC (leaving my boyfriend behind ) Any advice for someone moving all alone to LA??

Michelle: Well, good luck. Pick your friend wisely. Surround yourself only with people that are very supportive of you and think you are amazing. Because it's hard enough trying to do this business. Also, I would find either a community or a school where you can practice your art, your work, your craft. And I would try to stay out of the party scene, it's just a waste of time. Also, the most important two rules are stay away from drugs and bad relationships. If you just keep your head straight and have a modicum of talent, you'll be fine.

bigassdyke : What has been your favorite storyline on the show? What do you think was the most pivotal storyline?

Michelle: I would say my favorite storyline is when Melanie cheated on Lindsay. I would say after that happened, their relationship changed, and that was the most pivotal point for my character.

crystal: I think you're a very gifted actress. Have you ever encounted people on the street who have been angered or upset by your portrayal on queer as folk?

Michelle: Well, thank you so much for the compliment. I have never met anyone who's been angered by my performance of Melanie, but I have met people that have commented on the fact that they know somebody or have somebody in their life who's exactly like her. So I take that as a good sign.

gayblackman: Michelle, I am sure you have been asked before, but have you received any backlash for playing a lesbian?

Michelle: I haven't received any backlash or negativity.

mic: How do you feel about most people thinking QAF is mostly for homosexual men, and is showtime doing anything to make the show more appealing to woman?

Michelle: Well, over 50 percent of our audience are straight females, so based on that, the show isn't primarily for homosexual men, but if you're talking about lesbians specifically, I do know that Showtime has developed.. a new lesbian TV show starring Jennifer Beals.

dq17boi: HI Michelle, I love your character on the show. Thank you for being a role model to many. My question is what do you want the viewers to get from watching QAF? and what is your purpose for doing the show?

Michelle: Thank you, that's very kind. I would like the audience to see a group of people that, regardless of their sexuality, are just like anyone else. With all their beauties and flaws. And my reason for doing the show, more than anything, would be that I had never seen a character like Melanie in any other TV script I had read. And there's something wonderful about being part of something that is new and revolutionary, and I wanted to be part of that. I'm interested in doing things that might scare other people to do, and I enjoy taking risks and taking a chance.

sarita2282: In what ways do you think this show is unique, besides the obvious in that it is one of the only serious dramas on television based on entirely homosexual relationships?

Michelle: Well, I agree with your statement of the obvious, and the other way in which the show is unique is that it combines dramatic storyline with comedy with highly sexual, explicit experiences, and in that way, I've never seen a show combine all of those things into one piece. So for that, I would say that regardless of the homosexuality of the characters, it's unique in its approach to sex and human behavior.

elena: Who is your favorite designer, I've noticed you have great taste in clothes?

Michelle: Thank you so very much. I would say right now my designers would be Tom Ford at Yves Saint Laurent, I also love Narciso Rodriguez. I love Prada. And many many more. I love art in any form, whether it's clothes, shoes, paintings, food.

calvin: Michelle what is your opinion on Brian and Justing getting back together? Do you think they ever will?

Michelle: My opinion on Brian and Justin is that they're probably made for each other. I would say that they are each other's true love. Will they ever realize it? I don't know. It takes three seconds to fall in love, and the rest is denial.

blaquegrl38: Michelle, what do you think of adding a black character to the show. As an ardent Black Southern Baptist female fan, I think it would add spice to the show? What are your thoughts?

Michelle: That's up to the producers and the writers.

jusjod: I understand you're a singer, do you still perform and will you ever sing on the show?

Michelle: I wouldn't classify myself as a singer professionally, but I do love and adore the blues. And I would love to sing in a film someday.

nyange14: I saw you last year at the NY pride parade, and I was wondering if you were going to be there again this year?

Michelle: I haven't been notified of any future appearances at the next NY gay pride parade, but if it happens, I will definitely post it on my website, so thank you for asking.

tallbadone: Your web site is wonderful, And your cherity work incredible, how do you find all the time?

Michelle: Thank you for the compliment. I have my friend, Sam Kahn, to thank for my website. I don't know where I find the time, I guess you just have to keep moving. Keep on keeping on. The web address is michelleclunie.com

shadyyy: First off, I would like to say, you are a terrific actress. I love the acting and the look of Melanie this season. I would like to ask if you feel that Melanie will change emotionally during and after she has a child?

Michelle: Thank you so much for your compliments. I don't know exactly how Melanie will change due to this new storyline, but there will have to be some sort of change as that is such a big event in one's life to go through. I think it's extremely interesting to take a character like Melanie and have her go through a pregnancy. I don't think that it necessarily comes naturally for her, so there may be some struggle that she goes through. But it will be interesting nonetheless.

burefan: Michelle, do you ever have time to watch TV, and what's your favorite TV show?

Michelle: I watch TV. I would say that one of my favorite TV shows would be the David Letterman show.

kerrid: I'm guessing you have great taste in music! Who are some of your current fav's? What's in your cd player right now?

Michelle: Right now in my CD player is Ruben Blades. I love salsa music, but I have a feeling that I'm about to enter a classical music phase. I played the violin for nine years, and I love classical music, and I'm coming back around to that right now.

snlstudio: First of all, you are an amazing actress, my favortie on the show. Do you find yourself as an advocate for the gay community since you play a gay character?

Michelle: Thank you very much. I don't find myself to be an advocate for the gay community, but I do find that obviously more occasions arise that I'm in a position to help support a particular cause related to the community. And in those situations, I try to give back where I can. And I love to do that.

richard: I think you are great!! I read that you are straight, but what is your sense of acceptance of gays in America today and what is your impression? PS- You're new haircut is now.

Michelle: Thank you, it's nice to know that my hair is now. I guess my impression would be that the world is in an interesting place right now, and of course America is in a very interesting place as well, and I think it's all related, and that once everyone gets through the next few years of turbulence, it will be much more open and accepting in many ways and on many levels. That's what I hope for.

SHO_Moderator: Thank you for chatting with Michelle. We hope you've enjoyed the chat and tonight's episode of Queer As Folk. Tune in to SHOWTIME next Sunday, April 6th at 10pm ET/PT for another all-new episode. If you missed tonight's episode, tune in to SHOWTIME on Tuesday at 11pm ET/PT to catch the encore play. Also be sure to check out our online chat with Randy Harrison on Sunday, April 6th. Keep visiting SHO.com for more insight into Queer As Folk. Copyright (c)2003, Showtime Networks Inc. All rights reserved.